ASVAB vs AFOQT: What Is The Difference?

What is your goal for the US military? If you are interested in enrolling in any branch of the US armed forces, the ASVAB test will determine which branch will be the best fit for you. However, let’s take AFOQT into consideration if your current goal is to pursue a career in the aviation industry or secure a seat in the Air Force. So, what precisely are ASVAB and AFOQT? How do they differ from each other? Don’t freak out if you have not interpreted them yet. This post will bring you relevant details to both of these tests. 

The ASVAB: Basic information

The ASVAB (the abbreviation of Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a comprehensive test to qualify for enlistment in the US armed forces. The ASVAB result will serve as a reference point for military recruiters to determine which US military branch is the best fit for candidates, as well as foresee their future academic and occupational success. The ASVAB is a timed test that is split into 10 subtests taken within 2.5 hours. 

When it comes to the scoring systems of the ASVAB test, it must mention the AFQT score or Armed Forces Qualification Test score. It is also an important element of the ASVAB. Check more information on these concepts in our comparison: ASVAB vs AFQT: What is the difference? if you want. 

The AFOQT: Basic Information

The AFOQT, Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, is a standardized assessment used to select candidates for officer commissioning programs such as Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force ROTC, the Air Force Academy, and other specialized commissioned officer training programs. The AFOQT test specializes exclusively in selecting candidates for specialized aeronautics training programs, such as pilot, navigator training, technical aviation, and others, rather than selecting soldiers for any branch of military services like the ASVAB. It is now regarded as an entry point for all those who want to work for the Air Force.

This exam consists of 12 subtests compared to the 10-subtest ASVAB: 

• Verbal Analogies
• Arithmetic Reasoning
• Word Knowledge
• Math Knowledge
• Instrument Comprehension
• Block Counting 
• Table Reading
• Aviation Information
• General Science
• Rotated Blocks 
• Hidden Figures 
• Self Description Inventory

The scores of these subtests are aggregated to provide five composite scores, which are utilized to forecast the likelihood of success in specific Air Force training programs: 

• Pilot 
• Navigator 
• Verbal 
• Quantitative
• Academic Aptitude

ASVAB vs AFOQT – Unveiling The Distinctions

Based on searching surrounding the ASVAB and the AFOQT, we discovered that there are two different features between the two tests. Let’s see what they are: 

Candidates of interest

The ASVAB test is not just a test for those in uniform; it’s more than that. It assesses skills and matches them with potential military roles for everyone involved in US troops, from high school graduates to those already in the workforce. The ASVAB can assist in placing you in the most suitable branch, be it the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard. Whereas the AFOQT attracts candidates who desire to step into the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), Officer Training School (OTS), Airman Education and Commissioning Program (AECP), Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT), Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) training, Combat System Officer (CSO) training, or Air Battle Manager (ABM) training. 

Scoring Application

While the ASVAB score mainly determines the job placement and qualifies for enlistment, AFOQT is the key factor for officer training programs in the Air Force. 

In summary, although both tests evaluate aptitudes and skills for the armed forces, each test has its own distinct features to fulfill its own objectives. Understanding thoroughly the meaning and structures of these tests can assist candidates in getting well-prepared for the actual exams. 

FAQs

1. Is AFOQT harder than ASVAB?

In general, it can be estimated that the AFOQT test is likely more difficult than the ASVAB test due to several factors. Initially, the 12-subtest AFOQT surpasses the 10-subtest ASVAB in terms of the amount of knowledge required for retention. Secondly, the ASVAB serves as a placement test, encompassing a broader range of candidates than the AFOQT, which is likely equivalent to the SAT exam and serves as admission to Air Force training programs or schools.

2. Do you have to take the ASVAB if you took the AFOQT?

The ASVAB is not an obligatory requirement for those who want to be officer applicants. It means that you can learn and prepare for the AFOQT independently without concern about the ASVAB test. Depending on your own career plan, make the proper test to take to reach your target.  

Final thoughts

Let’s review the key topics that still need to be emphasized before we close. We give you the essential details on the meaning, frameworks, and score recording of these two tests. So, after reading our analysis article: “AFOQT vs ASVAB: What we need to know”, do you have any questions or uncertainties regarding the difference between the two tests? If not yet, read the blog again or leave a comment below so we can provide further explanation.