1What Is a GT Score?
The GT score (General Technical score) is a score made by adding some of your ASVAB scores together. Your AFQT score decides if you can join. Your GT score is different. It helps decide which jobs you can get. These jobs are called MOS (Military Occupational Specialties).
The GT score shows how well you use words and solve math word problems. The Army and Marine Corps use it to pick people for some jobs. These jobs need you to talk and write well, solve problems, and learn tech facts fast.
Key Point
Your GT score is one of many "line scores" that come from your ASVAB subtests. Other line scores are CL (Clerical), CO (Combat), EL (Electronics), FA (Field Artillery), GM (General Maintenance), MM (Mechanical Maintenance), OF (Operators and Food), SC (Surveillance and Communications), and ST (Skilled Technical).
GT Score vs. AFQT Score
AFQT Score
- • Decides if you can join the military
- • Shown as a percentile (1-99)
- • Uses the AR, MK, WK, and PC subtests
- • Lowest score is different by branch (31-36)
GT Score
- • Decides which jobs you can get
- • Shown as a standard score (100 is average)
- • Uses the AR, WK, and PC subtests
- • Average is 100; most scores fall from 80 to 145+
2How the GT Score Is Calculated
The GT score adds up how you did on some ASVAB subtests. The formula takes your Verbal Expression (VE) score and adds your Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) score.
GT Score Formula
Where:
- VEVerbal Expression — A score made by adding Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC). The formula is: VE = WK + PC (scaled score).
- ARArithmetic Reasoning — Your raw score from the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest. It tests if you can solve math word problems.
The Three Subtests That Affect Your GT Score
Word Knowledge (WK)
Tests if you know what words mean. You pick words that mean the same thing. You also find what words mean in a sentence. You will see questions like "Small most nearly means..." with multiple choice answers.
CAT-ASVAB: 15 questions in 8 minutes | Paper: 35 questions in 11 minutes
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Tests if you can read and understand short texts. Questions ask about the main idea, the details, what the text hints at, and what words mean in the text.
CAT-ASVAB: 10 questions in 22 minutes | Paper: 15 questions in 13 minutes
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Tests if you can solve word problems with basic math: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, percents, ratios, and simple algebra.
CAT-ASVAB: 15 questions in 55 minutes | Paper: 30 questions in 36 minutes
Important Note
The GT score uses standard scores, not raw scores. Your score is compared to a big group of other test takers. The scale is set so 100 is the average. Each step away from the average (called a standard deviation) is 20 points. So about 68% of people score between 80 and 120.
3GT Score Ranges and What They Mean
Most GT scores fall from about 80 to 145+. The average is 100. Here is what each score range most often means for your military job choices.
Below Average
Few job choices; may be too low for many tech jobs
With a GT score in this range, you can get starter jobs. But you will have few choices in tech and special jobs. Think about testing again after you study hard.
Average
You can get many regular military jobs
You will have a fair number of MOS choices. But some tech and intel jobs will still be out of reach. Many combat and support jobs are open to you.
Above Average
Opens up many more jobs
A strong score. You can get most military jobs. You will have good choices in many fields, including some tech jobs.
High
You can get almost any job, even top programs
Many special jobs need at least this score. These include intel, cyber, and some special operations support jobs. You also most often need a GT score of 110 for Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Goal Score for Tech JobsOutstanding
Top scores; every job is open to you
Scores in this range are far above average. Your GT score will be high enough for any MOS. You may also get extra chances or rewards. The highest scores most often reach about 145-147.
4Military Jobs That Need a High GT Score
Many of the military jobs people want most need a GT score of 100 or more. The hardest jobs to get need 110 or more. Here are some jobs, sorted by the GT score they need.
Army Jobs That Need a GT Score of 110+
Cyber Operations Specialist (17C)
Attack and defend computer networks
GT: 110Signals Intelligence Analyst (35N)
Study enemy messages that were picked up
GT: 110Human Intelligence Collector (35M)
Get facts by talking with people
GT: 110Prime Power Production Specialist (12P)
Run and fix power generators
GT: 110Criminal Investigations Special Agent (31D)
Look into serious crimes
GT: 110Psychological Operations Specialist (37F)
Make and share messages that change how people think
GT: 110Jobs That Need a GT Score of 100-109
Paralegal Specialist (27D)
Help with legal work
GT: 105Public Affairs Specialist (46S)
Work with the news and share Army stories
GT: 107Health Care Specialist (68W)
Give emergency medical care
GT: 107Intelligence Analyst (35F)
Study intel facts to find what they mean
GT: 101Scores Can Change
The scores military jobs need can change. It depends on what the military needs. Always check the scores with a real recruiter or the Army's official website. The scores above are examples. They may not be the newest ones.
Other Programs That Need High GT Scores
- Officer Candidate School (OCS): Most often needs a GT score of 110 or more
- Warrant Officer Programs: Many need GT scores of 110+
- Special Forces Assessment: GT is not the only thing that counts, but most people who try out have high scores
- Language Training Programs: The Defense Language Institute often needs high GT scores
5How to Raise Your GT Score
Your GT score comes from just three subtests: WK, PC, and AR. So studying the right things can help a lot. Here is how to get better at each one.
Getting Better at Word Knowledge
It takes time to learn more words. But smart studying can help you learn much faster.
- Learn 10-15 new words each day. Go over them again with more and more time in between.
- Study common word starts (un-, pre-, dis-), word ends (-tion, -ness, -able), and root words
- Read hard texts each day: news stories, opinion pieces, and true stories
- Use flashcard apps like Anki or Quizlet to learn new words step by step
Getting Better at Paragraph Comprehension
Reading gets better with practice and a plan. Work on reading fast and getting it right.
- Read the questions before the text so you know what to look for
- Practice telling the main idea apart from the small details
- Learn to tell what the text says out loud from what it only hints at
- Practice reading with a timer to get faster while still getting it right
Getting Better at Arithmetic Reasoning
AR tests word problems. The math itself is basic. The hard part is turning the words into math.
- Get good at percents, ratios, proportions, and basic algebra
- Practice distance, speed, and time problems and work problems until they feel easy
- Learn to find the key facts in word problems and skip the ones that do not matter
- Practice without a calculator — you can't use one on the ASVAB
How Long It Takes to Raise Your GT Score
Most people can raise their GT score by 5-15 points if they study the right things. Here is what you can expect:
- 2-4 weeks:A small gain (3-7 points) if you study each day
- 1-2 months:A big gain (8-15 points) is possible if you practice hard each day
- 3+ months:The biggest gain, most of all for new words, which take time to learn
6Common Questions About GT Scores
What is a good GT score?
A GT score of 100 is average. Scores of 110 or more are good. They open up most military jobs. If you want a tech or intel job, aim for a GT score of 110 or more. For the most choices, aim for 120+.
What is the maximum GT score?
There is no official top GT score. But the highest scores most often land from 145 to 147. Scores above 130 are outstanding and do not happen often.
Can I retake the ASVAB to improve my GT score?
Yes, you can take the ASVAB again. After your first test, you must wait one month to retest. After a second retest, you must wait six months for each retest after that. Your newest score is the one that counts. So make sure you are ready before you test again.
Is the GT score the same for all military branches?
The math is about the same in each branch. But the Army and Marine Corps are the main ones that use the name "GT score." The Navy and Air Force mix the subtests in other ways to pick jobs. They still use the same ASVAB subtests.
How long do ASVAB scores last?
ASVAB scores last two years from the day you took the test. If you do not join in that time, you will need to take the ASVAB again.
Does my GT score affect my rank or pay?
Your GT score does not change your starting rank or pay. But it changes which jobs you can get. Some jobs may come with a bonus for joining or faster chances to move up. Jobs that need more skill often lead to better jobs later on.