According to the top searches on Google related to the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, one of the most frequently asked questions is “Can you retake the ASVAB test?” Actually, most candidates who aspire to retest either haven’t got their desired ASVAB test score yet, fail to get enough AFQT score or they just simply want to improve their current score. As a result, almost every test taker has the same question regarding the retake policy.

Thus, in this paper, we address some commonly asked issues associated with the ASVAB you should know if you are preparing for the ASVAB. Don’t dismiss the information in this post which is extremely beneficial to you. 

1. How long are your ASVAB test scores valid for? 

The ASVAB validity is within 2 years after the date you took the test and only for enlistment purposes. In the majority of cases, your ASVAB score remains valid throughout your time in the military. Furthermore, if you are looking for retraining, you can use your valid ASVAB to enlist in any US military branches. 

 

2. Why would you need to retake the ASVAB? 

There are some common rational reasons for retaking the ASVAB. Keep in mind that depending on the specific situation, you can take your retest immediately or wait for a while. Let’s check it out: 

Why would you need to retake the ASVAB
Some common rational reasons for retaking the ASVAB

2.1. You didn’t get a qualifying score

You cannot retake the ASVAB if you assume that you don’t like your score. You will be accepted to retest if you need the minimum score requirements. As you know, each branch set a minimum entrance score requirement on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) for those who get high school diploma or Ged as follows: 

Branch of Military 

High school Diploma

Ged

Air Force

36

65

Army

31

50

Coast Guard

40

50

Marine Corps

32

50

National Guard

31

50

Navy

35

50

In case you do not meet these minimum requirements, you would retest again after 30 calendar days.

2.2.  You may be dismissed for cheating or having disruptions during the test

An individual may need to retake the ASVAB when there is a disruption during the test, he or she is under distress, or when there are administrative errors during the test taking process. For this case, you need to wait a period of 6 months prior to retesting again. 

2.3. Your ASVAB doesn’t accurately reflect your real ability

It is rational to retake ASVAB if you assume that your score is not an accurate representation of your capabilities. Thus, once again it is very important to take your initial test very carefully and seriously with high concentration to get the best performance on your final result. Let’s read our study guides for each ASVAB subtests such as ASVAB mathematics knowledge, mechanical comprehension, paragraph comprehension, auto and shop information to arm yourself with effective learning strategies. 

 

3. What happens if you fail the ASVAB? 

Actually, you cannot “fail” the ASVAB, but you cannot meet the minimum score qualifications for your branch of service you applied for. You cannot “fail” the ASVAB, but you can get lower test results that do not meet the minimum qualifications for your branch of service or desired MOS, AFSC or Rating. In this situation, you can take the test again after 30 calendar days to achieve minimum enlistment scores. 

*Take note: Let’s see what MOS, AFSC and Rating are:

  • The U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps use Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes. 
  • The U.S. Air Force identifies their careers using an Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC). 
  • The U.S. Navy’s version of job codes “ratings” for both officer and enlisted classifications.

Keep in mind that cheating or disqualifying for other basic military requirements makes you unable to join the US armed forces. Let’s read other articles to get to know more about requirements for each US military branch: Navy ASVAB Score, Air Force ASVAB Score, Coast Guard ASVAB Score. 

Related article >> Is the ASVAB Hard?

 

4. Can you retake the ASVAB test in the military?

can you retake the asvab test
Can you retake the ASVAB test?

Yes, you can be authorized to retake the ASVAB test after enlistment. Nevertheless, each service adopts different rules on how often or what stipulations need to be in place prior to retesting. More specifically, you will be asked to give rational reasons for retaking the test (new MOS, attempting to get into an enlisted-to-officer program, or reenlistment options).

Besides, appointments and commanding officer’s signatures might be also required if you want to retake ASVAB. If you are aspiring to apply for a reenlistment position that requires higher scores to get a well-paid salary, let’s retake the ASVAB test. 

 

5. Can you retake the ASVAB test if you passed?

Yes, you can. Even if you passed the ASVAB test, you are still eligible to take this test again. Besides, bear in mind that even if you take the ASVAB multiple times, your latest score will be acknowledged instead of  your highest score.

Thus, if you already passed the ASVAB and qualify for the number of jobs but not for the job you are pursuing, you should consult your military recruiter or high school guidance counselor to get helpful advice on whether you should retest ASVAB to make a wise decision. In case you decide to retest, let’s take the ASVAB Mock Test or ASVAB Practice Test during the retest waiting period to get the best score. 

 

6. How many times can you take the ASVAB? 

Actually, you can retake ASVAB as many times as you need. Nevertheless, there are some restrictions on how many times you can take the test in a given period. Let’s take a glance the ASVAB retest schedule right now:

  • Original Test
  • Retake 1: Original Test Date + 30 Calendar Days
  • Retake 2: Retake 1 Test Date + 30 Calendar Days
  • Retake 3: Retake 2 Test Date + 60 Calendar Days

Unless you follow the above ASVAB retest schedule, your ASVAB score will be invalidated. Furthermore, we remind you once again that your official ASVAB score is the last score you got in case you take multiple ASVAB tests. If you are confused whether or not you should retake the ASVAB test again, you had better talk to your military recruiter or high school counselor for some guidance.

 

7. What is the retest policy for each U.S. Military Branches? 

asvab retake policy
Retest policies will vary depending on which services you applied.

7.1. The U.S. Army

The Army will allow to retest only if: 

  • The applicant’s previous ASVAB test has expired
  • The applicant failed to achieve an AFQT score high enough to qualify for enlistment

*Take note: Army recruits are not allowed to schedule a retest for the sole purpose of higher scores to qualify for enlistment incentives, job qualifications, or other special enlistment programs.

7.2. The U.S. Air Force 

The candidates are eligible to retake the ASVAB if 

  • They are not holding a job/aptitude area reservation 
  • They are not in DEP (Delayed Entry Program) 
  • Their current line scores (Job Qualification Scores) limit the ability to match an Air Force skill with their qualifications.

 

7.3. The U.S. Navy

The Navy allows retesting if: 

  • Applicants’ ASVAB score has expired
  • The applicant fails to achieve a qualifying AFQT score for enlistment in the Navy. 
  • They aren’t usually in DEP (Delayed Entry Program) 

 

7.4. The U.S. Marine Corps

The Marine Corps will authorize a retest if 

  • The applicant’s previous test has expired. 
  • The initial scores do not reflect their true capability after considering their education, training, and experience. 

 

7.5. The U. S. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard Recruiting Center may authorize retesting after 30 calendar days from the first ASVAB test if you give out substantial reasons such as your initial AFQT score or subtest do not reflect your capability. In case you want to raise your score so as to  qualify for a particular enlistment option, you must wait 6 months from your first test date. 

In short, this paper helps you to answer the question “Can you retake the ASVAB test?”. We encourage you to take our ASVAB Study Guide, ASVAB Practice Tests and Mock Tests, if you are waiting for retesting. Learn hard to get to your destination!