General Technical (GT) Score

The General Technical (GT) score on the ASVAB is calculated using a combination of specific subtest scores that measure verbal and arithmetic reasoning skills. The GT score is particularly important for many military occupational specialties (MOS) in the U.S. Army, especially those requiring strong cognitive and reasoning abilities.

How to Calculate the GT Score

The GT score is derived using the following formula:GT=VE+AR

where:

• VE (Verbal Expression) is a composite score calculated by adding the scores from the Word Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC) subtests and then converting the sum using a standard scoring table.
• AR (Arithmetic Reasoning) is the raw score from the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest.

Step-by-Step Calculation of the GT Score

1. Calculate the VE Score:
   • VE = WK + PC (raw scores of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension).
   • Convert the total VE raw score to a scaled VE score using the ASVAB standard conversion table. The conversion table transforms the sum into a scaled score ranging from 20 to 62.
2. Add the VE and AR Scores:
   • After finding the scaled VE score, add it to the raw score from the Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) subtest to determine the GT score.

Example Calculation

Suppose a test-taker receives the following scores:

• Word Knowledge (WK): 45
• Paragraph Comprehension (PC): 40
• Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): 55

Step 1: Calculate the VE Score

1. Add WK and PC:WK+PC=45+40=85WK + PC = 45 + 40 = 85WK+PC=45+40=85
2. Convert the raw VE score (85) to a scaled VE score using the ASVAB conversion table. Assume the conversion table translates a raw score of 85 to a scaled VE score of 55.

Step 2: Add the VE and AR Scores

1. The GT score is: GT=VE+AR=55+55=110GT = VE + AR = 55 + 55 = 110GT=VE+AR=55+55=110

So, the GT score would be 110.

Important Notes

• The actual conversion from raw scores to standard scores varies and is determined by official ASVAB scoring tables. These tables are not publicly available in their entirety but are used by military recruiters and testing centers to calculate the final scores.
• The VE score is critical as it affects the GT score directly. Improving performance in Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension can significantly boost the overall GT score.
• Different military branches might have varying methods or weightings, but the general formula for GT in the Army remains as described above.

Conclusion

Understanding the components that make up the GT score can help you focus on areas that may need improvement, such as verbal reasoning or arithmetic skills, to increase your chances of qualifying for more specialized roles in the U.S. Army.