Army Asvab Job Scores

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military to assess an individual’s aptitude for various careers in the military. The test is divided into nine individual tests, each measuring a specific area of knowledge or skill. The results of the ASVAB are used to determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) an individual is qualified for. In the Army, these specialties are known as Army Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

To understand how ASVAB scores relate to Army jobs, it’s essential to grasp the scoring system. The ASVAB test results are reported as percentile scores, ranging from 1 to 99. These scores indicate how well an individual performed compared to a large sample of American youths who took the test as part of a national norming study. For each test, the score is calculated based on the number of correct answers, and then this raw score is compared to the scores of the norming sample to determine the percentile score.

The Army uses a combination of the nine test scores to create ten composite scores, known as line scores. These line scores are used to determine which Army jobs an individual qualifies for. The line scores are as follows: - General Technical (GT) - Clerical (CL) - Combat (CO) - Field Artillery (FA) - General Maintenance (GM) - Electronics (EL) - Mechanical Maintenance (MM) - General Technical (GT) - Surveillance and Communications (SC) - Skilled Technical (ST)

Each Army MOS has its own set of required line scores, which are determined by the skills and knowledge needed for that particular job. For example, to qualify for the MOS 15Q (Air Traffic Control), an individual must have a minimum score of 97 in the General Technical (GT) line score and 92 in the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) line score, among other requirements.

Here is a more detailed explanation of the Army’s line scores and some examples of jobs that fall under each category:

General Technical (GT)

The GT line score is a combination of the Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) tests. It’s a measure of an individual’s ability to understand written and verbal instructions, solve basic math problems, and perform other tasks that require general technical knowledge. Jobs that require high GT scores include those in intelligence, communications, and medical fields.

Clerical (CL)

The CL line score is derived from the Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK) tests. It measures an individual’s ability to perform clerical tasks such as data entry, record keeping, and basic mathematical calculations. MOS like 42A (Human Resources Specialist) require a high CL score.

Combat (CO)

The CO line score combines the results of the Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Automotive and Shop Information (AS), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) tests. It’s used for jobs that require combat and physical abilities, such as infantry and armor specialties.

Field Artillery (FA)

The FA line score is based on the results of the Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) tests. It measures an individual’s ability to perform mathematical calculations and understand mechanical principles, which are essential for Field Artillery specialties.

General Maintenance (GM)

The GM line score is a combination of the General Science (GS), Automotive and Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Electronic Information (EI) tests. It’s used for jobs that require a broad range of maintenance skills, such as vehicle mechanics and equipment repair.

Electronics (EL)

The EL line score is derived from the General Science (GS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Electronic Information (EI) tests. It measures an individual’s understanding of electronic principles and their ability to apply this knowledge in various contexts, including communications and electronics maintenance.

Mechanical Maintenance (MM)

The MM line score combines the results of the Automotive and Shop Information (AS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), and Electronic Information (EI) tests. It’s used for jobs that involve the maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment, such as engines, vehicles, and machinery.

Surveillance and Communications (SC)

The SC line score is based on the results of the Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), and Electronic Information (EI) tests. It measures an individual’s ability to understand and apply principles related to surveillance and communications.

Skilled Technical (ST)

The ST line score is a combination of the General Science (GS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Electronic Information (EI) tests. It’s used for jobs that require advanced technical knowledge, such as intelligence analysis and technical engineering.

Understanding these line scores and their related ASVAB tests is crucial for individuals looking to join the Army, as it determines the types of jobs they can qualify for. The Army offers a wide range of careers, and matching an individual’s skills and aptitudes with the right job is essential for their success and satisfaction in their military career.

The process of determining which Army jobs an individual qualifies for based on their ASVAB scores can be complex, given the variety of tests and line scores involved. However, this system allows the Army to place individuals in roles where they can best utilize their skills and aptitudes, contributing to the effectiveness and morale of the military force.

In conclusion, ASVAB scores play a critical role in the Army’s personnel management, serving as a key factor in determining which Military Occupational Specialties an individual is qualified for. By understanding the composition of the ASVAB test, the line scores, and how they relate to different Army jobs, individuals can better navigate the process of finding a suitable career within the Army.