The ASVAB test, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. Its purpose is to determine qualifications for enlistment in the US Armed Forces and to help identify potential career paths within the military.
This page will explain about the ASVAB test format, subtests,scoring system and methods for success.
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After contacting a recruiter – and completing the requirements of the U.S. Army recruitment process like health, education, arrest record, etc. – you will be sent to perform the ASVAB in a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). There you will conduct the computerized test (CAT-ASVAB). If you do not live near a MEPS, you may take the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Test (MET) site – which is a satellite location where mostly traditional pen and paper (P&P-ASVAB) tests are taken.
You can find additional information on the Military Entrance Processing Command website.
Bring valid identification and be on time. You must enter the testing room alone. Note that you may retake the test for the second time a month after the first attempt and six months after the second attempt – so you best be prepared for the test. Examples, answers, and valuable solving tips can be found in our Free ASVAB Test page.
Beyond qualifying for enlistment, the ASVAB determines which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) a recruit may be best suited for. You can find additional information regarding the ASVAB test schedule and enlistment on the official ASVAB website.
If you haven't yet applied for military service, contact a recruiter today through the following links:
Regardless of the military branch you are aiming for, JobTestPrep offers comprehensive study guides and full preparation for any position you are applying to. You can also study for the un-timed at-home version of the test with our PiCAT PrepPack, or learn more on our PiCAT Free Practice page.
Our PrepPacks include full-length practice tests and drills for all of the test sections. This way you will get familiar with the question types and time constraint.
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The test can be taken in three different forms:
There are a few key differences between the tests like number of questions, test-taking format, adaptability, locations, etc. Let’s dive into the different ASVAB types.
The P&P-ASVAB is taken in a traditional pen and paper format. This means that all the applicants on a certain test date will receive the exact same test, in the same time frame, unlike the adaptive CAT-ASVAB.
The test is often administered at Mobile Examination Test (MET) sites, typically in areas that are far from a MEPS. MET sites can be at schools, recruiting centers, or other locations.
Most of the questions are of moderate difficulty, with some of them being above or below average.
The CAT-ASVAB is taken in a computer-based format. This test is "adaptive", meaning your previous answers determine the questions. If you answer a question correctly, the next question may be more difficult. If you answer incorrectly, the next question could be easier. This format aims to evaluate an individual’s capabilities more precisely.
The test is typically given at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS).
Although the number of questions varies from one subtest to another, the test adapts within a set timeframe, making it essential for test-takers to manage their time effectively. Each section will be completed either when all questions are completed or the time for the section has ended.
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is designed for students and offers the test as a career exploration tool. It helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses and links these to related career fields. The test is not necessarily meant for military service applicants but also for civilian positions.
Depending on the school's facilities, the test can be administered as a paper-and-pencil test or computer-based. It’s typically offered to high school and post-secondary students free of charge. It's not used for military enlistment purposes but provides insights into potential civilian and military careers.
The test is either like the P&P-ASVAB, or the CAT-ASVAB, depending on the type of test taken. Therefore, the adaptability or number of questions and timeframe refers to the test format.
More ASVAB Practice Tests and Guides:
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The ASVAB test is divided into the following nine sections:
The number of questions and timeframe differs based on the test type. The following table demonstrates the differences between the P&P and the CAT-ASVAB:
Section |
CAT-ASVAB |
P&P-ASVAB |
||
Questions |
Timeframe |
Questions |
Timeframe |
|
GS |
15 |
12 |
25 |
11 |
AR |
15 |
55 |
30 |
36 |
WK |
15 |
9 |
35 |
11 |
PC |
10 |
27 |
15 |
13 |
MK |
15 |
31 |
25 |
24 |
EI |
15 |
10 |
20 |
9 |
AI |
10 |
7 |
25 |
11 |
SI |
10 |
7 |
||
MC |
15 |
22 |
25 |
19 |
AO |
15 |
18 |
25 |
15 |
Total |
135 |
198 |
225 |
149 |
While there are fewer questions in the CAT-ASVAB test, the timeframe is longer. This can be attributed to the adaptive, individual nature of the computerized test, which provides additional time for each question. Go to our Free ASVAB Test page to find additional information regarding each section and practice questions, including valuable solving tips.
The ASVAB test sums up to a certain score based on the number of questions answered correctly in each section. However, since not all branches require different scoring, the ASVAB test is divided into different scoring methods, comprising different sections in their calculation.
You can find further explanations regarding the ASVAB scores in our ASVAB Score Guide page.
AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) – This score combines scores from four ASVAB subtests: AR, MK, WK, and PC. It determines if you’re eligible to enlist in the armed forces. Each military branch has its minimum score requirement. The scores may differ annually; however, they are usually around the following scores:
The required scores are for High School Seniors / High School Diploma Recipients. For GED holder, the minimal score for all the branches is 50.
The main challenges of the AFQT are managing time effectively and mastering a broad range of skills, from arithmetic to word knowledge. Therefore, you will need to make an effort into practicing and improving the four AFQT sections.
Qualifying for military service is not the only purpose of the AFQT score. The scores are divided into AFQT categories according to their respective percentile score range. High categories may qualify for different, more demanded, and prestigious positions, as well as enlistment incentives – according to each individual branch:
AFQT Category | Percentile Score Range |
I | 93 – 99 |
II | 65 – 92 |
IIIA | 50 – 64 |
IIIB | 31 – 49 |
IV | 10 – 30 |
V | 1 – 9 |
MOS (Military Occupational Specialties) – This score is derived from different ASVAB sections based on the skills required from each line of profession. Each military branch has its MOS or job positions, and each MOS has its required ASVAB scores. For example, an electronics-related job might require a high score on the Electronics Information subtest.
Different combinations of these subtest scores lead to composite scores. Each branch of the military has its method of calculating and labeling these composite scores, and they use them to determine which MOS or job roles an individual is qualified for. Here is a short list of sections included in different line (composite) scores (Note that VE stands for Verbal Expression, a combination of WK and PC):
Line Scores | Subjects |
Combat – CO | AS+AR+MC |
Clerical- CL | AR+MK+VE |
Electronics- EL | AR+ GS+ EI+ MK |
General Maintenance- GM | AS+ GS+ EI+ MK |
Field Artillery- FA | AR+ MK+ MC |
Mechanical Maintenance- MM | AS+ EI+ MC |
General Technical- GT | AR+ VE |
Operators and Food- OF | AS+ MC+ VE |
Skilled Technical- ST | GS+ MC+MK+ VE |
Surveillance and Communications- SC | AR+ AS+ MC+ VE |
Because composite scores comprise individual subtest scores, performing well across all subtests can broaden the range of recruitment. However, if you are interested in a specific job, you should focus on the subtests most relevant to the composite score for that MOS.
The ASVAB Test measures various common skills and basic knowledge in different fields. While it does not usually include questions in advanced difficulty, the narrow timeframe, wide skillsets, and other factors such as pressure make the exam very challenging.
We’ve compiled a few general tips to help you improve before your upcoming ASVAB Test:
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