Understanding the Air Force ASVAB Test

Although all potential military recruits take the sameInformation (AS)
ASVAB test, the way each service branch uses the- Administrative Numerical Operations (NO) + Coding
scores on the test differs significantly. This articleSpeed (CS) + Verbal Expression (VE)
examines the Air Force ASVAB test and how your- General Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) + Verbal
scores are evaluated for enlistment and jobExpression (VE)
qualification.- Electronics General Science (GS) + Arithmetic
To start, the AFQT score (overall ASVAB score)Reasoning (AR) + Mathematics Knowledge (MK) +
necessary just to enlist in the Air Force is the secondElectronics Information (EI)
highest of all the military branches (second only toYou'll need a certain minimum on one or more of
the Coast Guard). In addition, the Air Force rarelythese aptitude areas in order to qualify for the Air
accepts applicants with a GED instead of a highForce job of your choice.
school diploma - GED recruits make up less than 1%If you should take the Air Force ASVAB test and
of each years recruit class.not meet the minimum requirements for enlistment
If you do score high enough on the Air Forceyou can interview with the recruiting flight chief who
ASVAB to enlist, your scores are then computed incan give approval for you to take a retest. Your first
four different "aptitude areas" called the MAGEretest can happen thirty days after the initial test
(Mechanical, Administrative, General, and Electronics).with subsequent retests every six months.
Each aptitude area score is computed from yourIf you qualify for enlistment but don't score highly
scores on the ASVAB subtests using the followingenough on the MAGE to earn the job you want you
formulas:can retest to try to raise your subtest scores
- Mechanical 2 x General Science (GS) + Mechanicalsubject to the same 30 days / 6 months
Comprehension (MC) + Auto & Shoprequirements above.