Discover the 5 best study books for the ASVAB

Finding the correct study materials is one of the most important steps to ace the ASVAB test. There are several ASVAB study books available in the market, which can make it pretty hard to decide which one of best for you. But don’t worry! We are here to address your concern.

In this post, we provide a detailed review of the 5 best ASVAB preparation books, featuring strengths, features, and why these stand out from others. The 5 names on our list today are ASVAB For Dummies, ASVAB Study Guide by Mometrix, McGraw-Hill Education ASVAB, Kaplan ASVAB Prep Plus, and Barron’s ASVAB with CD-ROM. Continue reading for more details about each book and choose one that fits your needs! 

The 5 best ASVAB books for studying

Here is the list of the top 5 best ASVAB study books with their key features. Carefully review and choose your best fits: 

1. ASVAB For Dummies 

ASVAB for dummies is known for using simpler language and going into great detail with its explanations. This is the reason why it remains a favorite among ASVAB applicants. This book includes updated content, allowing access to practice tests and flashcards that you could use for up to a year since purchasing the book. These make the product versatile for first-time test-takers.

Best for: All-round ASVAB preparation, especially Math and science sections.

Key features: 

• All-inclusive study guide, covering all nine ASVAB subtests. 
• Contains numerous practice tests with fully explained answers. 
• Digital flashcards and videos support learning on various platforms.
• Test-taking tips for actual test days are also included to reduce anxiety and ensure peak performance. 
• Author, Angie Papple Johnson merged active service of over a decade in aviation forces within the military to an insider perspective into military expectations. 

Price: $23.49 for a paper print book and $18.00 for reading in Kindle. 

What I like

I love the way this book breaks down difficult concepts into smaller, and more digestible parts. The online resources added to this book help me practice anytime and anywhere, which is really suitable for my busy schedule. Moreover, the casual, friendly tone of the book further dissipates the stress that comes with test prep.

What I don’t like

Although ASVAB For Dummies is comprehensive, the simplicity of the language does not quite give justice to someone looking for deeper, technical reviews in areas like Maths, and Mechanical comprehension. 

2. ASVAB Study Guide by Mometrix

This Mometrix guide uses a multi-media approach with its video tutorials and online practice questions. Its comprehensive review encompasses all areas of the ASVAB, thus making it an effective and well-rounded studying tool for the test.

Best for: Overall ASVAB preparation

Key features: 

• 200+ video tutorials that will help to further cement your understanding 
• 750+ practice questions containing detailed explanations 
• Online accessibility makes the material more approachable and comfortable to use in a variety of learning styles. 
• 5 full-length ASVAB practice tests that closely simulate the actual ASVAB
• Price: $24.99 for a printed book and $19.99 for an ebook. 

What I like

I love how this book integrates video tutorials. It is great for learners preferring visual learning like me. The practice questions are challenging, and the explanation helps in solidifying the material. The layout of this book is clean and easy to follow, making study sessions not feel as overwhelming. Overall, this book makes me more interested and engaged in studying compared to traditional prep books. 

What I don’t like

The videos are nice, but perhaps they may not go deep enough into each and every topic for some folks, especially technical subtests like Auto and Shop information or Electrics. 

3. McGraw-Hill Education ASVAB

McGraw-Hill’s ASVAB prep book contains online tools such as customizable practice tests and adaptive learning technology that will target areas where you need to study more. This is a good option for test-takers who want a personalized approach to studying. 

Best for: Extended study sessions with adaptive learning tools

Key features: 

• Over 1000 practice questions and 4 full-length practice tests, covering all ASVAB subtests and key knowledge
• Contains a complete AFQT sample test
• Updated test format and information about military enlistment 
• Additional online practice tests and adaptive learning technology target weak areas

Price: $22.00 for a printed book and $12.96 for an ebook in Kindle.

What I like

What I appreciate the most in this book is the adaptive learning technology. Great for those who want to concentrate study time more productively by targeting weak areas, Four full-length practice tests are an added plus, giving me well-rounded practice. It is also refreshing to go through the variety of question types to get prepared for the different formats in the actual ASVAB. 

What I don’t like

Working with online tools is great, but it requires a good enough Internet connection to smoothly use. Sometimes, my studies are interrupted due to this problem. Certain parts in this book could have been more elaborately explained, as in the Mechanical comprehension part. 

4. Kaplan ASVAB Prep Plus 

This book offers a comprehensive content review, practice tests, and proven strategies. Updated annually, it provided diagnostic tests to identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring focused study efforts. 

Best for: Improving arithmetic reasoning and mathematics reasoning.

Key features:

• Comprehensive content covers all nine ASVAB subtests
• The preparation guide includes access to video instruction, flashcards, and an app
• Six full-length ASVAB practice tests
• Proven strategies to study and practice effectively
• An additional mobile-friendly online platform for practice. 

Price: $23.49 for a printed book.

What I like

Kaplan’s approach is very systematic and thorough, especially in the Math sections. The diagnostic tests at the start give me a great insight into my weaknesses, and the answer explanations are so helpful. Added access to all sorts of online resources, such as flashcards and videos, is really suitable for people on the go, In addition, the six full-length practice tests will most definitely prepare me for my bid day. 

What I don’t like

One downside of this book is that some of the explanations for the more technical sections such as Electronics information, could be more detailed. 

5. Barron’s ASVAB with CD-ROM

Barron’s ASVAB book offers well-organized study content, in-depth content reviews, extensive practice questions, and a CD-ROM with additional practice tests. 

Best for: First-time test takers needing structured practice

Key features: 

• In-depth practice questions 
• A CD-ROM featuring extra practice tests
• Reviews organized for building a strong foundation in all nine subtests
• Proven tips and strategies for dealing with different subtests
• Complete guidelines for ASVAB scores and military jobs 

Prices: $21.15 for a printed book. 

What I like

What really impresses me is the sheer number of practice questions. If you think repetition is the mother of learning, then this book is your best fit. The extra practice tests on the CD-ROM allowed me to review my mistakes more carefully. The explanations are clear, making it easier to understand complex topics. 

What I don’t like

The downside is that the CD-ROM does feel a bit dated when most learners would prefer resources available online. Additionally, while the overall book is good, the style does feel a bit dry and technical. 

Overall, all the highlights of the best 5 ASVAB books are summarized in the table below:

How we ranked these books

Choosing the best ASVAB books requires considering various key factors so that they might meet the needs of candidates. Here is how we picked out the best and ranked them:

Content coverage

The most important criterion when selecting an effective ASVAB book is comprehensive content dealing with all ASVAB subtests. In addition, content in arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, work knowledge, and paragraph comprehension sections are extensive review. These areas are the core to obtaining a good score on AFQT and other line scores for military jobs. 

Strategies to study and tips on test day

Study and time management strategies play an important role in helping test-takers develop effective study plans, strengthen knowledge, attempt difficult questions, and minimize errors. Therefore, the best ASVAB preparation books must provide both general study strategies, and specific tips relevant to each section of ASVAB. 

Practice tests and questions

Practice makes perfect, so the best ASVAB book must incorporate several full-length practice tests to simulate the real exam. We select books that go into detail for every answer, explaining why the correct answer is right, as opposed to just pointing out which one is correct. This helps further your understanding of the material and correct your mistakes effectively. 

Learning flexibility

Everyone has a different way to learn. Therefore, our list was directed at books that account for this with the inclusion of features such as multimedia tools, online resources, video tutorials, flashcards, or adaptive learning technology that can help tailor the study sessions to your weak areas. 

Accessibility and support

We value ASVAB books that provide extended services once purchased, such as an online portal through which you can access practice tests and other resources for up to a year. This extra support is a great way to keep you engaged and ensure practice consistently anywhere and anytime. 

Expertise and credibility of authors

The authorship and credibility of the authors are also considered when choosing the best ASVAB books. Books written by authors with military or teaching experience in test material move a lot higher in ranking. For example, one of the reasons the ASVAB for dummies is highly recommended is because of its author, Angie Papple Johnston, who has first-hand knowledge regarding the tests. 

FAQs

1. What are the most effective ways to study ASVAB books?

To ensure you take full advantage of the ASVAB books and study effectively, follow this guideline:

• Take a diagnostic test: Most ASVAB books first present a diagnostic test, allowing you to identify your level, strengths, and weaknesses. Take this test first to understand which areas you need to improve. 
• Make a study schedule: Break your study sessions down into manageable chunks and focus on different subtests each day. Be sure to commit more time to sections where you struggle with poor performance. 
• Review content thoroughly: Go through each chapter and section in the book carefully to ensure that you have grasped the content properly. Use the comprehensive explanations from your book to clarify all concerns related to any topic. 
• Take full-length practice: Practice tests simulate the timing and format of the ASVAB test to familiarize yourself with the real thing. After finishing the test, make sure you go back and carefully review the answers to strengthen your knowledge.
• Use flashcards or other learning tools: With the ASVAB books having online study tools, make use of them to have more approach to study. 
• Track your progress: Track your scores on practice tests and note if you improve. This will help you stay motivated and identify areas that need further study. 

To learn more details, you can read our guidelines on How to score high on the ASVAB. 

2. What is the best ASVAB practice book?

ASVAB for dummies, MC-Graw Hill, and Kaplan’s ASVAB practice tests are known for their realism in question type, format, and difficulty of the actual test. 

3. What is the best ASVAB study guide?

Among the listed books above, ASVAB For Dummies is widely considered the best for its comprehensive content and easy language. Besides this book, it is highly recommended that you follow our free online study guide. Our guidelines provide simple but effective study strategies and reliable resources to help you have s smooth preparation for the ASVAB. Check out our post on the ASVAB study guide now!

4. What is the best ASVAB book for the Air Force?

All the ASVAB books recommended above have comprehensive content that intensively covers all the subtests. This helps you increase your knowledge and scores in all areas, including necessary areas within the Air Force. 

If you are looking for more resources to prepare for the Air Force, it is a good idea to take our realistic Air Force ASVAB practice test. 

5. What is the best Navy ASVAB book?

The books listed above are full-coverage and cover all subtests, thus useful for enhancing your scores in important areas for Navy entry. Additionally, you can consider other books that are more specialized for Navy preparation, such as the book Navy ASVAB Study Guide 2025 – 2025 by Apex Prep publications. This book contains Navy-specific practice tests and study strategies that help you in pursuing your Navy career. 

Besides books, it is highly recommended you consider our online Navy ASVAB practice test to be well-prepared for the test day. 

Final thoughts

Choosing the right ASVAB books can make all the difference in your test preparation. The top 5 best ASVAB preparation books we listed above provide great strengths, ranging from in-depth content, and realistic practices to flexible learning resources. No matter your learning style or your target score, these books will give you all you need to ace the ASVAB. Ready to study? Pick up one that fits your needs and begin your ASVAB journey today!