Coast Guard ASVAB - Requirements and Positions

The Coast Guard is one of the most dynamic branches of the US military. It provides many opportunities, from scientific and medical, to combat and protection against both internal and external threats. If you are interested in joining, it's crucial to understand the Coast Guard ASVAB and Coast Guard ASVAB Score requirements, as well as available positions.

Kemi, ASVAB Test Expert at JobTestPrep
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Coast Guard Enlistment Requirements

In order to enlist in the Coast Guard, you need to meet certain requirements:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or a Resident Alien.
  • Be between the ages of 17-27
  • Reservists must be between 17-39. Prior service personnel should contact their local recruiter for specific programs.
  • You must have a high school diploma. GEDs are accepted in special circumstances. Have no more than two dependents
  • Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
  • Pass a military entrance medical exam

ASVAB Score for the Coast Guard

If you meet all the qualifications, the next step in your application process is passing the ASVAB test. In order to enlist, you will need an ASVAB score for the Coast Guard of at least 40 if you have a high school diploma or 50 if you have a GED. Each position within the Coast Guard requires a different test score, and your ASVAB Coast Guard line scores are derived from specific subtests.

Below is a table listing each qualification area, the ASVAB subtest, and what the final line score is a result of:

Qualification AreaASVAB Sub-testsLine Score Formula
Engineman (ENG)Auto & Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK)AS + MK
Administrative (ADM)Verbal Expression (VE)*, Mathematics Knowledge (MK)VE + MK
General Technical (GT)Verbal Expression (VE), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)VE + AR
Mechanical MaintenanceArithmetic Reasoning (AR), Auto & Shop Information (AS), Mechanical Comprehension (MC)AR + AS + MC
Health (HM)General Science (GS), Verbal Expression (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK)GS + VE + MK
Mechanical Maintenance (MEC 2)Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Assembling Objects (AO)AR + MC + AO
Electronics (EL)General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Electronics Information (EI)GS + AR + MK + EI
Nuclear Field (NUC)Verbal Expression (VE)*, Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Mechanical Comprehension (MC)VE + AR + MK + MC
Engineering and Electronics (BEE)General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK)GS + AR + (2 x MK)
Operations (OPS)Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK)AR + MK

*Verbal Expression (VE) = Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

Understand your ASVAB score with our ASVAB Scores guide.


Preparing for the ASVAB Coast Guard Test

Getting a qualifying ASVAB Coast Guard score is essential to securing a position in the branch. Preparing effectively can make all the difference. JobTestPrep offers comprehensive practice tests and study guides to help you achieve your best possible score. Start your preparation today and increase your chances of joining the Coast Guard.


An Alternative for the ASVAB

If you are concerned by the format of the ASVAB, there is a solution!
Instead of taking the ASVAB, you can choose to take the PiCAT, short for Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test.
It can be done from your home and with no time limit.
Read more about how the PiCAT scores system works and enjoy free practice questions.


Why the ASVAB Test is Crucial for Your Coast Guard Career

Your performance on the ASVAB test directly impacts which positions you qualify for in the Coast Guard. Higher scores open up a wider range of opportunities, including technical and specialized roles. Whether you aim to join a specific department or work in a more general capacity, understanding the significance of your ASVAB score for the Coast Guard is crucial to making informed career decisions.


How to Improve Your Coast Guard ASVAB Score

Scoring well on the ASVAB can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can significantly improve your score. Begin by identifying which subtests are most important for the position you want. Then, take an ASVAB simulation to get an initial idea of how you perform on both the key subtests and the AFQT sections. After evaluating your results, focus your practice on the areas where you need the most improvement. JobTestPrep’s 3-step ASVAB practice formula is designed to help you target your specific needs and boost your score.