U.S. Navy

Navy ASVAB

Here is what you need to know about the ASVAB to join the Navy. Learn the lowest scores the Navy takes (the minimum score requirements) to enlist. See the scores each Navy job needs. Then take our free Navy ASVAB practice quiz to get ready.

15 min readUpdated January 2025Free 10-question quiz
CR

Written by Christopher Reyes

Navy Veteran & Military Education Writer | 14 Years in the Navy, Former Chief Petty Officer

AR · AFQT practice

Free Navy ASVAB practice quiz

10 questions • free

Try 10 free Arithmetic Reasoning questions. You get one from each AR topic. You will see age, coin, percent, travel and work problems, and more.

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Sample ASVAB practice questions

Real questions from our free AFQT quizzes. Each one shows the right answer and why.

Sample question 1

Find the perimeter of the figure shown.

Sample question 2

Read the passage below:

Blockchain technology extends far beyond cryptocurrency applications. This distributed ledger system creates tamper-proof records across multiple computers, eliminating the need for trusted intermediaries. Supply chain management uses blockchain to track products from manufacture to delivery, ensuring authenticity and preventing counterfeits. Healthcare providers explore blockchain for secure patient record sharing, while governments investigate its potential for transparent voting systems and land registries.

What is the fundamental advantage of blockchain technology described in the passage?

Sample question 3

A boat travels 24 miles downstream in 2 hours. The return trip upstream takes 3 hours. What is the speed of the boat in still water?

See all four free AFQT quizzes

1Navy ASVAB Score Requirements (Scores You Need)

The Navy uses your ASVAB scores in two big ways. First, they decide if you can join. Second, they decide which ratings (Navy jobs) you can get. Know the lowest scores so you can set a real goal. Then aim for the job you want.

Lowest AFQT Scores for the Navy

School LevelLowest AFQTNotes
High School Diploma31Normal rule
GED50Higher score if you don't have a diploma
Home School (State-Approved)31Counts the same as a high school diploma

Scores That Stand Out

31 is the lowest score. But most Navy recruits score 50+. Higher scores (65+) open up tech jobs. Those jobs often mean faster promotions and sign-up bonuses.

Good to Know

Reaching the lowest AFQT score doesn't promise you the job you want. Each Navy job also needs certain line scores.

3What Navy Line Scores Are

Navy line scores come from adding up certain ASVAB subtest scores. Learn these formulas. Then you can study the parts that matter most for the job you want.

ASVAB Subtest Short Names

ARArithmetic Reasoning
MKMathematics Knowledge
EIElectronics Information
GSGeneral Science
VEVerbal Expression, your word score (WK+PC)
MCMechanical Comprehension
ASAuto & Shop Information
AOAssembling Objects

Most Important Subtests for the Navy

For most Navy tech jobs, focus on AR (Arithmetic Reasoning), MK (Mathematics Knowledge), EI (Electronics Information), and GS (General Science). Most Navy jobs use these four subtests.

4Popular Navy Ratings & Their Score Requirements

These jobs often come with sign-up bonuses and great training. They also lead to good jobs after the Navy. Many people want them, so they need higher ASVAB scores.

Nuclear Field (NF) - Top Level

The Navy's Nuclear Field program trains people to run and fix nuclear reactors. These reactors power submarines and aircraft carriers. It is one of the most respected and hardest programs in any military branch.

What You Need:

  • • AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 252 with MK ≥ 57
  • • OR VE+AR+MK+MC ≥ 252 with AR+MK ≥ 111
  • • Must pass the Nuclear Field interview
  • • Bonuses often $30,000-$40,000+

Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN)

CTNs work in cyber jobs. They break into enemy computer networks and guard our own. This is one of the Navy's fastest-growing jobs, and the Navy needs many people for it.

What You Need:

  • • AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222 or AR+2MK+GS ≥ 222
  • • You must get a Top Secret/SCI clearance (a deep background check)
  • • Great jobs in cybersecurity after the Navy

Electronics Technician (ET)

ETs take care of and fix electronic gear like radar, radios, and navigation systems. It is a great path to electronics jobs after the Navy.

What You Need:

  • • AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222
  • • A-School (job training): 14-26 weeks
  • • You can earn advanced certificates

Hospital Corpsman (HM)

HMs give medical care to sailors and Marines. They can work in clinics, hospitals, and ships, or with Marine units. It is one of the most popular Navy jobs.

What You Need:

  • • VE+MK+GS ≥ 156
  • • Many special paths (surgery tech, lab tech, X-ray, and more)
  • • You can earn medical certificates you can use after the Navy

5Navy ASVAB Study Tips

To get ready for the ASVAB, you need a plan. Here are study tips that work. They are for Navy recruits who want popular jobs.

1. Know the Scores You Need

Before you study, look up the line scores the job you want needs. For example, an ET (Electronics Technician) needs AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222. Spend your study time on the subtests that matter most for your goal.

2. Get Good at Math Without a Calculator

You can't use a calculator on the ASVAB. Practice math in your head and with pencil and paper every day. Focus on:

  • Percents and ratios
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Basic algebra
  • Area and volume formulas

3. Learn New Words Every Day

Learn 10-15 new words a day with flash cards or an app like Anki. Learn roots, prefixes, and suffixes. They help you figure out words you don't know. Read tech stories and military magazines to see new words in use.

4. Learn Electronics Basics

For tech jobs, the Electronics Information subtest is very important. Learn about circuits, Ohm's Law, resistors, capacitors, and basic electric safety. You can find lots of free help online, like videos that show how things work.

5. Take Timed Practice Tests

Take full-length practice tests with a timer, just like the real test. This builds stamina and shows your weak spots. Look at every wrong answer to learn from your mistakes.

Practice More Navy ASVAB Questions

Our practice tests cover all nine ASVAB subtests. Every question comes with a full explanation. Raise your scores in Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics, and more. Start free with a 10-question AFQT quiz.

See All Practice Tests

6How the ASVAB Test Works & How Long It Takes

Most Navy recruits take the CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test) at MEPS. Here is what to expect:

How the CAT-ASVAB Is Set Up (145 Questions in All)

SubtestQuestionsTimeCounts Toward
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)1639 minAFQT + Most line scores
Word Knowledge (WK)168 minAFQT + VE
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)1122 minAFQT + VE
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)1620 minAFQT + Most line scores
General Science (GS)168 minTech jobs
Electronics Information (EI)168 minTech jobs
Auto Information (AI)117 minAS line score
Shop Information (SI)116 minAS line score
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)1620 minSome tech jobs
Assembling Objects (AO)1616 minNot used much
Total145~2.5 hours

Good to Know: The Test Changes as You Go

The CAT-ASVAB changes how hard the questions are based on your answers. Get the first questions right, and you get harder questions worth more points. You can't skip questions. You can't go back once you answer. Take your time on the first few questions of each part.

7Taking It Again & How Long Scores Last

Rules for Taking the ASVAB Again

1

First Retest

Wait 30 days after your first test

2

Second Retest

Wait 30 days after your first retest

3+

More Retests

Wait 6 months between each retest after that

How Long Scores Last

ASVAB scores last for 2 years from the test date. If you don't join in that time, you will need to test again.

Be Careful

The Navy uses your newest ASVAB scores, even if they are lower than before. Don't retest unless you are sure you will do better.

8Common Questions

What ASVAB score do I need for the Navy?

The lowest AFQT score is 31 if you have a high school diploma. It is 50 if you have a GED. But each Navy job has its own line scores, and they are often higher. For popular jobs like Nuclear Field or Cryptologic Technician, you need line scores of 222-252+.

Is the Navy ASVAB different from other branches?

The ASVAB is the same test for every branch. But each branch uses the scores in its own way. The Navy adds up its own line scores to pick jobs. The questions and the test are the same no matter which branch you join.

Can I choose my Navy rating before taking the ASVAB?

No. You must take the ASVAB first. Your line scores show which Navy jobs you can get. Then your recruiter will show you jobs that fit your scores. The jobs also depend on what the Navy needs right now. Higher scores give you more choices.

What is the hardest Navy rating to qualify for?

Nuclear Field (NF) needs the highest ASVAB scores. You need AR+MK+EI+GS of 252 or higher. You must also pass an interview and meet other rules. The program pays big bonuses. But you must be very strong in school subjects.

How long should I study for the Navy ASVAB?

Most people do best with 4-8 weeks of study, 30-60 minutes a day. Do you want a job that needs high scores, like Nuclear Field or CT? Then plan on 2-3 months. Take a practice test first to find your weak spots. Then spend your study time on them.

Do Navy recruiters help with ASVAB preparation?

Many Navy recruiting offices give out free ASVAB study materials. Some hold study times too. Ask your recruiter what they have. But getting ready is up to you. Use online practice tests, study guides, and other tools to get your best score.

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