Is the Coast Guard Hard to Get Into?
Yes — the Coast Guard is the most selective enlisted branch when it comes to ASVAB requirements. The minimum AFQT is 40 for high school graduates and 50 for GED holders, higher than any other branch. Because the Coast Guard is also the smallest branch, it can afford to be selective.
Beyond AFQT, each Coast Guard rating has additional composite score requirements. Competition for limited slots is real: scoring well above the minimums is important.
Minimum AFQT to Enlist
- High school diploma: AFQT 40
- GED: AFQT 50
In practice, Coast Guard recruiters often see average enlistee AFQT scores in the 55–65 range. An AFQT of 55+ makes you a competitive applicant. 65+ is excellent for Coast Guard purposes.
Coast Guard Rating System
Like the Navy, the Coast Guard uses ratings as its job classification. Each rating has specific responsibilities and its own ASVAB score requirements. The Coast Guard uses subtests and combinations similar to the Navy's system.
Technical & Electronics Ratings
- Electrician's Mate (EM): AR+MK+EI+GS 212
- Electronics Technician (ET): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Information Systems Technician (IT): AR+MK+EI+GS 222
- Machinery Technician (MK): AR+MC+GS 150, VE+AR+MK+MC 210
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT): VE+AR+MK+MC 210
- Aviation Electrician's Mate (AET): AR+MK+EI+GS 220
Operations & Enforcement Ratings
- Boatswain's Mate (BM): AFQT 40 (no additional composite)
- Maritime Enforcement Specialist (ME): AR+VE 110
- Operations Specialist (OS): VE+AR+MK+MC 210
- Aviation Survival Technician (AST — Rescue Swimmer): AR+MC+GS 170, VE+AR+MK+MC 225
Intelligence & Cyber Ratings
- Intelligence Specialist (IS): AFQT 60, VE+AR+MK+GS 225
- Cyber Operations (CO): AR+MK+EI+GS 225
Medical & Administrative Ratings
- Health Services Technician (HS): VE+MK+GS 154
- Storekeeper (SK): AR+MK 95
- Yeoman (YN): VE+AR 105
Aviation Ratings
- Avionics Electrical Technician (AET): AR+MK+EI+GS 220
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT): VE+AR+MK+MC 210
- Aviation Survival Technician (AST): AR+MC+GS 170 or VE+AR+MK+MC 225
Tips for Coast Guard Applicants
Given the Coast Guard's selectivity, here's how to maximize your chances:
- Target 55+ AFQT minimum. At 40 you can technically enlist, but your job options will be very limited. Aim for 60+ to be competitive for technical ratings.
- Raise AR+MK+EI+GS. This composite unlocks nearly every technical rating. A combined score of 220+ puts most tech jobs within reach.
- Physical fitness matters too. The CGPA (Coast Guard Physical Fitness Assessment) must be passed before enlisting. Physical and academic prep should go hand-in-hand.
- Talk to a recruiter early. Coast Guard recruiters are harder to find than Army or Navy recruiters. Contact your nearest MEPS early — available slots can be limited.
Browse Coast Guard Ratings
See the full list of Coast Guard ratings with ASVAB requirements at our Coast Guard Ratings Explorer. After a practice test, check your results to see which ratings you'd currently qualify for.