U.S. Navy

Navy ASVAB

Everything you need to know about the ASVAB for Navy enlistment. Learn minimum score requirements, rating qualifications, and take our free Navy ASVAB practice quiz to prepare for your military career.

15 min readUpdated January 202515 practice questions
CR

Written by Christopher Reyes

Navy Veteran & Military Education Specialist | 14 Years Naval Service, Former Chief Petty Officer

Free Navy ASVAB Practice Quiz

15 questions covering math, vocabulary, reading, and technical knowledge relevant to Navy ratings.

1Navy ASVAB Score Requirements

The Navy uses your ASVAB scores in two critical ways: determining enlistment eligibility and qualifying you for specific ratings (jobs). Understanding the minimum requirements is essential for setting realistic goals and targeting the career path you want.

Navy AFQT Minimum Requirements

Education LevelMinimum AFQTNotes
High School Diploma31Standard requirement
GED50Higher minimum for non-diploma holders
Home School (State-Accredited)31Treated same as HS diploma

Competitive Scores

While 31 is the minimum, most Navy recruits score 50+. Higher scores (65+) give you access to technical ratings with better advancement opportunities and potential enlistment bonuses.

Important Note

Meeting the minimum AFQT doesn't guarantee your preferred rating. Each Navy job has separate line score requirements you must also meet.

3Understanding Navy Line Scores

Navy line scores are calculated by combining specific ASVAB subtest scores. Understanding these formulas helps you focus your study efforts on the areas that matter most for your desired rating.

ASVAB Subtest Abbreviations

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

Most Important Subtests for Navy

For most technical Navy ratings, focus on AR (Arithmetic Reasoning), MK (Mathematics Knowledge), EI (Electronics Information), and GS (General Science). These four subtests appear in the majority of Navy rating requirements.

4High-Demand Navy Ratings & Score Requirements

These ratings often come with enlistment bonuses, excellent training, and strong civilian career prospects. They're competitive and require higher ASVAB scores.

Nuclear Field (NF) - Top Tier

The Navy's Nuclear Field program trains reactor operators and technicians for submarines and aircraft carriers. It's one of the most prestigious and challenging programs in any military branch.

Requirements:

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

Cryptologic Technician Networks (CTN)

CTNs perform cyber operations, including computer network exploitation and defense. This is one of the Navy's fastest-growing and most in-demand ratings.

Requirements:

  • AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222 or AR+2MK+GS ≥ 222
  • • Top Secret/SCI clearance required
  • • Excellent civilian career prospects in cybersecurity

Electronics Technician (ET)

ETs maintain and repair electronic equipment including radar, communications, and navigation systems. Strong pathway to civilian electronics careers.

Requirements:

  • AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222
  • • A-School training: 14-26 weeks
  • • Advanced certifications available

Hospital Corpsman (HM)

HMs provide medical care to Navy personnel and Marines. They can serve in clinics, hospitals, ships, or with Marine units. One of the most popular Navy ratings.

Requirements:

  • VE+MK+GS ≥ 156
  • • Many specialty paths (surgical tech, lab tech, radiology, etc.)
  • • Can earn civilian medical certifications

5Navy ASVAB Study Tips

Effective ASVAB preparation requires a structured approach. Here are proven strategies specifically for Navy recruits targeting competitive ratings.

1. Know Your Target Scores

Research the line score requirements for your desired rating before you start studying. If you want to be an ET (Electronics Technician), you need AR+MK+EI+GS ≥ 222. Focus your study time on the subtests that matter most for your goals.

2. Master Math Without a Calculator

Calculators aren't allowed on the ASVAB. Practice mental math and pencil-and-paper calculations daily. Focus on:

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

3. Build Vocabulary Systematically

Learn 10-15 new words daily using flashcards or apps like Anki. Focus on roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words. Read technical articles and military publications to encounter vocabulary in context.

4. Study Electronics Fundamentals

For technical ratings, the Electronics Information subtest is critical. Learn about circuits, Ohm's Law, resistors, capacitors, and basic electrical safety. Many free resources are available online, including videos that explain concepts visually.

5. Take Timed Practice Tests

Simulate test conditions by taking full-length practice tests with time limits. This builds stamina and helps you identify weak areas. Review every wrong answer to understand your mistakes.

Practice More Navy ASVAB Questions

Our free practice tests cover all ASVAB subtests with detailed explanations. Build your scores in Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics, and more.

Browse All Practice Tests

6ASVAB Test Format & Timing

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

CAT-ASVAB Structure (145 Questions Total)

SubtestQuestionsTimeContributes To
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 minTechnical ratings
Electronics Information (EI)168 minTechnical ratings
Auto Information (AI)117 minAS line score
Shop Information (SI)116 minAS line score
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)1620 minSome technical ratings
Assembling Objects (AO)1616 minLimited use
Total145~2.5 hours

Important: Adaptive Testing

The CAT-ASVAB adjusts question difficulty based on your answers. Getting early questions right leads to harder questions worth more points. You cannot skip questions or go back once you've answered. Take your time on the first few questions of each section.

7Retesting & Score Validity

ASVAB Retest Policy

1

First Retest

Wait 30 days after your initial test

2

Second Retest

Wait 30 days after your first retest

3+

Additional Retests

Wait 6 months between each subsequent retest

Score Validity

ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years from the test date. If you don't enlist within that time, you'll need to retest.

Important Warning

The Navy uses your most recent ASVAB scores, even if they're lower than previous attempts. Don't retest unless you're confident you'll improve.

8Frequently Asked Questions

What ASVAB score do I need for the Navy?

The minimum AFQT score is 31 for high school diploma holders and 50 for GED holders. However, specific ratings have their own line score requirements that are often higher. For competitive ratings like Nuclear Field or Cryptologic Technician, you'll need combined line scores of 222-252+.

Is the Navy ASVAB different from other branches?

The ASVAB itself is identical across all branches. However, each branch uses the scores differently. The Navy calculates unique line score combinations for rating qualification. The test content, format, and question types are the same regardless of which branch you're joining.

Can I choose my Navy rating before taking the ASVAB?

No. You must take the ASVAB first to determine which ratings you qualify for based on your line scores. Your recruiter will then show you available ratings that match both your qualifications and the Navy's current needs. Higher scores give you more options.

What is the hardest Navy rating to qualify for?

Nuclear Field (NF) has the highest ASVAB requirements, needing a combined AR+MK+EI+GS of 252 or higher. Candidates must also pass an interview and meet additional qualifications. The program offers significant bonuses but requires exceptional academic aptitude.

How long should I study for the Navy ASVAB?

Most people benefit from 4-8 weeks of dedicated study, practicing 30-60 minutes daily. If you're targeting high-requirement ratings like Nuclear Field or CT, consider 2-3 months of preparation. Take a practice test first to identify your weak areas and focus your study time accordingly.

Do Navy recruiters help with ASVAB preparation?

Many Navy recruiting offices offer free ASVAB study materials and may have scheduled study sessions. Ask your recruiter about available resources. However, the primary responsibility for preparation is yours—use online practice tests, study guides, and other resources to maximize your score.

Ready to Start Your Navy Career?

Practice with our free ASVAB questions, master the subtests that matter for your target rating, and build the scores you need to achieve your goals.