When & How to Retake the ASVAB: What You Need to Know

You scored lower than you'd hoped on the ASVAB. Now the question isn't whether you can retake it—you can—but how, when, and whether you should. Understanding the military's retake policy helps you make a smart decision instead of rushing back into the test unprepared.

The Basic Retake Rules

The military allows you to retake the ASVAB, but there are mandatory waiting periods between attempts. If you fail to reach the minimum qualifying score for enlistment (typically an AFQT score of 31), you must wait one calendar month before your next attempt. After two failed attempts, you need permission from your military branch's regional waiver authority to test a third time. A fourth attempt is possible but requires even higher-level approval and is rarely granted.

Importantly, your recruiter uses your highest AFQT score for qualification purposes, not your most recent score. This means you have nothing to lose by retaking it if you underperformed, as long as you actually prepare differently the second time around.

When a Retake Makes Sense

• You scored below a cutoff for a specific military job you want—retaking to reach that job's score threshold is worthwhile
• You know you didn't perform at your potential due to illness, anxiety, lack of sleep, or inadequate preparation
• You scored just below 50 on the AFQT—a small improvement could qualify you for better jobs or bonuses
• You're aiming for a competitive job or selective program that requires a higher-than-minimum score

When Retaking Doesn't Make Sense

• You already qualified for the job you want—taking it again risks a lower score that could disqualify you from certain positions
• You scored significantly below the AFQT minimum and have fundamental skill gaps in math or reading—you need serious study time, not a quick retake
• You're only retaking because a recruiter is pressuring you—make this decision based on your goals, not theirs

Be honest with yourself about why you underperformed. If you walked in unprepared, the one-month wait is your opportunity to actually study, not just to let time pass. If you prepared thoroughly and still scored low, you may need to adjust your military branch choice or accept a broader range of job options.

How to Actually Improve

Retaking without changing your approach guarantees the same result. Between attempts, identify which subtests dragged down your score—was it math, reading, mechanical knowledge, or electronics? Use free resources like Mission: Qualified or paid prep services to target those weak areas specifically. Practice under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy. If you struggled with test anxiety, work on that too through breathing techniques or desensitization.

The ASVAB is learnable. Many people improve 30-40 points with focused preparation. Give yourself at least three to four weeks of deliberate study before your retake, not just a few scattered practice tests in your spare time.