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Get the Coast Guard ASVAB Score You Need
We have the ASVAB Coast Guard practice tests, resources, and study tools you need to advance your military career.
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ASVAB Test Prep and Practice Tests
Taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is your first step toward a career in the military. The ASVAB tests your knowledge of basic concepts and skills and determines which branch and rank in the military for which you are eligible.
Coast Guard ASVAB Required Score
You will receive standard Coast Guard ASVAB scores for each of the subtests, an AFQT score, and composite scores. The minimum overall score for high school seniors or graduates to qualify for the Coast Guard is a 40 AFQT; GED holders must score a 50 AFQT.
Although the ASVAB tests you on knowledge you would have acquired in high school, there are sections of the test where you may want to focus your study efforts. Prepare for the ASVAB exam with Peterson’s! Our ASVAB test prep gives you full access to a diagnostic test, additional practice tests, a study guide, 900 exclusively-written interactive lessons, and videos covering all nine sections of the ASVAB, flashcards, and more. You will also gain access to 24/7 online tutoring to help you improve on your areas of weaknesses with select Peterson’s test prep subscriptions.
About the Coast Guard
Established on August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard is responsible for maritime duties such as security, ensuring safe and lawful commerce, and performing rescue missions in severe conditions.
Coast Guard Benefits
There are many advantages of serving in the Coast Guard. Here are just a few:
- Enlistment incentives and bonuses
- Tuition assistance
- Access to the best military schools and colleges
- Low-cost medical insurance for you and your family
- Cost of living allowances
- Affordable child-care programs for Coast Guard families
- Excellent retirement benefits
- Extensive vacation and travel
| Subtest | Content Covered | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | Life Science: basic biology, human nutrition, and health; Physical Science: elementary chemistry and physics; and Earth Science: geology, meteorology, and astronomy | 25 | 11 minutes |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | Basic mathematical word problems | 30 | 36 minutes |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | Your understanding of the meaning of words through synonyms and how they are used in a sentence | 35 | 11 minutes |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | Your ability to obtain information from written material. The reading passages vary in length from one paragraph to several paragraphs and may be used for one or more questions. | 15 | 13 minutes |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | Your general mathematical knowledge and ability to solve problems using high school mathematics, including algebra and some basic geometry | 25 | 24 minutes |
| Electronics Information (EI) | Questions that deal with electricity, radio principles, and electronics | 20 | 9 minutes |
| Auto and Shop Information (AS) | Material generally taught in automobile mechanics in vocational-technical schools and in shop instruction. It is designed to measure knowledge of automobiles, tools, and shop terminology and practices. | 25 | 11 minutes |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | Principles of mechanical devices, structural support and properties of materials | 25 | 19 minutes |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | Your spatial aptitude—the ability to perceive spatial relations. The items involve a series of five drawings and require identification of an assembled puzzle or correctly connected objects. | 25 | 15 minutes |
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Understanding Coast Guard Scores
The U.S. Coast Guard does not use line scores, but instead organizes its force according to rates and grades. The Coast Guard uses E-1 to E-9 pay-grade structures.
To determine Coast Guard job qualification, they use direct ASVAB subtest standard scores. This means if a job requires a General Science (GS), Auto & Shop (AS) and Mathematics Knowledge (MK) score of 80, the total of your scores on each of these subtests from the ASVAB would have to be 80 or above.
Top Coast Guard FAQs
Coast Guard ASVAB score requirements are the highest among all military branches. The minimum ASVAB score for Coast Guard is 40 if you are a high school senior or have a high school diploma, and 50 if you are a GED holder. The higher you score on your ASVAB, the more job opportunities within the Coast Guard you’ll have.
Our ASVAB practice tests include a full diagnostic test that covers all nine sections of the ASVAB, giving you insight into your strengths and weaknesses. These Coast Guard ASVAB practice tests will help you earn a high Coast Guard ASVAB score and get the career you want.
To be eligible to enlist in the Coast Guard, an applicant must:
- Be between the ages of 17 and 39
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal, permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma, GED with at least 15 college credits, or GED
- Earn the minimum score required on the ASVAB test
- Pass a medical exam at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS)
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass criminal background and credit checks
- Meet the Coast Guard’s mental and moral standards
In general, enlistment Coast Guard contracts are for eight years. Most commonly, Coast Guard contracts consist of four years active duty and four years in the inactive reserves and ready reserves obligations. In some cases, you may be be offered three, four or six year active duty contracts. Within your contract, you’ll be offered benefits like medical care, occupational training, and continued education. You should expect to be reassigned every 2-4 years to positions of greater responsibility. Note that this often requires moving.
Enlisted Coast Guard rates are divided into three levels:
- Non-rates—members without a designated occupation (E-1 through E-3)
- Petty officers (E-4 through E-6)
- Chief petty officers (E-7 through E-9)
- Maritime Security
- Maritime Mobility
- Maritime Safety
- Protection of Natural Resources
- National Defense
- Law
- Environment
- Aviation
- Engineering
- Command, control, communications
- Computer & information technologies
- Intelligence
Take a look at Coast Guard ASVAB Score Requirements and Related Coast Guard Jobs by Rating:
| Coast Guard Rating | Coast Guard Job Title | Minimum Required ASVAB Score |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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Coast Guard Test Prep Courses and Practice Tests
Access our full Test Prep library, including practice tests and courses for ASTB-E, DLPT, and OAR to help advance your career in the Coast Guard.
Coast Guard Blog Articles
Get expert advice on how to advance your Coast Guard career with our blog articles:
- What Your ASVAB Scores Mean
- Send Your Aviation Career Soaring with the ASTB-E Exam
- How to Become an Officer in the Military
- A Complete Guide to Mastering the OAR Exam
- Advice from a Veteran: How to Transition from Soldier to Student
- ASVAB Test Prep: How to Get the Score You Want on the ASVAB
- Military Veterans Scholarships and Education Benefits Programs
- Test Prep to Help You Sail Through the NAPT Exam
- How DLPT Exams Help Military Members Increase Their Earnings Potential
- Using the ASVAB to Carve Out a Career in the Armed Forces
- Veterans’ Advice: How Military Benefits Helped Fund My Education
