ASVAB Scores and Space Force Job Qualifications

To enlist in the military, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test and get a good score. In the Space Force, career roles are represented by Space Force Specialty Codes (SFSC). The ASVAB tests your knowledge of basic concepts and skills and produces two main types of scores. One determines which branch of the military you are eligible for (the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), and the other determines the specific jobs you are qualified for through lines scores.

First, let’s explore what a good ASVAB score is, and what SFSC your scores qualify you for.

What Is a Good ASVAB Score?

It depends. Each military branch has a minimum AFQT score to enlist. For enlistment into the Space Force, you must get a minimum ASVAB score of 31. If you hold a GED or nontraditional diploma, you need a score of 50+.

However, meeting the minimum score does not mean that it’s a good score. Let’s first look at the AFQT score a bit closer.

AFQT

Your AFQT score comes from answers to questions in four sections:

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Word Knowledge (WK)
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

Note: PC and WK are combined to determine a scaled Verbal Expression (VE) score.

Your score is calculated from these sections and is shown as a percentile from 1 to 99, comparing you with other test-takers. So, if you received an AFQT score of 50, it means you did better than half of the people who took the ASVAB.

In general, a good AFQT score is between 50 and 64. This demonstrates a solid understanding of the ASVAB sections. If you scored 65 and above, that is considered an excellent score and will open up many more job opportunities, especially in specialized, technical programs.

ASVAB Standardized Scores

Standardized scores are given for each of the nine sections of the ASVAB. Here are the sections and their commonly referred to abbreviations:

​Your score is based on a scale where 50 is the national average and your score represents how far above or below the average you are. In other words, it is a standardized score compared with other test takers. Your standard scores alone don’t determine anything specific, but they are used to calculate your composite scores or line scores, which determine your eligibility for Space Force jobs.

Space Force Qualification Areas and the ASVAB

Qualification scores are composite scores calculated from a combination of your AFQT section scores and the four subtest areas to qualify you for a specific SFSC.

The four qualification areas are:

​Note: PC and WK are combined to determine a scaled Verbal Expression (VE) score.

For example, if you are looking for a career as a Space Systems Operator, you will need a minimum line Electronics line score of 60.

Electronics (E) is a score based on a composite of the following subsets:

• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
• Electronics Information (EI)
• General Science (GS)
• Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

Space Force Line Scores and Space Force Specialty Codes (SFSC)

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FAQ

Q: What is the minimum ASVAB score required to enlist in the Space Force?

To enlist with a high school diploma, you must have a minimum overall AFQT score of 31. For a GED or a nontraditional diploma, the minimum required score is 50.

Q: What is considered a good ASVAB score?

A good score on the AFQT is between 50 and 64, and an excellent score is 65 and above. Higher scores open up more career opportunities, particularly in specialized and technical military programs.

Q: How is my AFQT score calculated?

Your AFQT score (from 1 to 99) comes from how you did in four sections:

1. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
2. Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
3. Word Knowledge (WK)
4. Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

Note: PC and WK are combined to create a Verbal Expression score.

Q: What are the Space Force Qualification Areas (Line Scores)?

Beyond your overall AFQT score, the Space Force groups your subtest results into four distinct qualification categories to determine which specific jobs you are best suited for.

• General (G): Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Arithmetic Reasoning
• Mechanical (M): Arithmetic Reasoning + Auto and Shop Information + Mechanical Comprehension + Paragraph Comprehension + Word Knowledge
• Administrative (A): Word Knowledge + Paragraph Comprehension + Mathematics Knowledge
• Electronics (E): Arithmetic Reasoning + Electronics Information + General Science + Mathematics Knowledge

Q: Can I Retake the ASVAB?

Yes. According to the official ASVAB website, you can retake the ASVAB as many times as you wish, however, there are waiting periods after you take each test.

To take the ASVAB a second time, you must wait one month, and for any additional retests, you must wait six months between tests. Remember, only the latest test counts, so if you receive a lower score than on a previous test, that lower score becomes your current official ASVAB score.

Q: Do ASVAB line score requirements change?

Yes. The Space Force adjusts SFSC line score requirements based on recruiting needs and force structure changes. Always confirm current requirements with a recruiter.

Q: How can understanding ASVAB scores help me prepare?

Knowing how AFQT and line scores are calculated helps you study strategically, focusing on the subtests that impact both enlistment eligibility and job qualification.