What is the ASVAB Test?

ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - a multiple-choice test developed by the Department of Defense and is used to evaluate your mental aptitude for enlistment in the United States Army. The ASVAB also decides which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you qualify for. Candidates can take the Military ASVAB test in a computerized version at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or in a paper version at various Military Entrance Test (MET) sites around the country or at high schools and colleges.

UNDERSTANDING THE ASVAB TEST AREAS

The Military ASVAB test is a combination of 9 subsections that are crafted to carefully measure a test taker's academic prowess and technical aptitude. All sections and what they cover are listed below:

• General Science (16 questions, 8 minutes) - covers life science, earth and space science, and physical science
• Arithmetic Reasoning (16 questions, 39 minutes) - tests your ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems
• Word Knowledge (16 questions, 8 minutes) - tests your knowledge of the meaning of words through synonyms
• Paragraph Comprehension (11 questions, 22 minutes) - tests your understanding of obtaining information from written material
• Mathematics Knowledge (16 questions, 20 minutes) - covers mathematical concepts and applications
• Electronics Information (16 questions, 8 minutes) - covers knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems
• Auto and Shop Information (22 questions, 13 minutes) - contains automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices
• Mechanical Comprehension (16 questions, 20 minutes) - covers the principles of mechanical devices, structural support and properties of materials
• Assembling Objects (16 questions, 16 minutes) - test the ability with spatial relationships

ASVAB SCORES AND AFQT SCORES

As mentioned above, there are nine sections on the ASVAB that all calculate your total score. However, four of them have been considered more important and make up the Armed Forces Qualifications Test (AFQT) score. This score ranges from 0 to 100 and a minimum score is required to join in military service, although the minimum score differs branch by branch. Your scores in four critical areas: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge make up your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score.  The other five areas in the ASVAB are General Science, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects. Your scores in these 5 areas will determine how suitable you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will increase your chances of joining the specialty/job and signing the bonus you want.   The U.S. Army also converts the ASVAB test scores into 10 other composite score areas (line scores) that determine what MOS you may qualify for:

• Clerical (CL) – Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge.
• Combat (CO) - Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Auto & Shop, and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Electronics (EL) – Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Mathematics Knowledge, and Electronic Information.
• Field Artillery (FA) - Mathematics Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mechanical Comprehension.
• General Maintenance (GM) – Auto & Shop, General Science, Mathematics Knowledge, and Electronics Information.
• General Technical (GT) - Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).
• Mechanical Maintenance (MM) – Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electronic Information.
• Operators and Food (OF) - Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop, and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Surveillance and Communications (SC) - Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto & Shop, and Mechanical Comprehension.
• Skilled Technical (ST) - Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, General Science, Mechanical Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge.

ASVAB Scores for Military branches

Air Force ASVAB requirements

Air Force recruits are required at least an AFQT score of 36, while it is 65 if the applicant has a high school equivalency degree (GED, TASC, HiSET).

Army ASVAB requirements

Army recruits must score at least 31. The Army accepts more recruits with a GED than any other branch. The Army even has Army Prep School that allows recruits with no high school diploma or GED to enlist. Candidates with a GED, TASC, or HiSET must score at least 50 to join the Army.

Coast Guard ASVAB requirements

Coast Guard recruits must score at least 40 on the ASVAB. Minimum AFQT scores of 50 and at least 15 hours of college credit are required for those holding a high school equivalency degree (GED, TASC, HiSET).

Marine Corps ASVAB requirements

The Marine Corps requires a minimum of 32 points on the AFQT. The Marine Corps limits GED enlistments to a maximum of 5 percent per year. It is at least 50 required for individuals holding a high school equivalency degree (GED, TASC, HiSET).

Navy ASVAB requirements

A minimum AFQT score of 35 is required while it is at least 50 and 15 hours of college credit for GED candidates.

Military ASVAB Test FAQs

How many questions is the ASVAB Test?

In total, the computer-based army ASVAB includes 145 questions, while the paper-based ASVAB has 225 questions. Both versions of the test are split into a number of different subtests with different numbers of questions that must be completed in a specific limited time.

How Long Does the ASVAB Take?

In total, the time limit for the entire Computerized ASVAB test is 154 minutes, spanning 145 questions. However, research shows that most ASVAB test takers need less than the full allotted time limits per each section and move through at a typically faster pace.

What type of math is on the ASVAB?

The two ASVAB math questions conclude Arithmetic Reasoning and Math Knowledge. Arithmetic Reasoning measures the ability to solve arithmetic word problems. Math Knowledge covers all the knowledge study at your high school.

Do you get your ASVAB score immediately?

Your ASVAB scores are broken into multiple scores. On average, it takes about 2 hours to complete the CAT-ASVAB. After finishing the test, you will immediately see your test scores at the MEPS or MET site. 

How many times can you take the ASVAB?

After you take your initial ASVAB, you can retake the test after just 1 month. You must wait another month to retest a second time. After that, it requires a six-month wait from the previous test.

How much is the ASVAB?

The military does not any charge for taking the test. It's free for candidates, although you can take part in training courses to help you prepare well for it. The fee for preparation courses varies depending on which organization and what type of instruction you choose.

Do they have a drug test when you take the ASVAB?

The answer is yes. Recruits will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test to know which job they're most qualified for in the military. A medical examination is also carried out, which includes a urine test to screen for drugs.  

Our ASVAB practice test by ABC E-learning

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