When you grasp an overview of the ASVAB, it is essential to gain deeper into specific components building up the whole ASVAB test – the ASVAB sections. What are ASVAB sections? And what’s tested in each part? Find the answers to these questions and uncover the true things underpinning them with us right now.
What are ASVAB sections?
ASVAB sections are General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Math Knowledge (MK), Electronic Information (EI), Auto Information (AI), Shop Information (SI), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Assembling Objects (AO). These sections of the ASVAB test are designed to measure candidates’ specific aptitudes and skills. Ten ASVAB categories are allocated a bit differently in CAT ASVAB and P&P ASVAB, as shown in the following table:
CAT ASVAB | P&P ASVAB | Go To | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sections | Time section (minutes) | Section Items | Time Sections (minutes) | Section Items | |
General Science (GS) | 8 | 16 | 11 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 39 | 16 | 36 | 30 | Practice Test Now |
Word Knowledge (WK) | 8 | 16 | 11 | 35 | Practice Test Now |
Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 22 | 11 | 13 | 15 | Practice Test Now |
Math Knowledge (MK) | 20 | 16 | 24 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
Electronic Information (EI) | 8 | 18 | 9 | 20 | Practice Test Now |
Auto Information (AI) | 7 | 11 | 11 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
Shop Information (SI) | 6 | 11 | 11 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 20 | 16 | 19 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
Assembling Objects (AO) | 15 | 16 | 15 | 25 | Practice Test Now |
A detailed explanation for the sections of ASVAB is shown below, keep track of your own learning process and grasp information that you really need.
General Science (GS)
The General Science section of the ASVAB covers the knowledge of physical and biological sciences, which can not be found in any high school grades or elsewhere. This subtest checks applicants’ general knowledge related to the science topics, breaking them down into three categories: life sciences, Earth and space science, and physical sciences.
This subtest requires test-takers to manifest their knowledge in a broad range of different concepts. Candidates must answer 16 items in 8 minutes (CAT version) or 25 items in 11 minutes (P&P version) in this subtest. A small tip to cope with this subtest is to read and search anything that’s associated with ASVAB GS categories before the Test Day. Otherwise, taking the GS practice test would be an ideal option to prepare for the actual test. Get well-prepared and ready for the General Science subtest with our study guide.
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
As its name suggests, Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) tests your knowledge of arithmetic word problems, percentages, ratios, and so on that you encountered in high school. With the paper and pencil ASVAB test, the subtest contains 30 questions in the given time of 36 minutes, while in the CAT-ASVAB, you have to solve 16 questions in 39 minutes.
Don’t freak out if you’re not confident with your arithmetic knowledge. Try to review mathematic knowledge you have already learned before and take more practice tests. All will help you get well-prepared for the actual test. Consequently, the Arithmetic Reasoning section will be under your control if you know how to wisely handle it.
Word Knowledge (WK)
This subtest focuses on assessing applicants in terms of vocabulary and sentence structure. It will estimate the ability of word use and syntax of the ASVAB candidates. Test-takers are given 8 minutes to solve 16 questions in the CAT ASVAB. In contrast, they have to complete 35 questions in 11 minutes in the computer version.
You may get into trouble with this subtest if you’re lacking vocabulary. So, why don’t you research the Word Knowledge study guide to find the method to improve your level at present?
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Reading comprehension is an essential skill for this subtest. Test-takers have to read paragraphs and do the following questions to pass the subtest. It aims to decide how well candidates understand the information in the given paragraphs.
There are 11 items in the CAT test and 15 items in the P&P test. That difference leads to the allotted time for each kind of test varying (22 minutes and 13 minutes, respectively).
This Paragraph Comprehension ASVAB section can be easier if you possess several reading skills like scanning and skimming. With these skills, you will be equipped with substantial power to deal with this ASVAB part. Unlock your potential with the Paragraph Comprehension study guide now!
Math Knowledge (MK)
The fifth ASVAB test section consists of algebraic questions and word problems to determine the knowledge of math concepts, principles, and their applications. There are 16 questions and test-takers are given 20 minutes to complete if they take the CAT ASVAB test. On the other hand, the paper-and-pencil version requires test-takers to solve 25 questions within 24 minutes.
Practice makes perfect. Only when you practice enough, will you master the knowledge and skills to conquer the test. Read the Math Knowledge study guide to get ready for the actual one.
Electronic Information (EI)
This subtest measures candidates’ understanding of electronic circuits and devices, electrical components, and various electronic systems. Candidates have to address 18 items in 8 minutes in the computer-based test version and 20 items in 9 minutes in the paper-and-pencil test version. Grasp the further key information in the EI study guide needed for this section of the ASVAB test, get ready to conquer the Electronic Information section now!
Auto and Shop Information (AS)
In this ASVAB subject paper test, candidates will reveal their automobile systems aptitude by solving 25 questions within 11 minutes. Military recruiters can rate test-takers their functions or malfunctions knowledge and knowledge of common shop tools. Besides, it shows the candidates’ ability to deal with metal and wood shop practices, along with auto pair and maintenance.
The CAT test shares the same content with the paper version but splits this topic into two categories: Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI). Although each test section evenly involves 11 items, the time allotted to them is different (7 minutes for AI and 6 minutes for SI).
Prepare to showcase your mastery knowledge of automatic systems and shop tools aptitude and excel in both CAT and P&P ASVAB tests.
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Test-takers are challenged to work with mechanical concepts, and material properties and show their understanding of mechanical devices and structural support in this ASVAB section. Taking the CAT, the 16-item test is allowed to take 20 minutes. Otherwise, this subtest comprises 25 questions given in 19 minutes when you take P&P ASVAB.
Demonstrate and hone your understanding of mechanical-related topics by taking the Mechanical Comprehension practice test.
Assembling Objects (AO)
This subtest is designed to measure candidates’ spatial domain knowledge, check their ability to remember, comprehend the relationship among objects, and rearrange shapes. While the requirement of CAT ASVAB is solving 16 questions in 15 minutes, the one of P&P is addressing 25 items with the same allotted time.
Develop your spatial knowledge and shape manipulation skills along with the Assembling Object ASVAB section.
FAQs
1. What are ASVAB sections for the army?
The army jobs are based on the ASVAB line scores to decide which jobs are suitable for each individual. For instance, the military recruiters will consider subtests like General Science (GS), Auto and Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Electronics Information (EI) to determine those who can be eligible for firefighters. The Army ASVAB practice test can be useful for you right now!
2. What are ASVAB sections for the Air Force?
The Air Force generates four composite score areas derived from sections of the ASVAB test, called MAGE, which is used as a standardized reference to determine various jobs:
- Mechanical Aptitude Score: Mechanical Comprehension (MC) + General Science (GS) + Auto and Shop Information (AS)
- Administrative Aptitude Score: Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- General Aptitude Score: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) + Word Knowledge (WK) + Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Electronics Aptitude Score: General Science (GS) + Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) + Mathematics Knowledge (MK) + Electronics Information (EI)
Determine which exact position in the Air Force you would like to apply for and take the ASVAB Air Force practice test to get well-prepared for your actual one.
3. What are ASVAB sections for marines?
To earn a certain position in the Marines, test-takers should take several Marine ASVAB sections that directly assess their result application. For example, to apply for a clerical role, the composite scores including Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK) will be considered. To determine the eligibility for a general technician role, the Marines will look at the scores of some sections: Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC). Let’s take the Marine ASVAB practice test to have a thorough preparation for the actual test.
4. What are ASVAB sections for the Navy?
Similar to other armed forces, the Navy has its own composite scores derived from different sections of the ASVAB test to qualify for different Navy careers. Take Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Equipment as an example. The following categories are considered: Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Auto and Shop Information (AS). Are you ready for the Navy application? Don’t be nervous if you’re not yet, the Navy ASVAB practice test will assist you in the preparation process.
Final thoughts
To recap, the ASVAB contains ten sections in the CAT ASVAB and nine sections in the P&P ASVAB. Anyway, the content of the subtests doesn’t change. The combination of specific ASVAB sections creates the composite scores that play roles as benchmarks for different job eligibility in the US military. Doing well in each ASVAB part can contribute to the success of the ASVAB test. Take ASVAB practice sections to get well-prepared for the whole ASVAB test.