The Coast Guard requires that all recruits take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. The current minimum score to qualify is 36, but that is your AFQT score. There is no single “ASVAB score”. Usually people who use this phrase are referring to their AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) score. This score is derived from the ASVAB test, from the individual scores on some of the sections.
These are the eight sections of the ASVAB test:
AR (Arithmetic Reasoning)
AS (Auto/Shop Information)
EI (Electronics Information)
GS (General Science)
MC (Mechanical Comprehension)
MK (Mathematics Knowledge)
PC (Paragraph Comprehension)
WK (Word Knowledge)
The following formula determines your AFQT raw score: AR + MK + (2 x VE). That is, you multiply your VE score by two, and add to it your AR and MK scores. Another table then allows you to convert this number into your AFQT score.
You will often hear about a VE (Verbal Ability) score. There is no separate VE test. Rather, your VE score is derived by adding the raw scores from your PC and WK tests, then using a conversion table to get your VE score.
Training School
In addition to determining if you qualify to join the Coast Guard, Your performance on the ASVAB will also be used to determine your possible paths in the Coast Guard. Your aptitude as indicated by the ASVAB will qualify you for the training school that will train you for your ultimate job in serving in the Coast Guard.
Test Requirements for Officer Candidate School
The Coast Guard Officer Candidate School (OCS) accepts scores from the ASVAB, SAT and the ACT to qualify to join. There are no waivers to exempt an applicant from meeting the minimum score.
Qualifying tests along with minimum scores are:
- ASVAB: 109 on the General Technical (GT) Aptitude Area. The GT score is calculated by adding the Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) scores.
- SAT: combined 1100 on verbal and math
- ACT: 23
Test Requirements for Selected Reserve Direct Commission Program
The Coast Guard Selected Reserve Direct Commission Program (SRDC) accepts scores from the ASVAB, SAT and the ACT to qualify to join. There are no waivers to exempt an applicant from meeting the minimum score.
Qualifying tests along with minimum scores are:
- ASVAB: 109 on the General Technical (GT) Aptitude Area. The GT score is calculated by adding the Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) scores.
- SAT: combined 1100 on verbal and math
- ACT: 23
Test Requirements for Pre-Commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel
The Coast Guard Pre-Commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel (PPEP) accepts scores from the ASVAB, SAT and the ACT to qualify to join. There are no waivers to exempt an applicant from meeting the minimum score.
Qualifying tests along with minimum scores are:
- ASVAB: 109 on the General Technical (GT) Aptitude Area. The GT score is calculated by adding the Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) scores.
- SAT: combined 1100 on verbal and math
- ACT: 23
Test Requirements for Pre-Commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel
The Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) accepts scores from the ASVAB, SAT and the ACT to qualify to join. There are no waivers to exempt an applicant from meeting the minimum score.
Qualifying tests along with minimum scores are:
- ASVAB: 109 on the General Technical (GT) Aptitude Area. The GT score is calculated by adding the Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) scores.
- SAT: combined 1100 on verbal and math
- ACT: 23