ASVAB vs AFOQT
The ASVAB and AFOQT serve different tiers of military service: enlisted versus officer. The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the standard entrance exam for enlisted personnel across all six military branches, with 145 questions over 154 minutes. The AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) is used exclusively for Air Force and Space Force officer commissioning, with 550 questions over approximately 5 hours. The ASVAB requires only a high school diploma; the AFOQT requires a bachelor's degree. Officers start at significantly higher pay (O-1: $44,000+ vs E-1: $24,000) and hold leadership positions, but the AFOQT is a longer, more academically rigorous exam with stricter retake limits.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ASVAB | AFOQT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery | Air Force Officer Qualifying Test |
| Exam Cost | Free | Free |
| Passing Score | AFQT score of 31+ (varies by branch: Army 31, Navy 35, Marines 32, Air Force 36, Coast Guard 36, Space Force 36) | Minimum scores of 15 on Verbal and 10 on Quantitative composites (higher scores required for competitive selection; pilot/navigator have additional minimums) |
| Questions | 145 questions across 10 subtests | 550 questions across 12 subtests |
| Time Limit | 154 minutes total | Approximately 5 hours (308 minutes of testing time) |
| Study Time | 40-80 hours (4-8 weeks recommended) | 60-120 hours (6-12 weeks recommended) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Prerequisites | Must be working with a military recruiter. U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 17+ years old. High school diploma or GED (some branches accept GED with additional qualifications). | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or currently enrolled in a commissioning program such as ROTC or the Air Force Academy). U.S. citizen. Must meet Air Force/Space Force officer eligibility requirements. |
| Exam Body | Department of Defense (administered at MEPS and MET sites) | Air Education and Training Command (AETC), U.S. Air Force |
Key Differences
- 1The ASVAB qualifies candidates for enlisted service in all six military branches. The AFOQT qualifies candidates specifically for Air Force and Space Force officer commissions.
- 2The ASVAB has 145 questions completed in 154 minutes. The AFOQT has 550 questions over approximately 5 hours — nearly four times as many questions.
- 3The ASVAB requires a high school diploma or GED. The AFOQT requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or enrollment in ROTC/Academy).
- 4The AFOQT includes aviation-specific subtests (Instrument Comprehension, Aviation Information, Table Reading) that the ASVAB does not cover, reflecting its role in selecting pilots and navigators.
- 5The AFOQT includes a 240-question Self-Description Inventory personality assessment. The ASVAB has no personality or behavioral component.
- 6Officers (AFOQT path) start at O-1 pay: $44,000+ base. Enlisted (ASVAB path) start at E-1 pay: $24,000. The pay gap widens significantly over a career.
What Each Exam Allows You To Do
ASVAB
- Qualify for enlistment in any branch of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
- Access 200+ enlisted Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) based on your line scores
- Begin military career with immediate pay, benefits, and career training
- Qualify for enlistment bonuses of $10,000-$50,000+ with high scores
- Earn GI Bill education benefits for future college education
- Access technical training in fields like cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation maintenance, and intelligence
AFOQT
- Qualify for an Air Force or Space Force officer commission through OTS, ROTC, or the Air Force Academy
- Compete for pilot, combat systems officer (CSO/navigator), and air battle manager slots based on Pilot and Navigator composite scores
- Enter officer career fields including intelligence, space operations, cyber warfare, acquisitions, engineering, and more
- Start at O-1 pay grade ($44,000+ base pay, $70,000+ total compensation)
- Lead enlisted personnel and manage military operations from day one as a commissioned officer
- Qualify for specialized training programs including Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) and other rated positions
Who Should Take Each Exam?
Take the ASVAB if you...
- →Anyone pursuing enlisted military service in any branch
- →High school graduates who want immediate career training and employment
- →Those without a college degree who want to enter military service
- →Recruits who want the broadest range of career field options across all branches
- →Anyone who wants to earn GI Bill benefits and military experience before pursuing a degree
- →People interested in hands-on technical careers in the military
Take the AFOQT if you...
- →College graduates or seniors pursuing an Air Force or Space Force officer commission
- →ROTC cadets who need AFOQT scores for commissioning and career field assignment
- →Anyone who wants to become a military pilot, navigator, or air battle manager
- →Those with a bachelor's degree who want to enter the military at officer rank with higher pay
- →Professionals interested in Air Force/Space Force leadership positions
- →Air Force Academy cadets preparing for career field selection
Which Should You Take First?
The exam you take depends on the military career path you are pursuing. If you are enlisting as an enlisted service member in any branch, the ASVAB is your exam — no choice needed. If you have (or are earning) a bachelor's degree and want to become an Air Force or Space Force officer, you take the AFOQT. Some people take both: enlisted members who later pursue a commission may take the AFOQT after earning their degree, and ROTC cadets may have taken the ASVAB in high school. If you are deciding between enlisting and commissioning, consider that the officer path requires a college degree but offers higher pay, leadership roles, and different career opportunities. Many successful military careers begin on the enlisted side, with members later commissioning through programs like OTS, Green-to-Gold (Army), or the Seaman-to-Admiral program (Navy).
At a Glance: ASVAB vs AFOQT
Exam Cost
Free
ASVAB
Free
AFOQT
Questions
145 questions
ASVAB
550 questions
AFOQT
Time Limit
154 minutes
ASVAB
~5 hours (308 minutes)
AFOQT
Purpose
Enlisted qualification (all branches)
ASVAB
Officer qualification (Air Force/Space Force)
AFOQT
Education Required
High school diploma/GED
ASVAB
Bachelor's degree (or pursuing one)
AFOQT
Subtests
10 subtests
ASVAB
12 subtests
AFOQT
Retake Policy
1-month wait, 6 months after 3rd
ASVAB
150+ days between attempts (limited to 2 lifetime)
AFOQT
Starting Pay (with degree)
E-1 to E-3: $24K-$30K
ASVAB
O-1: $44K+ (plus allowances)
AFOQT
ASVAB
Anyone enlisting in any U.S. military branch as an enlisted service member, those without a college degree who want immediate military career entry, and recruits seeking the broadest range of MOS options
AFOQT
College graduates or ROTC cadets pursuing a commission as an Air Force or Space Force officer, those seeking leadership positions, pilot/navigator slots, and higher starting pay
Start preparing today:
Key Facts: ASVAB vs AFOQT
- 1The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) qualifies candidates for enlisted service in all six U.S. military branches with 145 questions over 154 minutes.
- 2The AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test) qualifies candidates for Air Force and Space Force officer commissions with 550 questions over approximately 5 hours.
- 3The ASVAB requires a high school diploma or GED. The AFOQT requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- 4Officers (AFOQT path) start at O-1 base pay of $44,000+. Enlisted members (ASVAB path) start at E-1 base pay of $24,000. Total compensation including allowances is significantly higher for both.
- 5The AFOQT includes aviation-specific subtests (Instrument Comprehension, Aviation Information, Table Reading) used for pilot and navigator selection — these do not exist on the ASVAB.
- 6The AFOQT can only be taken twice in a lifetime with a 150+ day waiting period between attempts. The ASVAB allows retesting after 1 month (first retest) and 6 months (subsequent retests).
- 7The AFOQT Self-Description Inventory contains 240 personality-assessment questions, making it the largest single subtest and a unique feature not found on the ASVAB.
- 8Both the ASVAB and AFOQT are completely free — the Department of Defense covers all testing costs.
- 9Enlisted members can later take the AFOQT and commission as officers through programs like OTS (Officer Training School) after earning a bachelor's degree.
- 10Air Force pilot candidates must score minimums on Pilot composite (25+) and CSO composite (10+) from the AFOQT to be eligible for Undergraduate Pilot Training.
Why This Comparison Matters
All Branches
ASVAB: Universal Enlisted Exam
The ASVAB is the standard entrance exam for enlisted service in all six military branches. With 200+ MOS options, it is the gateway for the vast majority of military careers.
Officer Commission
AFOQT: Officer Qualification
The AFOQT qualifies candidates for Air Force and Space Force officer commissions through OTS, ROTC, or the Air Force Academy. Officers start at higher pay grades and hold leadership positions.
$44K+ Starting
Officer Pay Advantage
Air Force officers (O-1) start at $44,000+ base pay compared to $24,000 for enlisted E-1. With BAH, BAS, and benefits, total officer compensation often exceeds $70,000-$80,000 in the first year.
550 Questions
AFOQT: A Marathon Exam
The AFOQT is one of the longest military aptitude tests at 550 questions over approximately 5 hours, covering verbal, quantitative, spatial, aviation, and situational judgment domains.
The ASVAB vs AFOQT comparison highlights the fundamental divide in military careers: enlisted versus officer. While both paths serve the nation, they offer very different experiences, responsibilities, compensation, and career trajectories.
The enlisted path (ASVAB) is accessible to anyone with a high school diploma and offers immediate entry into over 200 career fields. Enlisted members are the backbone of the military — they execute missions, maintain equipment, and develop deep technical expertise. The officer path (AFOQT) requires a college degree and positions candidates for leadership, management, and strategic decision-making from the start.
For those interested in aviation, the AFOQT is particularly significant: it is the gateway to pilot and navigator training slots in the Air Force and Space Force. The Pilot and Navigator composite scores from the AFOQT directly determine whether you can compete for one of the most coveted positions in the military. The ASVAB does not offer this pathway — enlisted members cannot become military pilots through the ASVAB alone (though some programs exist for enlisted-to-officer transitions).
What Each Exam Covers
ASVAB Exam Topics
Pass Rate: Approximately 66% score AFQT 50+ (DoD data)
AFOQT Exam Topics
Pass Rate: Approximately 70-80% meet minimum qualifying scores, but competitive selection rates for pilot and rated slots are much lower (varies by year and board)
Salary & Income Comparison
U.S. Military Enlisted (E-1 to E-5)
$30,000 - $42,000
Median Annual Salary
Range: $24,000 - $58,000+ (base pay; total compensation with allowances is significantly higher)
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), 2025 military pay charts
Enlisted total compensation exceeds base pay when including BAH ($1,000-$3,000+/month), BAS ($450/month), free healthcare, tax-free allowances, and retirement. An E-5 with 6 years and dependents can have total compensation of $60,000-$80,000+. Many enlisted members commission as officers through programs like OCS, Green-to-Gold, or MECP, significantly increasing their career earnings.
U.S. Air Force / Space Force Officer (O-1 to O-3)
$55,000 - $75,000
Median Annual Salary
Range: $44,000 - $110,000+ (base pay; total compensation with allowances is significantly higher)
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), 2025 military pay charts
Officer total compensation includes base pay, BAH ($1,200-$4,000+/month depending on location and dependents), BAS ($310/month), flight pay for rated officers ($150-$1,000+/month), and free healthcare. A rated O-3 (Captain) with 4-6 years can have total compensation of $100,000-$130,000+. Pilots who complete their service commitment and transition to commercial airlines often earn $200,000-$400,000+ annually.
Career Paths & Progression
ASVAB Career Path
0-2 years
E-1 to E-3 (Airman Basic to Airman First Class)
$24K-$28K + benefits
2-8 years
E-4 to E-5 (Senior Airman / Staff Sergeant)
$32K-$44K + benefits
8-18 years
E-6 to E-7 (Technical Sergeant / Master Sergeant)
$44K-$62K + benefits
18-30 years
E-8 to E-9 (Senior/Chief Master Sergeant)
$58K-$80K + benefits
AFOQT Career Path
0-3 years
O-1 to O-2 (Second/First Lieutenant)
$44K-$56K + benefits
3-8 years
O-3 (Captain)
$56K-$80K + benefits
8-18 years
O-4 to O-5 (Major / Lieutenant Colonel)
$75K-$110K + benefits
18-30+ years
O-6+ (Colonel / General)
$110K-$190K+ benefits
Start preparing today:
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan I take both the ASVAB and AFOQT?
Yes. Many service members take the ASVAB when first enlisting and later take the AFOQT after earning a college degree to pursue a commission as an officer. ROTC cadets may have taken the ASVAB in high school through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The two exams serve different purposes — the ASVAB for enlisted qualification and the AFOQT for officer commissioning — so there is no conflict in taking both at different points in your career.
QIs the AFOQT harder than the ASVAB?
Yes, generally. The AFOQT is significantly longer (550 questions vs 145), covers more advanced academic content (including aviation knowledge and physical science), has extremely tight time limits on some subtests, and requires a bachelor's degree to take. The AFOQT also includes subtests with no ASVAB equivalent, such as Instrument Comprehension, Table Reading, and the 240-question Self-Description Inventory. The retake policy is also more restrictive: you can only take the AFOQT twice in your lifetime, while the ASVAB allows multiple retakes.
QDo I need the AFOQT to become a military officer?
The AFOQT is specifically required for Air Force and Space Force officer commissions. Other branches have their own officer qualifying exams: the Army and Marines do not require a separate aptitude test for OCS (though academic and fitness standards apply), and the Navy uses the OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating) for most officer programs. If you specifically want to be an Air Force or Space Force officer — especially a pilot — the AFOQT is mandatory. For other branches, check the specific commissioning program requirements.
QCan enlisted members become officers?
Yes, and it happens regularly. The most common paths are: Officer Training School (OTS) for all branches, the Army's Green-to-Gold program, the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), the Navy's Seaman-to-Admiral program, and direct commissioning for certain specialties. These programs typically require a bachelor's degree (earned while serving or before applying) and meeting officer eligibility standards. Enlisted members pursuing an Air Force/Space Force commission through OTS must take and pass the AFOQT.
QWhat AFOQT scores do I need to become a pilot?
To be eligible for Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), you need minimum AFOQT composite scores of 25 on the Pilot composite and 10 on the CSO (Navigator) composite. However, these are minimums — competitive candidates typically score much higher. Pilot selection boards consider your overall package including AFOQT scores, PCSM (Pilot Candidate Selection Method) score, GPA, leadership experience, physical fitness, and commander's recommendation. PCSM scores above 50 are generally competitive, with scores above 80 being strong. The Pilot composite is calculated from Math Knowledge, Table Reading, Instrument Comprehension, Aviation Information, and Verbal Analogies subtests.
10 free AI interactions per day
Ready to Start Studying?
Free study materials for both exams - start learning today.
Related Exam Comparisons
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.