USMC Enlisted Job Qualifications and ASVAB Scores

Marine Corps ASVAB Line Scores

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By
Stewart Smith
Stew Smith
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Stew Smith, CSCS, is a Veteran Navy SEAL Officer, freelance writer, and author with expertise in the U.S. military, military fitness, and its traditions.

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Updated on June 25, 2019

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) has long been the first test many recruiter applicants will see after initially speaking with the service recruiter. There are standards within the Armed Forces and passing the ASVAB with high enough scores will at first allow you to enter military service, but also let you have a range of MOSs (jobs) that will qualify for. The higher the ASVAB score, the more opportunities you may have in the military. If you score at a bare minimum on the test, then you will be fairly limited in the job skills available to you within the military.

How to Prepare for the ASVAB

Treat the ASVAB like any other test you have taken in high school or college—study for it. There are many options online as well as preparatory programs and practice tests you should do prior to taking the test for real. Some of the skills tested (listed below) you may not remember taking in high school and the conceptual knowledge tested in mechanical devices can throw the most polished test taker if you are not prepared for those type of questions.

ASVAB Knowledge Categories

The ASVAB subtests for determining the composites are:

  • General Science (GS),
  • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
  • Word Knowledge (WK)
  • Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
  • Auto & Shop Information (AS)
  • Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
  • Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
  • Electronics Information (EI)

How Your Scores Are Calculated

  • Verbal Expression (VE) - Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension, scaled (VE).
  • Current aptitude area composites used for MOS selection for the Marine Corps are as follows:
  • CL- Clerical, Administrative, Supply & Finance - NO + CS + VE - The CL score range for most job qualifications within the USMC recommend a score of 90-100 or more.
  • EL -Electronics Repair, Missile Repair, Electronics, and Communications -GS+AR+MK+EI - Your EL score should be in the 90-115 range or above to qualify for most jobs in the electronics systems and communications MOS.
  • MM - Mechanical Maintenance, Construction, Utility, and Chemical Maintenance (hazmat) - GS+AS+MK+MC - The MM scores range from 85-105 to qualify for most jobs involving mechanics, construction, utility and hazardous materials.
  • GT - General Technical, Special, and Officer Programs - VE+AR - Most jobs that require the GT scores recommend a score from 80-110 or more to qualify for a variety of MOSs in this grouping.
  • ST - Skilled Technical: GS+VE+MK+MC - General Science, Verbal Expression, Math knowledge, and Mechanical Comprehension make up a challenging combination Skilled Technical (ST) score.
  • The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) score is what the recruiters will first decipher as it determines whether you’re eligible to join ANY military branch of service. The AFQT is the following subtest scores combined: VE+PC+WK+AR. These are Verbal Expression (VE), which is computed from the Paragraph Comprehension (PC) and Word Knowledge (WK) subtests plus Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), and Math Knowledge (MK).

Career Fields and ASVAB Scores

The following chart is the Active Duty USMC MOS's and the related ASVAB Score and entry-level positions open to recruits joining the Marine Corps: 

MOS/Job Title ASVAB Line Score Required
01 -- Personnel and Administration
0121 - Personnel Clerk CL=100
0151 - Administrative Clerk CL=100
0161 - Postal Clerk CL=90
02 -- Intelligence
0231 - Intelligence Specialist GT=100
0261 - Geographic Intelligence Specialist EL=100
03 -- Infantry
0311 - Infantry Rifleman GT=80
0313 - LAV Crewman GT=90
0321 - Reconnaissance Man GT=105
0331 - Machine Gunner GT=80
0341 - Mortarman CT=80
0351 - Assaultman GT=80
0352 - Antitank Assault Guided Missileman GT=90
04 -- Logistics
0411 - Maintenance Management Specialist GT=100
0431 - Logistics/Embarkation and Combat Service Support (CSS) Specialist GT=100
0451 - Air Delivery Specialist GT=100
0481 - Landing Support Specialist GT=95
05 -- Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Plans
0511 - MAGTF Planning Specialist GT=110
06 -- Communications
0612 - Field Wireman GT=90
0613 - Construction Wireman EL=90
0614 - Unit Level Circuit Switch (ULCS) Operator/Maintainer EL=100
0621 - Field Radio Operator EL=90
0622 - Mobile Multichannel Equipment Operator EL=100
0624 - High-Frequency Communication Central Operator EL=100
0626 - Fleet SATCOM Terminal Operator EL=100
0627 - Ground Mobile Forces SATCOM Operator EL=100
08 -- Field Artillery
0811 - Field Artillery Cannoneer GT=90
0842 - Field Artillery Radar Operator GT=105
0844 - Field Artillery Fire Control Man GT=105
0847 - Artillery Meteorological Man GT=105
0861 - Fire Support Man GT=100
11 -- Utilities
1141 - Electrician EL=90
1142 - Electrical Equipment Repair Specialist EL=100
1161 - Refrigeration Mechanic MM=105
1171 - Hygiene Equipment Operator MM=85
1181 - Fabric Repair Specialist MM=85
13 -- Engineer, Construction, Facilities, and Equipment
1316 - Metal Worker MM=95
1341 - Engineer Equipment Mechanic MM=95
1345 - Engineer Equipment Operator MM=95
1361 - Engineer Assistant GT=100
1371 - Combat Engineer MM=95
1391 - Bulk Fuel Specialist MM=85
18 -- Tank and Assault Amphibious Vehicle
1812 - M1A1 Tank Crewman GT=90
1833 - Assault Amphibious Vehicle GT=90
21 -- Ground Ordnance Maintenance
2111 - Small Arms Repairer/Technician MM=95
2131 - Towed Artillery Systems Technician MM=95
2141 - Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2146 - Main Battle Tank (MBT) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2147 - Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Repairer/Technician MM=105
2161 - Machinist MM=105
2171 - Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairer MM=105
23 -- Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance Disposal
2311 - Ammunition Technician GT=100
26 -- Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare
2631 - Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Intercept Operator/Analyst GT=100
2651 - Special Intelligence System Administrator/Communicator GT=100
2671 - Arabic Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2673 - Korean Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2674 - Spanish Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
2676 - Russian Cryptologic Linguist GT=105
27 - Linguist (MOS dependent upon language specialty DLPT
28 -- Ground Electronics Maintenance
2811 - Telephone Technician EL=115
2818 - Personal Computer (PC)/Tactical Office Machine Repairer EL=115
2822 - Electronic Switching Equipment Technician EL=115
2831 - Multichannel Equipment Repairer EL=115
2841 - Ground Radio Repairer EL=115
2844 - Ground Communications Organizational Repairer EL=115
2846 - Ground Radio Intermediate Repairer EL=115
2847 - Telephone Systems/Personal Computer Intermediate Repairer EL=115
2871 - Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment Technician EL=115
2881 - Communication Security Equipment Technician EL=115
2887 - Counter Mortar Radar Repairer EL=115
30 -- Supply Administration and Operations
3043 - Supply Administration and Operations Clerk CL=110
3051 - Warehouse Clerk CL=90
3052 - Packaging Specialist CL=80
31 -- Traffic Management
3112 - Traffic Management Specialist CL=90
33 -- Food Service
3361 - Subsistence Supply Clerk CL=90
3381 - Food Service Specialist GT=90
34 -- Financial Management
3432 - Finance Technician CL=110
3451 - Fiscal/Budget Technician CL=110
35 -- Motor Transport
3521 - Organizational Automotive Mechanic MM=95
3531 - Motor Vehicle Operator MM=85
3533 - Logistics Vehicle System Operator MM=85

43 -- Public Affairs
4341 - Combat Correspondent GT=105
44 -- Legal Services
4421 - Legal Services Specialist CL=100
46 -- Combat Camera
4611 - Combat Illustrator GT=100
4612 - Combat Lithographer GT=100
4641 - Combat Photographer GT=100
4671 - Combat Videographer GT=100
55 -- Music
5526 to 5566 - Musician AFQT Score of 50
5711 - Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) Defense Specialist GT=110
58 -- Military Police and Corrections
5811 - Military Police GT=100
5831 - Correctional Specialist GT=100
59 -- Electronics Maintenance
5937 - Aviation Radio Repairer EL=105
5942 - Aviation Radar Repairer EL=105
5952 - Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician EL=105
5953 - Air Traffic Control Radar Technician EL=105
5954 - Air Traffic Control Communications Technician EL=105
5962 - Tactical Data Systems Equipment (TDSE) Repairer EL=105
5963 - Tactical Air Operations Module Repairer EL=105
60/61/62 -- Aircraft Maintenance
6046 - Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist CL=100
6048 - Flight Equipment Technician MM=105
6061 - Aircraft Intermediate Level Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic MM=105
6071 - Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment (SE) Mechanic MM=105
6072 - Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Hydraulic/ Pneumatic Structures Mechanic MM=105
6073 - Aircraft Maintenance Support Equipment Electrician/ Refrigeration Mechanic MM=105
6074 - Cryogenics Equipment Operator MM=105
6091 - Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic MM=105
6092 - Aircraft Intermediate Level Structures Mechanic MM=105

63/64 -- Avionics
6311 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician EL=105
6312 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Weapon Systems Technician - AV-8 EL=105
6314 - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Avionics Technician EL=105
6316 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation Systems Technician - KC-130 EL=105
6317 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Weapon Systems Technician - F/A-18 EL=105
6322 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical Systems Technician - CH-46 EL=105
6323 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical Systems Technician - CH-53 EL=105
6324 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician - U/AH-1 EL=105
6326 - Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Electrical/Weapon Systems Technician - V-22 EL=105
6331 - Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician-Trainee EL=105
6332 - Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician - AV-8 EL=105
6333 - Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician - EA-6 EL=105
6336 - Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician - KC-130 EL=105
6337 - Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician - F/A-18 EL=105
6386 - Aircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems Technician - EA-6B EL=105
65 -- Aviation Ordnance
6511 - Aviation Ordnance Technician GT=105
6531 - Aircraft Ordnance Technician GT=105
6541 - Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician GT=105
66 -- Aviation Logistics
6672 - Aviation Supply Clerk CL=100
6673 - Automated Information Systems (AIS) Computer Operator CL=100
68 -- Meteorology and Oceanography
6821 - Weather Observer GT=105
70 -- Airfield Services
7011 - Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician MM=95
7041 - Aviation Operations Specialist CL=100
7051 - Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue Specialist MM=95
72 -- Air Control/Air Support/Anti-air Warfare/Air Traffic Control
7212 - Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Gunner GT=90
7234 - Air Control Electronics Operator GT=105
7242 - Air Support Operations Operator GT=100
7251 - Air Traffic Controller GT=105
7257 - Air Traffic Controller GT=105
73 -- Navigation Officer/Enlisted Flight Crews
7314 - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Air Vehicle Operator GT=105
7371 - Aerial Navigator GT=110
7381 - Airborne Radio Operator/Inflight Refueling Observer/ Loadmaster GT=110
80 -- Miscellaneous Requirements MOSs