Retesting Policies

It's a common enough question. You've taken the ASVAB and scored high enough to "pass" and to be enlisted in one of the armed services. However, your scores do not permit entry into the service you want. Can you take a retest?

In point of fact, each of the services has its own policy toward retesting. However, there are some general rules that apply to those who wish to retest. First of all, the ASVAB you may have taken in high school doesn't count as an initial test, so that is a distinct advantage to those persons who took the high school version. For those persons whose initial AFQT scores did not qualify them for the service they want, the ASVAB can be taken again after 30 days. You must contact your recruiter to do this.

Keep in mind that an ASVAB test is active for two years. Beyond that point, the ASVAB must be taken again by those who wish to enlist but have not already done so. Some services allow that two-year period of active ASVAB scores to be used for retraining in other specialized areas.

• Army retest policies allow for retesting after 30 days if the previous AFQT score is not high enough to qualify for enlistment. After the second test attempt, you must wait six months before trying again.
• The Air Force has restrictions on retesting for those persons who are enrolled in a Delayed Entry Program. For those with high enough AFQT scores to qualify, the Air Force permits retesting for those enlistees who have not already secured a job reservation or if a required line score is below acceptable levels.
• The U.S. Navy has restrictions also for those enrolled in the DEP, but permits retesting of applicants with expired AFQT scores (more than two years old.)
• The Marine Corps has a liberal retesting policy for those who have not met AFQT policies but leaves a great deal to the discretion of the Marine recruiter. The recruiter must decide whether previous scores reflect the candidate's true capabilities.
• The U.S. Coast Guard does not allow for retesting until six months have elapsed. As with many rules, however, there are exceptions to this one. Where the Coast Guard deems it warranted, the candidate can be tested again within 30 days if the potential recruit's initial performance was an anomaly given the recruit's level of education, knowledge, and experience