Details for Retaking the ASVAB

Procedure for Retaking the ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test that requires high scores in order to get the job of your choice. However, there may be a time when you were not able to achieve good scores, were unable to enlist, or your scores simply expired after a period of two years. In such circumstances, retaking the test is beneficial because it opens the doors to a career in military services. Moreover, circumstances change when you decide to retake the test; you might be better prepared to retake the ASVAB.

If you are interested to retake the test, you must contact the local/nearest recruiting office or Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). The recruiter at the MEPS will verify whether you are eligible to appear for your next attempt. However, you can retake the test only if you meet the following requirements:

  • You must not have crossed the age limit.
  • You can retest only after a month of your last ASVAB test.
  • You can take subsequent attempts only after six months.

Circumstances for retaking the ASVAB:

  • ASVAB scores are valid for two years. If your score has expired, you can appear for the test.
  • If a month has passed after your first attempt, you can appear for the second attempt. Thereafter, you can appear only after a period of six months.
  • If your test was rendered invalid due to cheating, you will need to wait for six months before you can retake the test.

For more information about the policy regarding re-taking the examination, see the Official ASVAB website, by clicking on the following link: http://official-asvab.com/retest_rec.htm.
Listed below are the various branches of military services that allow a repeat attempt to the examination.

Army

The Army or National Gaurd does not allow you to take the test more than once, if the reason for the second attempt, is to increase your score and become eligible for the signing bonus amount. Attempting the examination for a second time, to join the National Guard is allowed if you fulfill the following conditions:

  • If your previous ASVAB score has expired.
  • You could not attempt the test successfully.
  • If you do not achieve the minimum score required to enlist in the Army or National Guard.

Air Force

The Air Force does not allow you to retake the test if you have already been inducted into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP). The Air Force will allow you to appear for the examination again, only under the following scenarios:

  • You have secured the minimum Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score.
  • Your line scores are not equivalent to your qualification and the job requirement.

Navy

The Navy does not allow you to retake the ASVAB if you are part of the DEP. However, if you score in the range of 28 to 30 in the AFQT, you will be allowed to enrol in the DEP Enrichment Program. At the end of the academic session, you will be allowed to appear for the the examination again, if your score is not more than 31. The Navy allows you to appear for the test more than once under the following circumstances:

  • Your previous ASVAB score is no longer valid.
  • You did not meet the minimum score requirements to enlist.

Marines

Re-appearing for the the examination, in order to join the Marines is allowed if you fulfil the following conditions:

  • Your previous ASVAB score has expired.
  • Your score is not corresponding to the scores required for a job.
  • If your recruiter considers that you can perform well if retested.

Coast Guard

The Coast Guard does not allow you to retake the test within a time span of six months; that is six months should have passed between your last attempt and the one you want to appear. You can attempt the examination more that once (to join the Coast Guard) under the following circumstances:

  • You want to increase your score to get your desired job.
  • If your recruiter considers that you can perform well if retested.