Updated November 20, 2023
Written by Vicky Harlow
If you wish to enlist in the US military, you will have to sit a test known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The test measures aptitudes across different subject areas.
Once you have your test score sheet you will want to understand what the scores mean and how they affect your application.
The minimum score needed to be successful varies across different branches of the military.
Some armed services will focus on the results of the subtests rather than your overall score during the recruitment process.
In addition, some will calculate a score based on a specific combination of the tests; this is the case with the GT score.
Read on to discover exactly what a military GT score is, how to find your GT score and what you can do to improve it and obtain the max ASVAB GT score that you can.
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What Is the ASVAB GT Score?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB tests are designed to test mental fitness of potential armed forces recruits.
Questions on the ASVAB cover the following broad subject areas:
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto and Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- Assembling Objects (AO)
Composite scores, also referred to as ‘line scores’, are calculated based on a specific combination of the results achieved for certain subtests.
This is so that the correct candidates can be matched to a military job that is most suited to them, based on the skill areas they perform best on.
A high composite score will leave more (and higher ranking) career options open to you within the military.
Your GT or ‘General Technical’ score is calculated based on the scores achieved on the following subtests:
Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) (plus Mechanical Comprehension (MC) in some cases).
This means that the General Technical (GT) score broadly indicates a candidate’s abilities relating to English language and math (and in some instances, mechanics).
How Is the GT Score Calculated?
The ASVAB test generates multiple different scores that are interpreted in different ways by different branches of the military.
First you will get a ‘standard score’ score for each subtest (based on how you performed in comparison to a peer group).
Second, there is the ASVAB Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), which combines scores on four of the subtests and coverts them to a percentile score.
Next there are composite or ‘line’ scores which are calculated using the combined scores for specific subtests. The GT or General Technical score is an important line score used by the Army and Marines to find talented recruits.
The Army calculates the ASVAB GT score by combining the results for:
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
The Marines find your ASVAB GT score by combining the above test results plus:
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
What Is a Good GT Score?
Rather than aiming for an average GT score, you should try to achieve as high a score as possible.
A good GT score expands the opportunities available to you within the armed forces.
You may need a good army GT score to get the post that you want or to have the chance for advancement within your chosen career path.
As different branches of the military have different requirements, the minimum GT score you need will depend on the specific job you are applying for.
In general, a score of 110 or above is considered high and is the minimum required to be eligible to be considered as an Army Officer or for special forces.
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How to Achieve the Highest GT Score
To ensure you give yourself the best chance of achieving the highest GT score that you can, you should try to do the following:
Step 1. Practice
Study and practice questions in advance. You can find sample ASVAB tests online and you can also prepare for the military test by reading widely and practicing mental arithmetic.
Step 2. Focus
Focus on any areas of weakness; revisit your high school textbooks if needed.
Step 3. Study Plan
Make a plan and set aside time to study. Practice questions under timed exam conditions once you are familiar with the subject material.
Step 4. Understand the Scores
Understand exactly which subject scores will affect your GT and make sure you perform at your best on these (though you should aim to perform consistently well throughout the test, as far as possible).
Step 5. Remain Calm
Stay calm on test day and make sure you are not distracted by being hungry, thirsty or tired.
You are unlikely to achieve the max ASVAB GT score that you can if you are stressed or not in peak condition mentally.
Step 6. Ask For Help
If you do not understand your score sheet or need any clarification, contact your careers advisor or recruitment officer for clarification, rather than getting confused or panicking that you have not achieved the score you need; you may simply be reading it wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
A GT score is a composite score. It is based on the score you get on the ‘general technical’ portion of the ASVAB. Army GT scores are calculated based on your performance in three subject areas: Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
Your army GT score is calculated based on your performance in three areas on the ASVAB: Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
If you look at a detailed breakdown of your ASVAB test scores, calculate your GT score by adding the scores for these subtests.
You need a score of 110 or above to qualify for certain military positions such as Army Officer or special forces.
To calculate your max army GT score find your scores for:
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Add them to your score for:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
If you are joining the Marines, you’ll also need to add your score for Mechanical Comprehension (MC) to the above subtests.
For a 110 GT score you need to excel in the verbal and math areas of the test (plus mechanical comprehension for joining the Marines).
Study and practice in advance, focusing on subject areas making up your GT score.
During the test manage your time well and read questions carefully.
Study areas you find difficult. You need strong English and math skills to excel in ASVAB sections relating to your GT score.
Practice tests, enroll in study programs, read widely, practice arithmetic and consider a math or English tutor.
Also reach out within your network or military forums for advice.
If you don’t get the required military GT score a retake may be possible. This might involve enrolling in study programs and taking a GT predictor test. If you score above 100 you may be able to retake the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT). Some schools offer classes to help.
Final Thoughts
Your military GT score reflects your abilities within basic numerical and verbal expression (plus mechanical comprehension if you want to join the Marines).
If you want to achieve a good GT score, it is essential to prepare in advance, including practicing questions and studying.
You should also know which specific subject areas of the test are combined to generate your GT score and focus on any weak areas.
When you take the ASVAB, find out in advance what minimum score you need to get into your chosen branch. Remember that different branches of the military will scrutinize your test scores in different ways including checking your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, standard scores and GT score.
Although your composite GT score is important, you should aim to prepare well and try your best across all of the subtest areas on the ASVAB.
