AFOQT Retake Rules: What Happens If You Fail?

Failed the AFOQT? Here’s what you need to know about retaking the test.

Retake Policy

You can retake the AFOQT up to two times (three total attempts). There’s a mandatory 180-day waiting period between attempts.

Key Points

  • Your most recent score is the one that counts
  • Some commissioning sources may consider all attempts
  • Request permission through your commander or recruiter
  • Use the waiting period wisely for targeted preparation

Before Retaking

Analyze which subtests lowered your composite scores. Focus your study efforts on those specific areas rather than trying to improve everything at once.

Many candidates significantly improve their scores on retakes with focused preparation. Don’t give up on your Air Force career goals.

Jennifer Walsh

Jennifer Walsh

Author & Expert

Senior Cloud Solutions Architect with 12 years of experience in AWS, Azure, and GCP. Jennifer has led enterprise migrations for Fortune 500 companies and holds AWS Solutions Architect Professional and DevOps Engineer certifications. She specializes in serverless architectures, container orchestration, and cloud cost optimization. Previously a senior engineer at AWS Professional Services.

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