The U.S. Coast Guard is the smallest and most selective branch of the U.S. military, and ASVAB scores play a major role in determining who qualifies to serve, and for which jobs.
This page is for applicants who want to understand how Coast Guard ASVAB and AFQT scores work, what the minimum requirements are, and how competitive different ratings can be.
Unlike other branches, meeting the minimum score does not guarantee acceptance.
Higher scores significantly improve your chances of qualifying for both enlistment and preferred Coast Guard ratings.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of Coast Guard jobs and the ASVAB scores typically required to qualify.
ASVAB Scores For Coast Guard Jobs
| Coast Guard Rating | Coast Guard Job Title | ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| AET | Avionics Electrical Technician | Min. score: 171 |
| AMT | Aviation Maintenance Technician | Min. score: 213 (min. AR: 52) |
| AST | Aviation Survival Technician | Min. score: 162 (Minimum AFQT score of 65) |
| BM | Boatswain’s Mate | Min. score: 101 |
| CS | Culinary Specialist | Min. score: 106 |
| DC | Damage Controlman | Min. score: 152 |
| DV | Diver | Min. score: 104 |
| EM | Electrician’s Mate | Min. score: 152 (Minimum AR of 52) |
| ET | Electronics Technician | Min. score: 171 (Minimum AR of 52) or AFQT of 66 |
| FS | Food Service Specialist | Min. score: 106 |
| GM | Gunner’s Mate | Min. score: 208 |
| HS | Health Services Technician | Min. score: 154 |
| IT | Information Systems Technician | Min. score: 171 (Minimum AR 52) |
| IS | Intelligence Specialist | Min. score: N/A |
| IV | Investigator | Min. score: N/A |
| MK | Machinery Technician | Min. score: 150 or VE+AR of 106 |
| MST | Marine Science Technician | Min. score: 115 (Minimum MK of 58) |
| ME | Maritime Law Enforcement Specialist | Min. score: 100 |
| MU | Musician | Min. score: N/A |
| OS | Operations Specialist | Min. score: 106 |
| PS | Port Security Specialist | Min. score: 101 |
| PA | Public Affairs Specialist | Min. score: 110 (Minimum VE of 60) |
| SK | Storekeeper | Min. score: 106 (Minimum VE of 52) |
| YN | Yeoman | Min. score: 106 and NO+CS of 101 |
What People Get Wrong About Coast Guard ASVAB Scores
Many applicants assume the Coast Guard has “harder” ASVAB requirements because the jobs themselves are more technical.
In reality, the higher score expectations reflect how selective the Coast Guard is as a branch.
Because the Coast Guard is small and mission-focused, it can afford to be highly selective, even for entry-level roles. This means applicants often need stronger scores not just to qualify for a rating, but to secure an available slot.
A competitive ASVAB score improves your flexibility, increases your chance of being accepted, and gives you more options when choosing a rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good ASVAB score for the Coast Guard?
In order to increase your chances of getting into the Coast Guard, you’ll want to score as high as possible.
An AFQT score of 50 or better would be considered a good score.
Keep in mind that you can retake the test several times if your score is sub-par, with a few stipulations.
What is the highest you can score on the ASVAB?
The highest possible score for the ASVAB test is 99, which would place you in the 99th percentile.
What ASVAB score do I need to become a rescue swimmer?
In order to qualify for Aviation Survival Technician (IE ‘Rescue Swimmer), you will need a minimum ASVAB score of 162 and an AFQT score of at least 65.
To better your chances of being accepted, you should try to score higher.
What’s the necessary score for the Coast Guard reserves?
In order to join the Coast Guard Reserve, you will need a minimum AFQT score of 40 on the ASVAB.
The Coast Guard reserve is also very difficult to get into, especially when compared to other military branches.
ASVAB Score Requirements For Other Branches:
References
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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