ASVAB Test Formats, Sections & Time Limits

The ASVAB test is divided into four domains and getting to know the test format and the types of questions will help you achieve a higher score on the exam.


ASVAB Verbal Tests

The verbal section of the test consists of two sub-tests: Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension.

The Word Knowledge sub-test is basically a vocabulary test consisting of multiple choice questions. There are two kinds of questions on this section. The first type is in the form of synonyms, where you will see a word and will need to pick the closest meaning of the word. For questions in the second type, you will be given a sentence with a word underlined and will need to choose an answer as a replacement.

The Paragraph Comprehension sub-test measures your knowledge of the English language and your critical and analytical skills. You will be given various passages with multiple choice questions. The concepts that the sub-test focuses on are:

  • Questions referring to particular information given in the paragraph
  • Deductive questions
  • Aim of the paragraph
  • Vocabulary questions
Sub-test Computer-Administered Test Paper-and-Pencil Test
Word Knowledge 8 minutes, 16 questions 11 minutes, 35 questions
Paragraph Comprehension 22 minutes, 11 questions 13 minutes, 15 questions

ASVAB Math Tests

There are two math sub-tests: Arithmetic Reasoning and Math Knowledge.

The Arithmetic Reasoning sub-test measures basic concepts of arithmetic, percentages and ratio & proportion, as well as questions on interest and numbers. This includes addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, whole numbers, real numbers, fractions, decimals and imaginary numbers.

The Mathematics Knowledge test assesses your knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications.

Sub-test Computer-Administered Test Paper-and-Pencil Test
Arithmetic Reasoning 39 minutes, 16 questions 36 minutes, 30 questions
Math Knowledge 18 minutes, 16 questions 24 minutes, 25 questions

Science & Technical

The Science & Technical section of the test consists of five sub-tests: General Science, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information and Mechanical Comprehension.

The General Science sub-test evaluates your high school knowledge of science. The subjects that are covered on the test are Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

The Electronics Information sub-test assesses your knowledge and understanding of electrical systems, devices, electric circuits, and electricity.

The Auto Information sub-test assesses your knowledge and understanding of systems used in automobiles, transmission, and electrical systems, as well as mechanics used in cars.

The Shop Information sub-test assesses your knowledge of wood and metal shop practices.

The Mechanical Comprehension sub-test assess your knowledge and interest in the workings of objects and the principles behind them. It focuses on the mechanics of various objects like cars, pulleys, and levers. This is an extension of Physics and Chemistry.

Sub-test Computer-Administered Test Paper-and-Pencil Test
General Science 8 minutes, 16 questions 11 minutes, 25 questions
Electronics Information 16 minutes, 20 questions 9 minutes, 8 questions
Auto Information 7 minutes, 11 questions 11 minutes, 25 questions
Shop Information 11 minutes, 6 questions N/A
Mechanical Comprehension 20 minutes, 16 questions 19 minutes, 25 questions

Spatial Test

The spatial section of the ASVAB has one sub-test: Assembling Objects.

There are two different kinds of questions asked on this test. One type of question presents a series of diagrams which you will have to organize in a particular form. The other type of question consists of figures which have a particular point or points marked on them. You will have to organize the figures so that a straight line can be drawn between the points.

Sub-test Computer-Administered Test Paper-and-Pencil Test
Assembling Objects 15 minutes, 16 questions 15 minutes, 25 questions

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