What Are ASVAB Line Scores?
Most people know about the AFQT score — the percentile that determines basic enlistment eligibility. But the AFQT only uses 4 of the 9 ASVAB sections. The remaining sections feed into line scores (also called composite scores or aptitude area scores), which determine which specific military jobs you qualify for.
Each branch uses its own set of line scores, calculated by combining different ASVAB subtest scores. This is why two people with the same AFQT score can qualify for completely different jobs.
The 9 ASVAB Subtests (Abbreviations)
Before diving into line scores, here are the raw subtests each composite is built from:
- GS — General Science
- AR — Arithmetic Reasoning
- WK — Word Knowledge
- PC — Paragraph Comprehension
- MK — Mathematics Knowledge
- EI — Electronics Information
- AS — Auto & Shop Information
- MC — Mechanical Comprehension
- AO — Assembling Objects
- VE — Verbal Expression (= WK + PC, used in many Army composites)
Army Line Scores
The Army uses 10 composite scores. Each MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) requires minimums in one or more of these:
| Line Score | Name | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| GT | General Technical | VE + AR |
| ST | Skilled Technical | GS + VE + MK + MC |
| EL | Electronics | GS + AR + EI + MK |
| MM | Mechanical Maintenance | AS + EI + MC + NO (numerical operations) |
| OF | Operators & Food | VE + MC + AS |
| CO | Clerical | VE + AR + MK |
| FA | Field Artillery | AR + MK + GS |
| GM | General Maintenance | GS + AS + EI + MC |
| SC | Surveillance & Communications | VE + AR + AS + MC |
| CL | Clerical/Admin | VE + AR + MK |
GT is the most important Army line score. It's required for most competitive MOS. A GT score of 110+ opens Special Forces, intelligence, and many technical roles. GT 100+ covers the majority of Army jobs.
Navy Line Scores (NAVET Composites)
The Navy calculates composites differently. Key ones:
- VE — Verbal: WK + PC
- AR — Arithmetic Reasoning (used directly)
- MK — Mathematics Knowledge (used directly)
- GS — General Science (used directly)
- EI — Electronics Information (used directly)
- MC — Mechanical Comprehension (used directly)
Navy ratings list specific subtest minimums rather than named composites. For example, Cryptologic Technician (Intelligence) requires AFQT 72+ and VE+MK+GS 162+.
Air Force Line Scores (MAGE)
The Air Force uses four composite areas to categorize its AFSCs (jobs):
- M (Mechanical) — MC + AS (+ EI on some jobs)
- A (Administrative) — VE + MK
- G (General) — VE + AR
- E (Electronic) — AR + MK + EI + GS
Each AFSC lists required minimums in one or more MAGE categories. For example, Cyber Systems Operations requires E 70+.
Marines Line Scores
The Marine Corps uses the same MOS code system as the Army and uses similar composites:
- GT — VE + AR (same as Army)
- EL — GS + AR + EI + MK
- MM — AS + EI + MC
- CL — VE + AR + MK
Which Subtests Should You Focus On?
Here's how to prioritize based on what you want:
- Want any job / just need to enlist: Focus on AR, WK, PC, MK (AFQT sections)
- Want technical / cyber / intelligence jobs: Also study GS, EI, MK hard
- Want mechanical / vehicle / maintenance jobs: Also study MC, AS well
- Want officer / special forces routes: Maximize AR and VE for GT 110+
How to Check Your Line Scores
After your real ASVAB, your recruiter will give you a printout showing all your raw subtest scores and calculated line scores. On this site, after completing a practice test, your results page estimates your AFQT percentile and key line scores based on your performance — and shows which military jobs you'd currently qualify for.
Use those estimates as a study roadmap: if you're one GT point away from a job you want, you know exactly which subtests (AR and VE) to drill.