Intro
Meet Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements with our guide, covering minimum scores, test components, and qualifying scores for enlistment, including AFQT, ST, and VE scores.
The United States Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military that operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, but can be transferred to the Department of the Navy during wartime. To join the Coast Guard, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test that measures a person's aptitude in various subjects, such as mathematics, science, and language.
The Coast Guard uses ASVAB scores to determine an applicant's qualifications for various careers, known as "ratings," within the service. Each rating has its own set of ASVAB score requirements, which are based on the specific skills and knowledge required for that particular job. In general, the Coast Guard requires applicants to score at least 40 on the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) section of the ASVAB, which is the minimum score required to qualify for enlistment.
Applicants who score higher on the ASVAB may be eligible for more competitive ratings, such as those in the aviation or engineering fields. On the other hand, applicants who score lower on the ASVAB may be limited to ratings that require less technical expertise. It's worth noting that the Coast Guard also considers other factors, such as education and work experience, when determining an applicant's eligibility for a particular rating.
Understanding ASVAB Scores

To understand the ASVAB score requirements for the Coast Guard, it's essential to know how the test is scored. The ASVAB consists of nine individual tests, each measuring a specific area of knowledge or skill. The tests are:
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto and Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- Assembling Objects (AO)
The scores from these individual tests are then combined to produce composite scores, known as "line scores," which are used to determine an applicant's eligibility for specific ratings. The line scores are:
- General Technical (GT): a combination of the AR, WK, and PC tests
- Administrative (ADM): a combination of the WK, PC, and AR tests
- Mechanical Maintenance (MM): a combination of the AS, MC, and EI tests
- Electrical and Electronics (EL): a combination of the EI, AS, and MC tests
- Coast Guard Composite (CG): a combination of the AR, WK, PC, and MK tests
Coast Guard ASVAB Score Requirements

The Coast Guard has specific ASVAB score requirements for each rating. Here are some examples of ASVAB score requirements for popular Coast Guard ratings:
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT): 60 on the MM line score
- Aviation Electronics Technician (AET): 65 on the EL line score
- Boatswain's Mate (BM): 40 on the CG line score
- Electronics Technician (ET): 65 on the EL line score
- Engineer (EN): 55 on the MM line score
- Health Services Technician (HS): 50 on the GT line score
- Information Systems Technician (IT): 60 on the EL line score
- Intelligence Specialist (IS): 60 on the GT line score
- Machinery Technician (MK): 55 on the MM line score
- Marine Science Technician (MST): 50 on the GT line score
- Operations Specialist (OS): 50 on the CG line score
- Storekeeper (SK): 40 on the ADM line score
ASVAB Score Requirements for Coast Guard Officer Programs

The Coast Guard also has ASVAB score requirements for officer programs, such as the Officer Candidate School (OCS) and the Direct Commission Officer (DCO) programs. These programs require applicants to score higher on the ASVAB, typically in the 60s or 70s on the GT line score.
For example, the OCS program requires applicants to score at least 60 on the GT line score, while the DCO program requires applicants to score at least 65 on the GT line score. Additionally, officer programs may require applicants to have a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, such as engineering or computer science.
Preparing for the ASVAB Test

To prepare for the ASVAB test, applicants can use a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice tests. The Coast Guard also provides study materials and practice tests on its website.
Here are some tips for preparing for the ASVAB test:
- Start studying early: Give yourself plenty of time to study and prepare for the test.
- Focus on your weaknesses: Identify areas where you need improvement and focus your studying on those areas.
- Use a variety of study materials: Use a combination of textbooks, online courses, and practice tests to help you prepare.
- Practice under timed conditions: Practice taking the test under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience.
- Get plenty of rest: Make sure you get plenty of rest before the test to ensure you're well-rested and alert.
ASVAB Test Format

The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that consists of nine individual tests. The test is administered on a computer and typically takes about 3 hours to complete.
Here's an overview of the ASVAB test format:
- General Science (GS): 25 questions, 11 minutes
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): 30 questions, 36 minutes
- Word Knowledge (WK): 35 questions, 11 minutes
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC): 15 questions, 13 minutes
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK): 25 questions, 24 minutes
- Electronics Information (EI): 20 questions, 9 minutes
- Auto and Shop Information (AS): 25 questions, 11 minutes
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC): 25 questions, 19 minutes
- Assembling Objects (AO): 25 questions, 15 minutes
Coast Guard ASVAB Score Requirements for Enlistment

To enlist in the Coast Guard, applicants must meet specific ASVAB score requirements. The minimum ASVAB score required for enlistment is 40 on the AFQT section of the test.
Here are the ASVAB score requirements for enlistment in the Coast Guard:
- AFQT: 40
- GT: 45
- MM: 50
- EL: 55
- CG: 50
Applicants who score higher on the ASVAB may be eligible for more competitive ratings, such as those in the aviation or engineering fields. On the other hand, applicants who score lower on the ASVAB may be limited to ratings that require less technical expertise.
Gallery of Coast Guard ASVAB Score Requirements
Coast Guard ASVAB Score Requirements Image Gallery










What is the minimum ASVAB score required for enlistment in the Coast Guard?
+The minimum ASVAB score required for enlistment in the Coast Guard is 40 on the AFQT section of the test.
What is the ASVAB test format?
+The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that consists of nine individual tests, administered on a computer, and typically takes about 3 hours to complete.
How can I prepare for the ASVAB test?
+To prepare for the ASVAB test, you can use a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, online courses, and practice tests. You can also focus on your weaknesses, practice under timed conditions, and get plenty of rest before the test.
What are the ASVAB score requirements for Coast Guard officer programs?
+The ASVAB score requirements for Coast Guard officer programs vary, but typically require applicants to score at least 60 on the GT line score. Some programs may also require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.
Can I retake the ASVAB test if I don't score well?
+Yes, you can retake the ASVAB test if you don't score well. However, you must wait at least 30 days before retaking the test, and you can only retake the test a maximum of three times.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the Coast Guard or the ASVAB test, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can also share this article with others who may be interested in joining the Coast Guard or preparing for the ASVAB test. Additionally, you can comment below with any questions or comments you may have. Thank you for reading!