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.
Subtest | Questions + Time | Description | Domain | Practice subtests | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAT - ASVAB ((Computer Adaptive Test) | P&P ASVAB ((Paper-and-pencil Test) | ||||
General Science (GS) | 16 questions + 8 minutes | 25 questions + 11 minutes | checking candidates’ knowledge of physical and biological sciences. | Science/Technical | Practice Test Now |
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 16 questions + 39 minutes | 30 questions + 36 minutes | solving arithmetic word problems. | Math | Practice Test Now |
Word Knowledge (WK) | 16 questions + 8 minutes | 35 questions + 11 minutes | determining words’ meanings and their synonym. | Verbal | Practice Test Now |
Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 11 questions + 22 minutes | 15 questions + 13 minutes | grasping and analyzing data from provided written passages. | Verbal | Practice Test Now |
Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 16 questions + 20 minutes | 25 questions + 24 minutes | digging deeper into high school math principles. | Math | Practice Test Now |
Electronics Information (EI) | 18 questions + 8 minutes | 20 questions + 9 minutes | assessing candidates’ comprehension of electricity and electronics. | Science/Technical | Practice Test Now |
*Auto Information (AI) | 11 questions + 7 minutes | 25 questions + 11 minutes | testing the understanding of automobile technology. | Science/Technical | Practice Test Now |
*Shop Information (SI) | 11 questions + 6 minutes | testing the understanding of tools and shop terminology. | Science/Technical | Practice Test Now | |
Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 questions + 20 minutes | 25 questions + 19 minutes | evaluating the understanding of mechanical and physical principles. | Science/Technical | Practice Test Now |
**Assembling Objects (AO) | 16 questions + 15 minutes | 25 questions + 15 minutes | identifying objects’ appearance when their parts are put together. | Spatial | Practice Test Now |
Total | 136 questions in 153 minutes | 225 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.