Is a 70 on the ASVAB Good?
Ever stared at that 70 on your ASVAB score sheet and wondered, “Is that good enough to get into the military?” You’re not alone. A lot of folks get stuck in that moment, comparing numbers, imagining recruiters staring back at them. The truth is, a 70 isn’t a magic number; it’s a piece of a larger puzzle. Let’s dig into what it really means, how it stacks up against the rest of the test, and what you can do next.
What Is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB – the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery – is a test that measures a wide range of skills: math, science, mechanical reasoning, and even language arts. The military uses it to determine which jobs you’re best suited for and whether you’re eligible for enlistment. Think of it as a career compass: it points you toward roles that match your strengths.
The ASVAB has two main scores you’ll hear about:
- AFQT – the Armed Forces Qualification Test. This is the 5‑digit number that decides if you can enlist at all.
- Composite Scores – a set of 12 scores that match you to specific military occupational specialties (MOS).
When people talk about “a 70 on the ASVAB,” they’re almost always referring to the AFQT score Nothing fancy..
How the AFQT Works
The AFQT is derived from four subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK). The raw scores from these subtests are combined, converted to a percentile, and then turned into a number between 0 and 99. That number is what you see on your score sheet Most people skip this — try not to..
Short version: it depends. Long version — keep reading Not complicated — just consistent..
Why It Matters / Why People Care
You might wonder why the AFQT matters at all. The short version is: without a qualifying AFQT, you can’t join the armed forces. Also, even if you’re passionate about a particular branch or role, a low AFQT score is a hard stop. That’s why many people panic when they see a number that feels low No workaround needed..
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The military has a range of roles with different requirements. Some positions accept lower AFQT scores, especially if you bring other strengths to the table (like physical fitness or specific technical skills). So, whether a 70 is good depends on your goals Simple as that..
What Happens If Your AFQT Is 70?
- Eligibility: A 70 is generally the minimum required to enlist in most branches. The Army, Navy, and Air Force all set 70 as the baseline. The Marines and Coast Guard are a bit stricter, but they still accept 70 if you meet other criteria.
- Branch Choice: Some branches are more forgiving with a 70. Here's one way to look at it: the Army will let you enlist but may limit your options to certain MOSs. The Navy is a bit more flexible, especially if you have a strong technical background.
- Career Opportunities: Even if you can enlist, a 70 may restrict you from high‑pay, high‑skill jobs. Think of it like a gate: the higher your AFQT, the more doors open.
How It Works (or How to Do It)
Let’s break down what a 70 actually means and how you can interpret it in context.
1. The Percentile Connection
A 70 AFQT score translates to a percentile rank of about 70th place out of 100. Now, that means you performed better than roughly 70% of the test‑taking population. In plain terms: you’re above average. But if you’re aiming for a specific job that requires a 90 or higher, you’re still a long way off Simple, but easy to overlook..
2. Branch‑Specific Minimums
| Branch | Minimum AFQT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 70 | Most roles accepted; some MOSs require higher |
| Navy | 70 | Accepts 70, but certain technical roles need > 80 |
| Air Force | 70 | Needs > 70 for many technical jobs |
| Marines | 74 | 70 is below the minimum |
| Coast Guard | 70 | Accepts 70 for many roles |
This is where a lot of people lose the thread.
So, if your dream is to become a Navy SEAL, a 70 is a no‑go. If you’re eyeing a logistics role in the Army, a 70 might just get you in.
3. The “What If” Scenarios
- You’re a high school senior: You can retake the ASVAB anytime. A 70 now doesn’t lock you out permanently. Keep studying, retake, and aim higher.
- You’re a college student: Many colleges offer ASVAB prep courses. A 70 might be enough to join the Army Reserve, but if you’re targeting a tech role, you’ll need a higher score.
- You’re a career changer: A 70 is a solid baseline. If you’re moving into a civilian field that values analytical skills, that AFQT shows you have a good foundation.
Common Mistakes / What Most People Get Wrong
-
Thinking a 70 is “average” and that’s all you need.
Most folks assume 70 is the sweet spot, but many military jobs require 80+ Still holds up.. -
Assuming all branches are the same.
The Army is more forgiving than the Marines, for example. Don’t mix them up. -
Ignoring the composite scores.
Even with a 70 AFQT, your MOS options depend on your individual subtest scores. A strong Mechanical Comprehension score can open doors you didn’t expect. -
Giving up after one test.
The ASVAB is retakeable. A 70 isn’t the end of the road; it’s just a starting point. -
Overlooking other enlistment requirements.
Physical fitness, medical, and background checks play a big role. A 70 won’t compensate for a medical issue.
Practical Tips / What Actually Works
1. Target the Right Branch
If you hit 70, focus on branches that accept that score. The Army and Navy are your best bets. Look up specific MOSs that match your interests and see their AFQT requirements Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
2. Improve Your Composite Scores
Even if you can’t raise your AFQT, you can boost your subtest scores. Focus on:
- Arithmetic Reasoning & Math Knowledge: Flashcards, Khan Academy, or a targeted study guide.
- Paragraph Comprehension & Word Knowledge: Read news articles, practice with SAT prep books, and use vocabulary apps.
Higher subtest scores can help you qualify for better jobs within your chosen branch.
3. Consider the Reserve
The Army Reserve often accepts a 70 AFQT and can offer roles that match your skills. It’s a way to get into the military without the full commitment of active duty It's one of those things that adds up..
4. Use Prep Resources
- Official ASVAB Prep Books – they mirror the test format.
- Online Practice Tests – free and paid options give you instant feedback.
- Study Groups – sharing tips and practicing together can boost confidence.
5. Plan for Retakes
If you’re aiming for a higher score, set a realistic timeline. But study consistently, take practice tests every week, and track your progress. A 70 now doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever.
6. Talk to a Recruiter
Recruiters can give you a realistic picture. But bring your score sheet, ask about MOS options, and discuss any gaps. They’re there to help you handle the process.
FAQ
Q: Can I enlist in the Marines with a 70 AFQT?
A: No. The Marines require a minimum of 74. You’d need to raise your score or consider another branch.
Q: Does a 70 AFQT mean I can’t get a good job in the military?
A: Not necessarily. Many logistics, administrative, and support roles accept 70. High‑skill tech jobs usually need 80+.
Q: How many times can I retake the ASVAB?
A: You can take it as many times as you want, but only the most recent score counts Most people skip this — try not to..
Q: Is it worth studying for the ASVAB if I already have a 70?
A: Absolutely. Even a modest bump can open up better positions and higher pay.
Q: Can a 70 AFQT get me into the Air Force?
A: The Air Force accepts 70, but many of its technical roles require higher scores. Check the specific job’s requirement before applying Surprisingly effective..
Closing
A 70 on the ASVAB isn’t a death sentence. It’s a baseline that lets you step onto the path toward a military career, but it also signals that there’s room to grow. So know your branch’s requirements, sharpen your weaker subtests, and keep the conversation open with recruiters. With a little extra effort, that 70 can become a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block.
