All branches of the U.S. military use the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) for enlistment. However, applicants for officer training take different tests for different branches of the military.
Army: If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, the Army uses ASVAB, SAT, or ACT scores to assess your qualifications for Officer Candidate School (OCS).
Air Force: The Air Force uses the AFOQT.
Navy: The Navy has its own test for aspiring officers: the ASTB. Many of the subtests assess overall aptitude, including ability in math, reading, and word knowledge. Some subtests are used only for those who are interested in becoming aviators.
Marines: You have the option of qualifying with SAT or ACT scores or with scores from portions of the ASVAB. If you’re interested in becoming an aviator in the Marines, you also need to take the ASTB.
Coast Guard: To join the Coast Guard, you must have a minimum qualifying score on portions of the ASVAB and on the SAT and ACT. If you want to be an aviator, you also must take the ASTB. The Coast Guard currently uses the ASTB score to select pilot candidates for training and uses a subcomponent score for its nonaviation officer commissioning program.
Note: Each service and program requires a different minimum score.
Join 4M+ learners. Unlock unlimited quizzes, wrong-answer tracking, flashcards + reminders, study guides, and 1-on-1 challenges.