The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test designed to assess your strengths and weaknesses in various academic areas. This test is commonly used by the U.S. military to determine your eligibility for different military occupations.

The ASVAB consists of 10 subtests that cover a wide range of academic skills, such as mathematics, reading comprehension, and science. You can take the ASVAB multiple times, but there are certain restrictions on how often you can retake the test.
How Often Can You Retake the ASVAB?
You can take the ASVAB up to three times within a 12-month period. If you have taken the test three times and still have not met the minimum score requirements for your desired military occupation, you may be eligible to take the test again after a waiting period of six months.
Exceptions to the Retake Policy
There are certain circumstances in which you may be allowed to take the ASVAB more than three times within a 12-month period. These circumstances include:
- If you have a documented learning disability
- If you have been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD
- If you have been deployed to an active combat zone
- If you have been medically evacuated from an active combat zone
Why Does the Retake Policy Matter?
The ASVAB retake policy helps to ensure that all test-takers have a fair chance of achieving the highest possible score. By limiting the number of times that you can retake the test, the military ensures that you have adequate time to prepare and improve your skills.
Benefits of Taking the ASVAB Multiple Times
There are several benefits to taking the ASVAB multiple times, including:
- You can improve your score by identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
- You can become more familiar with the test format and content.
- You can increase your chances of qualifying for your desired military occupation.
Strategies for Improving Your ASVAB Score
If you are planning to take the ASVAB, there are several strategies that you can use to improve your score, such as:
- Study the ASVAB study guide
- Take practice tests
- Get tutoring
- Review your previous scores
By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of achieving the highest possible ASVAB score.
Pros and Cons of Taking the ASVAB Multiple Times
Pros:
- You can improve your score by identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
- You can become more familiar with the test format and content.
- You can increase your chances of qualifying for your desired military occupation.
Cons:
- You may have to wait a long time to retake the test.
- The retake policy may limit your opportunities to qualify for certain military occupations.
Conclusion
The ASVAB retake policy helps to ensure that all test-takers have a fair chance of achieving the highest possible score. By understanding the retake policy and following the strategies outlined above, you can increase your chances of success on the ASVAB.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the ASVAB retake policy:
- You can take the ASVAB at any Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
- The ASVAB is a timed test, so it is important to practice taking the test under timed conditions.
- You can find free ASVAB study materials online and at your local library.
By following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of success on the ASVAB and achieve your military career goals.
Number of Times You Can Retake the ASVAB | Waiting Period |
---|---|
1 | None |
2 | None |
3 | 6 months |
4+ | Case-by-case basis |
Benefits of Taking the ASVAB Multiple Times |
---|
Improved score |
Increased familiarity with the test format and content |
Increased chances of qualifying for your desired military occupation |
Strategies for Improving Your ASVAB Score |
---|
Study the ASVAB study guide |
Take practice tests |
Get tutoring |
Review your previous scores |
| Pros and Cons of Taking the ASVAB Multiple Times |
|—|—|
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved score | Long waiting period |
| Increased familiarity with the test format and content | Limited opportunities for certain military occupations |
| Increased chances of qualifying for your desired military occupation | |