Quick Answer: What Is the GT Score on the ASVAB?
The GT (General Technical) score is a composite score calculated from three ASVAB subtests: Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR). The formula is: GT = VE + AR, where VE (Verbal Expression) combines your WK and PC scores.
Average GT score: 100 | Good score: 110+ | Excellent score: 120+
1What Is the GT Score on the ASVAB?
When you take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), your raw subtest scores are combined in different ways to create "line scores." The GT score—short for General Technical score—is one of the most important of these composite scores.
Unlike your AFQT score (which determines if you can enlist at all), your GT score determines which specific military jobs you qualify for. Many of the most desirable positions—intelligence, cyber operations, medical, and technical roles—require a minimum GT score.
GT Score at a Glance
What It Measures
- Verbal reasoning and vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
- Math word problem solving
- General learning ability
Key Facts
- Average score is 100
- Typical range: 80-145
- Used primarily by Army & Marines
- 110+ required for many technical jobs
GT Score vs. AFQT Score
Don't confuse these two scores. Your AFQT score (percentile from 1-99) determines whether you can enlist in the military. Your GT score (standard score around 100) determines which jobs you qualify for after you're in.
2How the GT Score Is Calculated
The GT score calculation is straightforward once you understand the components. It combines your verbal abilities with your arithmetic reasoning skills.
The GT Score Formula
Verbal Expression
A composite of Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC) scores. This measures your overall verbal and reading abilities.
Arithmetic Reasoning
Your score from the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest, which tests your ability to solve math word problems without a calculator.
The military uses standardized scores for GT calculations. The scoring is designed so that 100 represents the average, with a standard deviation of about 20 points. This means:
3The Three Subtests That Determine Your GT Score
Your GT score depends entirely on three ASVAB subtests. Understanding what each tests will help you prepare more effectively.
Word Knowledge (WK)
VerbalTests your vocabulary through two question types: identifying synonyms for standalone words and determining word meanings from context in sentences.
Example Question:
"Abundant most nearly means:"
A) Scarce B) Plentiful C) Ordinary D) Expensive
Answer: B) Plentiful
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
VerbalTests your ability to read and understand written passages. Questions cover main ideas, specific details, inferences, and vocabulary in context.
Question Types:
- • What is the main idea of this passage?
- • According to the passage, what is true about...?
- • The author would most likely agree that...
- • In this passage, the word "X" means...
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
MathTests your ability to solve word problems using basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and simple algebra. No calculator is allowed.
Example Question:
"A store marks up its products by 40%. If a shirt costs the store $25, what is the selling price?"
A) $30 B) $35 C) $40 D) $65
Answer: B) $35 (25 × 1.40 = 35)
Key Insight
Two-thirds of your GT score comes from verbal skills (WK + PC), and one-third from math (AR). If you're short on study time, focusing on vocabulary and reading comprehension gives you the most impact per hour studied.
4GT Score Ranges: What's Good, Average, and Excellent
Understanding where your GT score falls helps you know which jobs you qualify for and whether you should consider retesting.
Below 90
Below AverageLimited job options. You'll qualify for basic positions but miss out on most technical, medical, and intelligence roles. Strong candidate for retesting after preparation.
90-99
AverageYou have access to many standard military jobs. Combat roles, support positions, and some technical jobs are available. Higher GT jobs will require improvement.
100-109
Above AverageSolid score that opens most job opportunities. You'll qualify for many technical positions, medical roles, and some intelligence jobs. A good foundation.
110-119
Good - Target RangeThis is the threshold for high-demand jobs: cyber operations, intelligence analyst, human intelligence collector, and Officer Candidate School (OCS).
120+
ExcellentTop-tier score that qualifies you for any GT-dependent position. You may receive additional opportunities, bonuses, or preferred job selection. Scores above 130 are exceptional.
5Military Jobs by GT Score Requirement
Here are examples of Army jobs organized by their GT score requirements. These requirements can change, so always verify with a recruiter for current standards.
High GT Score Jobs
Elite positions requiring strong aptitude
Above Average GT Jobs
Technical and specialized positions
Average GT Jobs
Wide range of career options
Important Disclaimer
Military job requirements change based on service needs. The GT scores listed are approximate and may not reflect current requirements. Always verify with an official recruiter or military website before making decisions based on these numbers.
6How to Improve Your GT Score
Since your GT score comes from just three subtests, targeted preparation can make a real difference. Here's how to approach each area.
Word Knowledge
- Learn 10-15 new words daily
- Study roots, prefixes, suffixes
- Read challenging material daily
- Use flashcard apps (Anki, Quizlet)
Paragraph Comprehension
- Read questions before passage
- Identify main ideas vs. details
- Practice timed reading
- Learn inference vs. stated facts
Arithmetic Reasoning
- Master percentages and ratios
- Practice rate/time problems
- Work without a calculator
- Extract key info from word problems
Realistic Improvement Expectations
7Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GT score on the ASVAB?
A GT score of 110 or above is considered good and qualifies you for most high-demand military jobs including intelligence, cyber operations, and Officer Candidate School. The average is 100, so anything above that is better than most test-takers.
What is the highest possible GT score?
While there's no official maximum, GT scores in practice max out around 145-147. Scores above 130 are exceptional and achieved by only about 2% of test-takers.
Can I retake the ASVAB to improve my GT score?
Yes. You can retake the ASVAB 30 days after your first attempt, 30 days after your second, and then 6 months between subsequent attempts. Your most recent score is used, not your highest, so prepare thoroughly before retesting.
Is the GT score used by all military branches?
The GT score is primarily used by the Army and Marine Corps. The Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force use different line score combinations, though they're calculated from the same ASVAB subtests.
How long are ASVAB GT scores valid?
ASVAB scores, including your GT score, are valid for two years from the test date. If you don't enlist within that time, you'll need to retake the ASVAB.
Does a higher GT score mean higher pay?
Not directly. Your GT score doesn't affect base pay. However, it determines which jobs you qualify for, and some jobs come with enlistment bonuses, special duty pay, or better promotion opportunities that can increase your total compensation.
Ready to Maximize Your GT Score?
Your GT score opens doors to the military career you want. Start practicing the three subtests that matter—Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Arithmetic Reasoning.
Free Practice Tests