ASVAB Eligibility & Waivers 2026 May

ASVAB Eligibility Requirements

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is required for entry into all branches of the U.S. military. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:

Who Can Take the ASVAB?

Age: 17 years old minimum (with parental consent), no maximum age for taking the test itself
Citizenship: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and some non-citizens may take the ASVAB
Education: High school diploma or GED (diploma holders have a significant advantage in enlistment)
Students: High school juniors and seniors can take the ASVAB through the Student Testing Program at school

The ASVAB is offered at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and Military Entrance Test (MET) sites across the country, as well as through the PiCAT (unproctored online version).

ASVAB Score Waivers

An ASVAB waiver allows a candidate to enlist with a score below the branch's standard minimum. Waivers are NOT guaranteed and depend on:

Current recruiting needs — Waivers are more common when branches need to meet recruiting goals
How close your score is to the minimum — A score of 29 has a better chance of a waiver than a score of 15
Your overall qualifications — Other factors like education, fitness, and background matter
Branch policies — Each branch has different waiver authority and requirements

Waiver Availability by Branch

Army: Most flexible with waivers. May accept AFQT as low as 21 with approved waiver. Has the highest number of waiver approvals.
Navy: Occasionally grants waivers for scores 28-30. Less common than Army.
Air Force: Rarely grants ASVAB score waivers. Very competitive with high standards.
Marines: Minimum AFQT 32. Waivers are rare and highly competitive.
Coast Guard: Minimum AFQT 36. Waivers are extremely rare.
Space Force: Minimum AFQT 36. Very limited waiver availability.

Minimum ASVAB Scores by Military Branch

Each military branch sets its own minimum AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score for enlistment:

Branch	HS Diploma (Tier 1)	GED (Tier 2)
Army	31	50
Navy	35	50
Air Force	36	65
Marines	32	50
Coast Guard	36	50
Space Force	36	65

Note: These are minimum qualifying scores. Many specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) require higher ASVAB line scores in particular areas.

Military Age Requirements

Age limits for military enlistment vary by branch:

Army: 17-35 years old
Navy: 17-39 years old
Air Force: 17-39 years old
Marines: 17-28 years old
Coast Guard: 17-31 years old
Space Force: 17-39 years old

All 17-year-olds require parental consent. Age waivers may be available for some branches under specific circumstances.

ASVAB Eligibility Quick Review

🎖️ What is the minimum AFQT score for the Army?

31 for high school diploma holders (Tier 1). GED holders need a score of 50. Waivers may be available for scores as low as 21.

🔄 How often can you retake the ASVAB?

After first attempt: wait 1 month. After second attempt: wait 1 month. After third attempt: wait 6 months. Scores are valid for 2 years.

📊 What is the AFQT score?

The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is derived from 4 ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. Ranges from 1-99 percentile.

🎂 What is the maximum age for military enlistment?

Varies: Army 35, Navy/Air Force/Space Force 39, Marines 28, Coast Guard 31. Age waivers may be available in some cases.

Verify you meet the age requirement for your target branch

Confirm citizenship/residency status

Have your high school diploma or GED ready

Contact a recruiter to discuss your options

Take ASVAB practice tests to estimate your score

If score may be low, discuss waiver possibilities with recruiter

Schedule your ASVAB at MEPS or a MET site

Bring valid government-issued photo ID

Study the subtests that affect your desired MOS

Can you get a waiver for a low ASVAB score?

Yes, some branches (especially the Army) may grant ASVAB score waivers depending on recruiting needs and how close your score is to the minimum. Contact a recruiter to discuss your specific situation. Waivers are not guaranteed.

What ASVAB score do I need for the military?

Minimum AFQT scores: Army 31, Marines 32, Navy 35, Air Force 36, Coast Guard 36. GED holders typically need higher scores (50-65). Higher scores open more MOS/job options.

Can I join the military at 35?

Yes — the Army accepts enlistees up to age 35, Navy/Air Force/Space Force up to 39. Marines have a lower limit of 28, and Coast Guard is 31. Age waivers may be available.

How many times can I take the ASVAB?

There's no limit on total ASVAB attempts. However, you must wait 1 month after your first attempt, 1 month after your second, and 6 months after each subsequent attempt. Your highest qualifying score is used.

Is the ASVAB hard?

The ASVAB tests general knowledge in math, vocabulary, reading, science, and mechanical reasoning. With 2-4 weeks of focused study, most candidates can significantly improve their scores. The average AFQT score is 50 (by definition, as it's a percentile).

Start ASVAB Practice Test

ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Practice Test