ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery assesses the aptitude of individuals aspiring to gain entrance into any of the five branches of the US Armed Forces (Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, or Coast Guard).

If you are interested in a career in the military, the ASVAB determines whether you can join the military and which branches you are eligible to join. The test will also help determine which specialties you are eligible for once you have selected a branch.

Military personnel administer the exam at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) locations, while typically civilian contractors or government employees administer the exam at MET sites.

High school students in grades 11 and 12 are eligible to take the exam as well as students in postsecondary schools. In order for your exam score to be considered for enlistment, you must have attained the age of seventeen when you take the oath to join the military, and your exam score must be no more than two years old. Adults who wish to take the ASVAB and join the military must be no older than the maximum age accepted by their desired branch of service at the time of enlistment.

There are two versions of the ASVAB applicants may take—the computerized (CAT-ASVAB) and the paper-and-pencil ASVAB exam.

Computer adaptive testing (CAT) allows the test administrators to get a more complete view of your skills in less time and with fewer questions. These tests start with a question of average difficulty. If you answer this question correctly, the next question will be harder; if you answer it incorrectly, the next question will be easier. This continues as you go through the section, with questions getting harder or easier based on how well you perform. Once you’ve answered enough questions for the computer to determine your score, that section of the test will end.

Topics covered on the ASVAB include: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects.

The General Science (GS) ASVAB section tests your knowledge and application of Earth and physical sciences, biology, chemistry, and physics.

The Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) ASVAB section tests your ability to calculate mathematical word problems using basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratio, and proportions.

The Word Knowledge (WK) ASVAB section identifies the breadth of your vocabulary by asking you to select the correct meaning of a word, synonyms, and antonyms.

The Paragraph Comprehension (PC) ASVAB section tests your reading comprehension through analysis of reading passages.

The Mathematics Knowledge (MK) ASVAB section asks you to solve secondary-level math problems involving algebra, geometry, and converting fractions.

The Electronics Information (EI) ASVAB section tests your ability to employ electrical circuits and formulas, identify their components, and use terminology.

The Auto Information (AI) ASVAB section tests your knowledge of vehicle systems (e.g., engines, transmissions, and brakes) and repair techniques.

The Shop Information (SI) ASVAB section tests your knowledge of correct tool use, shop terminology, and wood and metal shop practices.

The Mechanical Comprehension (MC) ASVAB section asks you about basic mechanical principles surrounding levers and pulleys, complex machinery, force, mass, and kinetic energy.

The Assembling Objects (AO) tests your spatial orientation skills by asking you to identify how objects fit together.

The CAT-ASVAB is a total of 145 questions over 2 hours and 34 minutes. The paper and pencil ASVAB is a total of 225 questions over a period of 2 hours and 29 minutes.

ASVAB testing for applicants is conducted at Military Entrance Processing Stations by computer. The paper-and-pencil version is given at a handful of Military Entrance Test sites. To find a recruiter near you, go to www.todaysmilitary.com/request-information. When the recruiter has determined that you are otherwise qualified, he/she will set up a time for you to take the ASVAB.

AFQT scores are computed using the Standard Scores from four ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Word Knowledge (WK). AFQT scores are reported as percentiles between 1-99.

If you take the pencil and paper ASVAB, your completed answer sheets are sent to the MEPS to be scanned and scored, which typically takes a few days. Your recruiter will notify you when your test scores are available. If you take the CAT-ASVAB, your results will be available immediately after the exam.

How good your score needs to be depends on the branch you would like to enlist in. Here is a breakdown of the minimum scores needed per branch:

• US Air Force—36 with a diploma; 65 with a GED

• US Army—31 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

• Coast Guard—40 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

• Marine Corps—32 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

• National Guard—31 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

• US Navy—35 with a diploma; 50 with a GED

If you do not meet the minimum score for any branch of the military (a 31), you must retake the ASVAB if you still want to enlist.

If you are not satisfied with your ASVAB score, you may retake the ASVAB exam. The first two retake exams must be completed at least one calendar month from the date of the initial exam. After the second retake, applicants must wait at least six calendar months to retake the exam. ASVAB exam results are valid for two years.