The Navy MEPS Process — What to Expect Step by Step
TL;DR — Quick Answer
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is the two-day screening where you take the ASVAB, pass a full medical exam, and — if everything checks out — select your Navy rating and swear in. It is the single most important gate between talking to a recruiter and actually joining.
What is MEPS?
MEPS stands for Military Entrance Processing Station. There are 65 MEPS locations across the United States, and every branch of the military uses the same facilities. Your recruiter will schedule your visit, arrange hotel accommodations the night before (paid for by the government), and brief you on what to bring — typically your Social Security card, birth certificate, and any medical records. MEPS serves three purposes: determine whether you are medically qualified, confirm your aptitude via the ASVAB, and finalize your enlistment contract including rating selection.
The medical examination
The medical screening is thorough. Expect a vision test, hearing test, blood draw, urine sample (drug screening included), breathalyzer, orthopedic exam (the famous "duck walk" and range-of-motion checks), and a review of your medical history. Doctors will flag anything that requires a waiver — prior surgeries, asthma history, ADHD medication, or orthopedic issues. If you need a waiver, the process can take days to weeks depending on the condition. Be completely honest about your medical history; records are cross-referenced with insurance databases, and a concealed condition discovered later can result in fraudulent enlistment charges.
ASVAB testing
If you have not already taken the ASVAB at a recruiter's office or school, you will take it at MEPS on a computer (CAT-ASVAB). The computerized adaptive test takes about 90 minutes and covers 10 subtests including Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, and technical sections. Your composite line scores — not just the overall AFQT — determine which Navy ratings you qualify for. If your scores are low, you can retest after 30 days, and again after another 30 days. After that, a six-month waiting period applies. Study before your first attempt — it is much easier to score well the first time than to wait months for a retest.
Job selection and swearing in
After passing medical and ASVAB, you sit down with a Navy classifier — a career counselor who shows you which ratings are available based on your scores, the Navy's current needs, and open training seats. This is the negotiation phase. You are not obligated to accept the first offer; if your desired rate is not available, you can wait for a future opening (your recruiter can help with this). Once you agree on a rating, contract length, and any enlistment bonus, you sign your contract and take the Oath of Enlistment. You are now officially in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and will ship to boot camp on your scheduled date — usually within 1 to 12 months.
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Related Questions
How do Navy ASVAB scores work, and what score do you need?
The Navy uses ASVAB sub-test results to calculate "line scores" — composites that gate access to specific ratings. Your AFQT score determines whether you can enlist at all (minimum 35 for most applicants), while your line scores determine which jobs you're eligible for. Higher scores open up technical, high-demand ratings with better bonuses and civilian career potential.
Read answer →Can You Pick Your Navy Job? How Rate Selection Works
Yes — unlike some branches, the Navy lets you select a specific rating (job) before you ship to boot camp, and it is written into your enlistment contract. However, your choices are limited by your ASVAB scores, medical qualifications, and which training seats are currently open.
Read answer →Ready to find your rate?
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