The ASVAB is the standardized test used by the Department of Defense to determine an individual’s qualification for military enlistment and placement into specific jobs. For those looking to join the Army, locating and understanding this score report is a necessary first step in the enlistment process. The methods for finding your scores depend on when and where you took the test, as well as your current status as an applicant, active service member, or veteran. This article guides you through the specific channels for retrieving your official Army ASVAB results.
Understanding the ASVAB Score Report
The official ASVAB score report contains two distinct score types used to evaluate suitability for military service. The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score determines basic eligibility for enlistment into the Army. This score is a percentile, ranging from 1 to 99, which indicates how your performance compares to a national sample of test-takers.
The second type is the set of Line Scores, which are composite scores derived from various combinations of the individual ASVAB subtests. The Army uses these Line Scores—such as General Technical (GT), Mechanical Maintenance (MM), or Skilled Technical (ST)—to determine if you meet the minimum requirements for specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). The official report will show both your AFQT score for overall eligibility and your Line Scores for job qualification.
Immediate Retrieval of Scores from MEPS
The most immediate way to obtain your ASVAB scores is if you recently completed the test at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). After taking the computerized ASVAB, the results are processed immediately to determine your initial enlistment eligibility. The MEPS staff will provide you with a physical copy of your official results before you leave the facility.
This documentation is often included as part of your initial processing paperwork, such as the DD Form 1966, Record of Military Processing. This form details the results of your aptitude testing, medical screening, and other essential data collected during your MEPS visit. If you tested recently, check the packet of personal paperwork provided at the end of your processing day.
The Primary Point of Contact: Your Recruiter
If you are currently enlisting in the Army, your assigned recruiter is the primary and fastest resource for accessing your official ASVAB scores. Recruiters maintain the digital record of your scores within the official military database, even if you have misplaced the physical copy of your report. These records are necessary for determining which job openings you qualify for and for generating your enlistment contract.
Contact your recruiter directly and request a copy of your score report for your personal records. The recruiter can quickly verify your AFQT and Line Scores and provide the documentation needed for the next steps in your application.
Accessing Scores After Enlistment or Separation
Retrieving ASVAB scores is more complex for individuals who are already serving or have separated from the military, such as veterans. Once a person is enlisted, their complete military records, including ASVAB scores, are filed in their Official Military Personnel File (OMPF). Accessing these archived records requires going through formal government channels.
The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), which is part of the National Archives, is the repository for personnel files of separated service members. To request a copy of your OMPF, which contains the ASVAB results, you must submit a Standard Form (SF) 180, titled “Request Pertaining to Military Records.” This form requires specific identifying information and a signature to authorize the release of records.
Veterans filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should know that the VA can often access medical and personnel records directly from the NPRC after a claim is filed. However, for a personal copy of the ASVAB score for other purposes, the SF-180 process to the NPRC remains the established protocol. The request must be mailed or faxed to the NPRC, as there is no immediate online retrieval for the full OMPF.
Retrieving Scores Taken During High School
Some individuals take the ASVAB as part of the Student Testing Program, also known as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, while in high school. These scores are managed by the Department of Defense and are separate from official MEPS records unless the applicant authorized their release to the military during the testing session. The scores are typically returned to the high school counselor within a few weeks.
If you took the test through this program, your first point of contact should be your former high school counselor. The scores are generally maintained for a limited duration, often only two years, to allow students time to consider career options. If the two-year window has passed, the program may no longer be able to retrieve your results, and the scores are no longer valid for enlistment purposes.
What to Do If Your Scores Cannot Be Located
If previous search methods have failed, such as when records are too old or the high school testing validity period has expired, the simplest solution is to retake the ASVAB. The scores have a standard two-year validity period for enlistment purposes. If significant time has passed since your last test, the Army will require updated results.
Coordinating with an Army recruiter to schedule a new ASVAB test is a straightforward process. Retaking the test ensures the military has a current assessment of your aptitude for job placement and eligibility. This step eliminates the complexity of tracking down old documents and provides a fresh score.