Like any other standardized test, the ASVAB test doesn’t test your IQ level. Therefore you can never fail this test; the most likely scenario is failing to get good enough grades for a particular job. To be enlisted for the military personnel jobs, you must score a minimum of 36% in the ASVAB test.
Most of the candidates of the ASVAB test are enlisted for scoring above 50%; however a scenario can happen where you fail to get the minimum marks. So, when such a case happens, what is the solution?
If you are not in the military, the ASVAB test is available and valid for 2 years, your score will remain valid once you join the armed forces. If you take the initial test (ASVAB tests taken in high school don’t count as initial tests) and fail to get the minimum marks, you are allowed to retake the test after one month.
If you retake the test and fail, you are allowed to take the test again after 6 months.
The issue of retaking the ASVAB test, is a bit complicated since your highest score doesn’t count. The score of your latest test counts, if you score low on the retest, that score will nullify the previous one. The score of the latest test will be used as the basis for enlistment.
When can you retake the ASVAB test?
Despite giving people the freedom to retake the test, you don’t have the freedom to take it whenever you feel like. Each of the services has rules that govern the when to take or not to take a retest.
1. Army
The army will only allow you to retake the ASVAB test if your previous test has expired or if you failed to earn a high enough score for enlistment. You can also be allowed to retake the test if you fail to finish the previous test out of a fault not of your own.
For example, if an emergency happens in the middle of the test and you are called away, you can be allowed to sit it again. Army officers, however, are not allowed to schedule a retake for the purpose of increasing their scores to attain enlistment grade.
2. Air force
If you enlist for the delayed entry program (DEP), you will not be allowed to retake the ASVAB test for the air force. You will only be allowed to retake the ASVAB test if you do not hold a job/aptitude area reservation and you have a high score in the AFOQT. If you did not score high enough to match the air force skills qualification, you can also be allowed to retake the test.
3. Navy
If your ASVAB test has already expired you are allowed to retake the test for navy qualification. Also if you fail to get an AFOQT score high enough for enlistment in the navy. Usually individuals enlisted in the DEP are not allowed to retake the ASVAB test.
However there is one exception: the navy’s DEP enrichment program. Under this program, high school diploma graduates who scored between 28-30 marks in the AFOQT, can be enlisted in the navy.
If you are enlisted in the enrichment program, you will be absorbed into the academic enhancement training and you will have to retake the ASVAB test. If you retake the ASVAB test and score anything above 31%, you will be promoted onto active duties.
4. Marine corps
If you can retake the ASVAB test in this category if the previous test has expired. The recruiters can request a retake if your initial score (considering your training, education and experience) doesn’t show your true capability. This department can request you to retake the test if you score doesn’t meet the set standards.
5. Coast guards
For you to be allowed to retake the ASVAB test for this category, 6 months must elapse. This category allows the retest to be administered for the sole purpose of raising your score to get enlisted for coast guards.
However, the coast guard recruitment center can request a retest after 30 days has passed since the previous ASVAB test. If substantial evidence exists to show any of your previous subset scores don’t reflect your training, education and experience, a retake can be ordered.
CONCLUSION
It is clear that the ASVAB test can be retaken, but this can only be done under certain conditions. If you meet any of the above criteria, then you can consider retaking the test if necessary.
