ASVAB. Everyone talks about it if you’re even thinking about the military. And naturally, people freak out, wondering how many chances they get. Can you just keep taking it until you get the score you want?
The short answer, the really direct one, is no, not infinitely. There are strict rules. It’s not like trying on a hundred sweaters until I find the perfect one. It’s more like, you get a few shots, but each shot costs you time, and maybe some dignity if you’re not ready.
Look, when you take the ASVAB for the first time, that’s just it – your first time. No big deal. Everyone goes through it. You probably go to a testing center, or maybe even your school. Then you get your score. It’s either good enough for what you want, or it’s not. If it’s not, that’s when the questions start about retaking it.
The Retake Rules, They’re Pretty Simple But Annoying
So, you bombed it. Or maybe you just didn’t score high enough for that super specific job you had your heart set on. Can you retake it? Yeah, absolutely. But there’s a wait. They don’t want you just showing up the next day, hoping for a different test or something.
First retake? You gotta wait at least 30 calendar days. Not business days, calendar days. That’s a whole month. Think about that. A month of waiting just to sit down and try again. And you should use that time. Seriously, what’s the point of waiting a month if you’re not gonna study anything new? I mean, unless you think magic will happen, which it won’t.
Let’s say you take it again after 30 days, and it’s still not quite there. Maybe you improved, but still not enough. Can you try for a third time? Yep. But the waiting period jumps. For your second retake (so, your third attempt overall), you have to wait 30 days again from the previous test, but then another, even longer wait. This next wait is longer, usually at least six months. Half a year. That’s a significant chunk of time just to get back in the testing room.
Why the Long Waits? No, Really, Why?
Why do they make you wait so long? It’s not just to annoy you. They want you to actually study and improve your knowledge. They don’t want people just guessing or memorizing a few questions. The ASVAB is supposed to measure your aptitude for various military jobs. If you keep failing, it means you’re missing fundamental stuff. They’re basically forcing you to hit the books. It makes sense, when you think about it. If someone’s going to be fixing a multi-million dollar jet, I don’t want them to have just barely scraped by on a multiple-choice test because they got lucky.
My take on it: these waiting periods are a gift. A forced one, maybe, but a gift. They prevent endless, pointless retakes. They force some level of commitment to getting better. And honestly, if you can’t use a month or six months to improve your score, maybe the military isn’t the right path right now. Tough to hear, but it’s true.
Is There a Hard Limit on Total Tries?
This is where it gets a little hazy, but generally, there’s no hard, set-in-stone “you can only take the ASVAB X number of times in your life” rule. I’ve heard stories, people trying three, four, maybe even five times. But let’s be real. If you’re at your fourth or fifth attempt, maybe you’re chasing something that isn’t meant to be, or you’re just not preparing adequately.
Each branch of the military might have their own internal policies too. Some recruiters might just tell you, “Look, if you can’t get it after three times, we’re moving on.” They have quotas, they have other recruits. They don’t have infinite time to spend on one person who isn’t making progress. So while technically there might not be a federal hard stop, the practical reality of dealing with recruiters and the military bureaucracy pretty much acts like one.
Think of it like this: if you keep trying out for the basketball team and you never make it, eventually, you gotta find another sport. Or get really good.
What Happens If You Keep Bombing It?
If you keep taking the ASVAB and keep getting low scores, a few things are gonna happen. First, you’ll feel like crap, probably. It’s a blow to your confidence. Second, recruiters might start ghosting you. They’re busy. They need to put people in uniform, not endlessly prep them for a test they can’t pass. Third, your options for military jobs (known as MOS or AFSC or ratings) shrink dramatically. A low ASVAB score means you’re basically limited to a handful of entry-level jobs that require very little specialized knowledge. You won’t be a pilot. You won’t be an intelligence analyst. You might be a cook, or someone who handles supplies. Which, nothing wrong with those jobs, but if you wanted something else, you’re out of luck.
And sometimes, after multiple low scores, they just tell you, “Sorry, you’re just not qualified.” That’s a tough pill to swallow, but it happens. They need people who can grasp concepts, follow directions, and learn new skills. The ASVAB is their first filter.
Preparing for Your Retake: It’s Not Rocket Science, But It Works
Okay, so you’ve got to retake it. Don’t just sit there. This is your chance.
Figure out where you messed up: Your score sheet usually breaks down how you did on each section (Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, etc.). Which sections were terrible? That’s where you start. Don’t waste time studying stuff you already know.
Get actual study materials: There are tons of ASVAB prep books out there. Buy one. Borrow one. Seriously, they exist for a reason. They have practice tests, explanations, and all that good stuff. Use them.
Online resources are your friend: Plenty of free ASVAB practice tests and tutorials online. Khan Academy, sites dedicated to military prep. Use them all.
Tutoring, maybe? If you’re really struggling with a specific subject like math, maybe get a tutor. Even a high school kid who’s good at algebra could help you for an hour or two.
Simulate the test: Take practice tests under timed conditions. No phone, no distractions. Get used to the pressure.
I believe the biggest mistake people make isn’t that they’re stupid; it’s that they don’t take the test seriously enough the first time. They walk in cold, thinking “I’m smart, I got this.” Then reality hits. What’s interesting is, the military wants people who can learn and who are disciplined. Showing up unprepared, multiple times, shows you’re neither.
So, What’s the Final Word?
You can take the ASVAB more than once. You get a few shots. But there are waiting periods that get longer with each attempt. There’s no hard, lifelong limit on the number of retakes, but practically, recruiters and military policy will impose one. The best strategy is simple: study hard for your first attempt. Treat it like the most important test you’ve ever taken for your future. If you need to retake, use the waiting period to genuinely improve. Don’t just hope.
Honestly, if you’re stuck in a loop of constant retakes, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate. Is the military what you really want, or are you chasing an idea? And if it is what you really want, are you putting in the actual effort required to get there? Sometimes, the answer is just putting in the work.
Your ASVAB Score and Job Opportunities
Your score isn’t just a pass or fail thing. It decides what jobs are even on the table for you. A higher score means more options, plain and simple. Some jobs, like those in intelligence or specialized tech fields, need seriously high scores. Others, more general roles, not so much. It’s a huge difference. What’s frustrating is when someone gets a score that’s just enough to get into the military, but not enough for the job they actually wanted. Then they’re stuck.
The Role of Your Recruiter in Retakes
Your recruiter is a key player here. They’re the ones who schedule your tests and get your scores. They’ll know your history. If you keep scoring low, they might lose patience. They have a quota to fill, people to get signed up. They want recruits who are ready to go, not people who need endless hand-holding to pass an entrance exam. So, treat your recruiter with respect, and show them you’re serious by improving your score. Or they might just tell you there’s nothing else they can do. It’s a business for them, basically.
Why Some People Need Multiple Attempts
Some folks just have test anxiety. Others didn’t finish high school strong. There are lots of reasons. It’s not always about being lazy. Maybe math was never their strong suit, and they need to relearn a lot of basics. Or reading comprehension totally throws them off. The important thing is figuring out why you’re struggling, and then hitting that specific weakness. Just generic studying probably won’t cut it. It’s kinda like if your car keeps breaking down, you don’t just randomly try to fix things; you find the actual problem.
The Mental Game of Retaking the ASVAB
It can be a real grind. Getting a low score is a confidence killer. But you gotta push past that. Think of it like a challenge. If you really want to serve, then passing this test is your first mission. It shows you can set a goal, work towards it, and deal with setbacks. That’s a pretty good trait for military life, actually. Don’t let a bad score define you. Let your determination to improve be what defines you.
How Many Times Can You Take The Asvab: FAQs
Can you take the ASVAB more than once: Yes, you can; after your initial test, you can usually retake it.
What is the waiting period for the first retake: The waiting period for your first retake is 30 calendar days from your previous test date.
How long do I have to wait for a second or subsequent retake: For your second retake (your third attempt overall) and any attempts after that, the waiting period typically extends to at least six months from your most recent test.
Is there a lifetime limit on how many times you can take the ASVAB: No federal lifetime limit exists; however, individual military branches or recruiters might impose practical limits, and persistent low scores could lead to disqualification.
Do all branches of the military have the same ASVAB retake policies: While the general federal guidelines for waiting periods are uniform, individual branches might have their own specific internal policies or preferences regarding how many times they’ll sponsor a candidate for a retake.
