The ASVAB has a variety of uses. High school juniors and seniors taking the ASVAB can use their scores to enlist within two years. There are two test-types for military entrance, computerized (CAT-ASVAB) and pencil and paper (P&P-ASVAB), which can be taken at either a processing station or a mobile site. The ASVAB can also be taken by those already serving in the military who wish to retrain for a different occupation. In this case, the test has a different name, the Armed Forces Classification Test (ACFT).
There are ten testing categories, but only four determine enlisting eligibility: word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning and mathematics knowledge. The scores from these four categories make up the overall score, or AFQT, and the highest percentile score possible is a 99. The minimum AFQT score required for entrance depends on the military branch and whether the applicant has obtained a high school diploma or GED.
Scores from other categories, such as mechanical comprehension, make up line scores. Composite scores from these areas establish job qualification.
For civilians, scores are valid for two years. Scores of those currently in the military are valid as long as the person is in the service. Also, in any situation, it is the latest test score, not the highest, that is considered valid.
In general, applicants can take the ASVAB as many times as necessary to achieve the required score. After the initial test, 30 days must pass before the first retest, and another 30 days must pass before the second retest. Any retests thereafter must each have a six month waiting period. This policy does apply to high school testing.
Once the minimum AFQT score is reached for the desired military branch, the ASVAB can not be retaken to qualify for particular jobs, unless that branch has different retesting policies. For example, the Army does not allow retests for the purpose of trying to qualify for a particular job. However, the Coast Guard allows retesting every six months for the sole purpose of qualifying for different enlistment options.
If an applicant gains 20 or more AFQT points within a six month time frame, the applicant must retest for confirmation purposes -- in this case, they may test immediately.