Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT)
The AFQT is the most important ASVAB score, calculated from four subtests using the formula AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK. It is reported as a percentile (1-99) and determines eligibility for military enlistment across all branches.
Exam Tip
AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK. VE = WK + PC. This is THE score that determines enlistment eligibility. Focus study time on these four subtests for maximum impact.
What is the AFQT?
The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is the primary score derived from the ASVAB that determines whether a candidate is eligible for military enlistment. It is not a separate test but rather a composite calculated from four ASVAB subtests.
AFQT Formula
AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK
Where:
- VE (Verbal Expression) = Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- AR = Arithmetic Reasoning
- MK = Mathematics Knowledge
AFQT Categories
| Category | Percentile Range | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| I | 93-99 | All branches, all jobs |
| II | 65-92 | All branches, most jobs |
| IIIA | 50-64 | All branches |
| IIIB | 31-49 | Most branches (may need waiver) |
| IV | 10-30 | Generally not eligible |
| V | 1-9 | Not eligible (by law) |
Minimum AFQT by Branch
| Branch | Minimum AFQT (HS Diploma) | Minimum AFQT (GED) |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Navy | 31 | 50 |
| Marines | 32 | 50 |
| Air Force | 36 | 65 |
| Space Force | 36 | 65 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
How the Percentile Works
The AFQT percentile compares your score to a reference group of 18-23 year olds from the 1997 Profile of American Youth study. A score of 60 means you scored better than 60% of that reference population.
Improving Your AFQT
Focus on these four subtests:
- Word Knowledge - Vocabulary and synonyms
- Paragraph Comprehension - Reading comprehension
- Arithmetic Reasoning - Math word problems
- Mathematics Knowledge - Algebra and geometry
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine qualification for military enlistment and job placement across all branches. It consists of 10 subtests covering verbal, math, science, and technical domains.
Word Knowledge (WK)
Word Knowledge is an ASVAB subtest that tests vocabulary skills, including identifying synonyms and understanding word meanings. Combined with Paragraph Comprehension, it forms the Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is doubled in the AFQT formula.
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Arithmetic Reasoning is an ASVAB subtest that measures your ability to solve word problems involving basic arithmetic operations, percentages, ratios, and time/distance calculations. It is one of the four subtests used to calculate the AFQT score.
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
Mathematics Knowledge is an ASVAB subtest that tests pure mathematical concepts including algebra, geometry, and basic number theory. Unlike Arithmetic Reasoning, MK focuses on direct math problems rather than word problems.
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