Whether you did not get the sore you were hoping for on the ASVAB test, you simply did not pass the ASVAB test, or you want to improve your existing ASVAB test score, many people have questions about the retest policy of the ASVAB. We’ve addressed several frequently asked questions about the ability to retake the ASVAB test.
How long do I need to wait before I can retake the ASVAB?
After you take the ASVAB test for the first time, there has to be a one month waiting period before you are able to retake the ASVAB test. In order to do a second retake of the ASVAB another one month waiting period must occur before you can retake the ASVAB test again. To retake the ASVAB any times after that a six month wait is necessary between any ASVAB test retakes.
To summarize that, you could theoretically take the ASVAB test three times in a three month period. For example, take the ASVAB for the first time ever on September 1, do a first test retake on October 1 and then a second test retake on November 1. If you wish to retake the ASVAB after your second test retake you would need to wait six months, or until May 1.
How many times can you take the ASVAB?
Technically, you have the ability to retake the ASVAB test as many times as you like. However there are restrictions on how many times you can take the test in a given period. For example, if you have already retaken the ASVAB twice you will need to wait 6 months for every time you take the ASVAB test again.
It is important to know that if your official ASVAB score will always be the score from the last ASVAB test that you took. If you are unsure of whether or not you should retake the ASVAB test again, it is best to talk to your military recruiter or high school counselor for some guidance on whether or not you should retake the ASVAB to try to improve your score.
Can you retake the ASVAB if you passed?
Yes. Just because you passed the ASVAB does not mean that you are no longer eligible to take the ASVAB test again. This makes sense for many test takers as particular jobs within the military require minimum AFQT scores or minimum scores in certain subsections of the ASVAB test.
If you know of a particular job within the military that you would like to pursue it is important to know the minimum score requirements for that position.
As mentioned earlier, it is critical to understand that the score of the most recent ASVAB test you took will be your official ASVAB score. If you already passed the ASVAB and are eligible for the majority of jobs that you would be interested in, it may be in your best interest to avoid re-taking the ASVAB test. Consult your military recruiter or high school guidance counselor if you are not sure what your best course of action should be.
Can you retake the ASVAB if you failed?
Absolutely. It is encouraged by military recruiters that you retake the ASVAB if you failed the first time. Not everyone is a good test taker and the military understands that, which is why they have given their future military personnel the ability retake the ASVAB if they fail it on the first try.
Can you retake the ASVAB after enlistment?
While in active duty in the military you are not eligible to retake the ASVAB test. The ASVAB is used for enlistment purposes and your ASVAB score is designed to be your score used throughout your service in the military.
How long are my ASVAB test scores good for?
ASVAB test scores are good for two years after the date you took the test only for enlistment purposes. If you took the ASVAB and then re-took the test at a later date and got a worse score the date of your second test score would be used.
In the majority of cases, once you are in the military your ASVAB score remains valid throughout your time in the military.