Skilled Technical on the ASVAB: What you should know

Do you want to pursue a skilled technician position in the military? Achieving a high score in Skilled Technical (ST) on the ASVAB is a crucial step toward this sought-after role! The Skilled Technical is a line score in ASVAB, determining your qualification for high-demand positions such as avionics technician, diesel mechanic, and cyber operations. Whether you are looking to serve or build skills for the future, mastering the ST section will unlock a wealth of opportunities. Therefore, this post will give you a comprehensive overview of what Skilled Technical on the ASVAB is, from its components to its importance in military enlistment. Dive in for more! 

What is skilled technical on the ASVAB?

The Skilled Technical (ST) is one of the line (composite) scores derived from the ASVAB. Unlike the general AFQT score that justifies your basic eligibility to enlist into the branches, the Skilled Technical demonstrates your potential in technical and mechanical tasks. As a result, this line score will be used to determine your suitability for specific technical roles in the military. 

This score is the result of performance in five ASVAB subtests: General Science, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematical Knowledge, and Mechanical Comprehension. These subsets collectively determine both your STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and language skills, which are crucial in technical fields. 

What is skilled technical on the ASVAB
What is skilled technical on the ASVAB

Details about Skilled Technical’s components are as follows:

General Science (GS)

This subtest measures your understanding of general scientific principles such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. You must show your ability to apply these basic scientific concepts in solving real-world problems. This subtest includes 15 questions on the computer version – CAT-ASVAB, and 25 questions on the paper-and-pencil ASVAB. 

To become familiar with the content and structure of this subtest, it is a good idea that you take our ASVAB General Science practice tests.

Take the ASVAB General Science practice tests now 

Word Knowledge (WK)

Word Knowledge assesses your knowledge of vocabulary and ability to identify synonyms of words. Knowledge and skills in this subtest are important to understand written instructions, technical manuals, and other written materials in the military. The CAT-ASVAB contains 15 WK questions while the P&P-ASVAB has 35 questions. 

To prepare effectively for the WK subtest, utilize our online free practice tests. Give it a try and you will definitely love it.

Practice ASVAB Word Knowledge tests

Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

Questions in this subtest measure your ability to read and comprehend written materials, draw out the main ideas, and interpret information correctly. It is crucial for processing military protocols and operational orders. The CAT-ASVAB has 10 questions, and the P&P-ASVAB has 15 questions on the PC subtest.

Maximum your score on Paragraph Comprehension with our comprehensive practice tests!

Take the free ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension practice tests

Mathematical Knowledge (MK)

Mathematical Knowledge tests your knowledge of high school math including algebra and geometry. You are required to solve equations and apply mathematical principles to technical and real-life situations. This subtest has 15 questions on the CAT-ASVAB and 25 questions on the P&P-ASVAB.

Get ready with the match section by practicing simulated questions by ASVAB Prep!

Practice ASVAB Mathematical Knowledge tests now

Mechanical Comprehension (MC)

The Mechanical Comprehension subtest is designed to test your knowledge of mechanical principles and physical laws, such as force, motion, energy, and basic mechanical devices. It measures your ability to apply these concepts to practical situations, making it one of the important subtests determining your qualification for skilled technical jobs in the military. The CAT-ASVAB has 15 Mechanical Comprehension questions, and the P&P-ASVAB contains 25 questions in this subtest. 

Boost your mechanical knowledge with our targeted practice!

Practice ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension tests 

Importance of Skilled Technical in ASVAB jobs

The Skilled Technical is the line score used for the Army. Therefore, it plays an important role in determining your job in this branch. The ST score you get will directly influence your qualification for specific technical roles as they have a minimum ST score requirement for enlistment. Specifically:

Job title

Minimum ASVAB Skilled Technical score

Job description 

Cryptologic network warfare specialist

ST: 112

Apply technical competencies in cybersecurity and encryption

Technical engineer specialist

ST: 101

Employ acquired technical knowledge in carrying out assigned projects

Geospatial engineer

ST: 100

Use math and data skills to draw on technical and scientific knowledge

Aviation operations specialist

ST: 91

Apply technical skills to solve problems related to coordinating flight operations 

Air traffic control operator

ST: 101

Apply technical and mathematical skills for safe ải traffic control

Cyber Operations Specialist

ST: 112

Utilize cybersecurity and advanced problem-solving skills

Information Technology Specialist

ST: 95

Operates military IT systems using technical abilities over networks and data management 

Internment/resettlement specialist

ST: 95

Apply technical skills in conducting detainee operations

Signal intel analyst

ST: 112

Analyze signals intelligence including technical knowledge about systems and data

FAQS

1. What is the skilled technical part of the ASVAB?

The Skilled Technical part is a line score applied to determine qualification for jobs in the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. It consists of four subtests: General Science, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematical Knowledge. 

2. How many skilled technical ASVAB questions are there?

Skilled Technical ASVAB questions include questions from 5 subtests, which is a total of 70 questions on the CAT-ASVAB, and 125 questions on the P&P-ASVAB. 

3. How to calculate the skilled technical score on ASVAB?

The Skilled Technical score is determined by the combination of scores from four subtests. Here is how it works:

  • Determine raw scores: The raw scores are based on the number of correct answers for each subtest.
  • Standardize the scores: The raw scores are converted into standard scores
  • Combine the ST line score: The standard scores from four subtests are combined to determine the ST score. 

ASVAB Prep has developed an ASVAB score calculator that makes calculating your ST score much easier. Check it now to calculate your score and see technician jobs you can qualify for. 

Final thoughts

The Skilled Technical on the ASVAB is an important line score to determine your qualification for technical careers in the military. A high ST score opens the door to a wide range of specialized positions with high demand and attractive benefits. Therefore, start the first step toward a high score in ST by understanding its components and the minimum scores required for your desired role. Remember to use our practice tests and calculator to get ready and unlock your future in the military’s technical fields. 


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