Air Force ASVAB scores: the minimum, the GED rule and MAGE scores
Last checked October 14, 2026 · Sources: U.S. Air Force ASVAB page and the Department of Defense ASVAB FAQs
The Air Force requires an AFQT of at least 31 for high school seniors and graduates, and 50 for GED holders. Beyond that, your Air Force ASVAB scores are grouped into four MAGE areas (Mechanical, Administrative, General and Electronics), and each Air Force career sets a minimum in one of them.
The Air Force minimum AFQT
The Air Force says it holds Airmen to a high standard. Its published eligibility rules are short: high school seniors or graduates need an AFQT of at least 31, GED holders need at least 50, and officers take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) instead of the AFQT. Some guides still list 36 as the Air Force minimum, but the Air Force’s own page says 31.
The AFQT is not a separate test. It is a score taken from four ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. The Air Force explains that Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension are first added together into a Verbal Expression (VE) score. Your AFQT is reported as a percentile from 1 to 99. Our ASVAB scores guide compares the Air Force minimum with other branches.
Why the GED requirement matters
The gap between 31 and 50 is large. An AFQT of 31 sits at the bottom of Category IIIB on the Department of Defense’s scale, while 50 is the start of Category IIIA. If you hold a GED rather than a diploma, plan to prepare for a noticeably higher target, and ask a recruiter whether any other education rules apply to you.
MAGE scores: how the Air Force matches you to a career
The Air Force groups ASVAB subtests into four composite areas, known as MAGE. Like the AFQT, each MAGE score is a percentile from 1 to 99. The Air Force stresses that these percentiles show how you did compared with other test takers, not how many questions you answered correctly.
| MAGE area | Subtests the Air Force combines | Uses VE? |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical (M) | Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto and Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge | Yes |
| Administrative (A) | Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge | Yes |
| General (G) | Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge | Yes |
| Electronics (E) | Arithmetic Reasoning, Electronics Information, General Science, Mathematics Knowledge | No |
Source: airforce.com ASVAB page, checked October 14, 2026. VE = Word Knowledge plus Paragraph Comprehension.
The Air Force’s ASVAB page has a career slider that shows which careers each MAGE score qualifies you for. Minimums differ by career, so use that tool or ask a recruiter for the current figure for any job you want.
Which subtests to focus on for Air Force careers
Because three of the four MAGE areas include Verbal Expression, strong reading and vocabulary help across most Air Force careers, as well as your AFQT. Beyond that, the table points to a simple plan:
- Mechanical careers: add Auto and Shop and Mechanical Comprehension to your verbal and arithmetic work.
- Administrative careers: focus on Mathematics Knowledge alongside reading and vocabulary.
- General careers: Arithmetic Reasoning plus reading and vocabulary.
- Electronics careers: Electronics Information, General Science and both math subtests. This is the only area with no verbal component.
The Department of Defense publishes free sample questions for every subtest, which our free ASVAB resources page links to.
Air Force vs Army: how the scoring differs
Both branches start from the same ASVAB and the same AFQT, but they turn your subtest results into job scores differently. If you are weighing both, this is what changes:
| Air Force | Army | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum AFQT | 31; 50 with a GED | 31 |
| Job score system | 4 MAGE areas | 10 line scores |
| How job scores are shown | Percentiles from 1 to 99 | Line score values set per job, such as Combat 87 for infantry |
| Help if you score low | Not described on the Air Force page | Future Soldier Preparatory Course from an AFQT of 21 |
| Officers | Take the AFOQT instead | No ASVAB via ROTC, West Point or direct commission |
Sources: airforce.com and goarmy.com ASVAB pages, and the Oregon Army National Guard 11B page, checked October 14, 2026.
Retaking the ASVAB for the Air Force
The Air Force says you must wait 30 days before a retest, another 30 days before a third attempt, and six calendar months after your third attempt before a fourth. The Department of Defense states the first two waits as one calendar month each. Your scores can be used for enlistment for up to two years from the date of your last test.
Taking the test
The Air Force compares ASVAB preparation to getting ready for the ACT or SAT: learn the question types, how the test is given and how it is scored. The number of questions depends on whether you take the paper version or the computer version, and your recruiter or guidance counselor can tell you which applies. After the test, the Air Force says to contact your recruiter or guidance counselor about eligibility, which careers fit your strengths and the next steps.
Our ASVAB test day guide covers what happens at a Military Entrance Processing Station, and our PiCAT guide covers the at-home version.
Common questions about Air Force ASVAB scores
What is the minimum ASVAB score for the Air Force?
An AFQT of 31 if you are a high school senior or graduate, and 50 if you hold a GED, according to airforce.com.
Do Air Force officers take the ASVAB?
No. The Air Force says officers take the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) instead of the AFQT.
What does MAGE stand for?
Mechanical, Administrative, General and Electronics. They are the four composite areas the Air Force uses to decide which careers you qualify for.
Is a MAGE score the percentage of questions I got right?
No. The Air Force says its percentiles show how you did compared with other test takers, not the number of questions you answered correctly.
How long do Air Force ASVAB scores last?
Up to two years after your test date, according to the Air Force.
Compare with the Army’s line scores or go back to the ASVAB overview. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any service branch.