Fully-Understanding ASVAB Subtests Breakdown

ASVAB subtests are the core ideas you must thoroughly comprehend once you’re studying about the ASVAB test. The more you understand the details, the higher your score will be. Don’t freak out and be clumsy because of these subtests. After you have mastered the essential knowledge included in every subtest, you will be able to manage your own educational journey. Let’s see what the current ASVAB test subtests are!

What are ASVAB subtests?

The ASVAB contains 9 subtests (including 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)) that are designed to test the specific aptitude of the ASVAB test-takers. The purpose of ASVAB subtests is to more accurately determine which Army jobs a candidate is suitable for or eligible for. The ASVAB subtest breakdown partially assists military recruiters in determining applicants’ strengths and weaknesses based on their subtest scores. Each subtest specializes in one specific area, which ranges from math, electronics, and science to mechanisms.

For details, read our post on ASVAB sections which specify what each topic measures and the number of questions.

The paper-and-pencil version of the ASVAB test consists of 9 subtests, while the computer-based version has 10 subtests. Four domains categorize these subtests, measuring candidates’ aptitude for their respective skills. The number of questions in each subtest is varied, resulting in a diversification of the time limit. The table below will present the detailed descriptions.

SubtestQuestions + TimeDescriptionDomainPractice subtests
CAT - ASVAB ((Computer Adaptive Test)P&P ASVAB ((Paper-and-pencil Test)
General Science (GS)16 questions + 8 minutes25 questions + 11 minuteschecking candidates’ knowledge of physical and biological sciences.Science/TechnicalPractice Test Now
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)16 questions + 39 minutes30 questions + 36 minutessolving arithmetic word problems.MathPractice Test Now
Word Knowledge (WK)16 questions + 8 minutes35 questions + 11 minutesdetermining words’ meanings and their synonym.VerbalPractice Test Now
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)11 questions + 22 minutes15 questions + 13 minutesgrasping and analyzing data from provided written passages.VerbalPractice Test Now
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)16 questions + 20 minutes25 questions + 24 minutesdigging deeper into high school math principles.MathPractice Test Now
Electronics Information (EI)18 questions + 8 minutes20 questions + 9 minutesassessing candidates’ comprehension of electricity and electronics.Science/TechnicalPractice Test Now
*Auto Information (AI)11 questions + 7 minutes25 questions + 11 minutestesting the understanding of automobile technology.Science/TechnicalPractice Test Now
*Shop Information (SI)11 questions + 6 minutestesting the understanding of tools and shop terminology.Science/TechnicalPractice Test Now
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)16 questions + 20 minutes25 questions + 19 minutesevaluating the understanding of mechanical and physical principles.Science/TechnicalPractice Test Now
**Assembling Objects (AO)16 questions + 15 minutes25 questions + 15 minutesidentifying objects’ appearance when their parts are put together.SpatialPractice Test Now
Total136 questions in 153 minutes225 questions in 149 minutes

* In the paper-and-pencil version of the ASVAB test, AI and SI subtests are combined into one single subtest called Auto and Shop Information (AS)

** The Assembling Objects (AO) subtest is not involved in the student version of the ASVAB test. 

Notice: The computer adaptive test allows you to go through the material at your own speed, so there’s no need to wait for the whole class to finish before you can go on. 

FAQs

1. What subtests go into your general ASVAB score?

The four subtests, including Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK) are selected to compute the AFQT score to qualify for enlistment into the US military. 

2. What subtests are on the ASVAB for the Air Force?

The Air Force bases on the following subtests in the ASVAB test to determine eligibility for specific air jobs: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, World Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension. For more understanding, read the ASVAB study guide for the Air Force. 

3. What are the Navy ASVAB subtests?

For Navy jobs and Navy SEALS (Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams), 10 ASVAB subtests can be employed. ASVAB subtests can be selected to calculate the score for determining whether or not candidates pass, depending on the particular jobs or branches within the Navy Force that they apply for. For example, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Equipment is the combination of VE, AR, MK, and AS subtests. Furthermore, with Navy fields, the ASVAB has a further subtest called the Coding Speed (CS) subtest. In order to get the proper studying orientation for the Navy ASVAB test, check the ASVAB study guide for the Navy.  

Final thoughts

An in-depth analysis of the ASVAB subtest breakdown can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the overall ASVAB test. Segmenting the exam into subtests can serve a dual purpose: aiding military recruiters in assessing applicants’ abilities and proficiencies, while also providing candidates with an advantageous means of preparing for the ASVAB test. Let’s narrow your focus to the subtests that are used to score for specific branches of the military or specific careers you’re interested in. 


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