This overview includes information to help you prepare for the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. You will find details about the exam format, subtests, registration, scoring, minimum standards, retakes, study resources, and sample practice questions.
Exam TypeAir Force officer qualification exam | Subtests12 timed subtests |
Questions516 multiple-choice questions | Testing TimeAbout 5 hours including breaks |
Exam Background and Purpose
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test, commonly called the AFOQT, is an aptitude exam used to help select applicants for Department of the Air Force officer commissioning programs. These programs include Officer Training School and Air Force ROTC.
AFOQT results are also used when evaluating applicants for rated training fields such as pilot, remotely piloted aircraft pilot, combat systems officer, and air battle manager.
Key point: The AFOQT is not the same as the AFQT. The AFOQT is intended for officer applicants. The AFQT is calculated from portions of the ASVAB and is primarily used to determine eligibility for enlisted service.
Test Overview
The AFOQT contains 516 multiple-choice questions divided among 12 separately timed subtests. The entire testing appointment lasts about five hours when instructions and the scheduled break are included.
Each subtest measures a different combination of verbal, mathematical, academic, aviation, spatial, scientific, or judgment-related abilities. Every question must be answered for results to be produced.
The AFOQT is highly time-pressured. Several subtests allow only a few seconds per question, so effective preparation requires both content review and timed practice.
AFOQT Sample Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review several of the academic skills assessed on the AFOQT. Answer each question before opening the explanation.
1. Verbal Analogies: ODOMETER is to DISTANCE as THERMOMETER is to:
- pressure
- temperature
- volume
- speed
Show Answer for Question 1
Answer: B. temperature
An odometer measures distance, while a thermometer measures temperature.
2. Arithmetic Reasoning: An aircraft travels 420 miles in 2.5 hours. What is its average speed?
- 148 miles per hour
- 160 miles per hour
- 168 miles per hour
- 175 miles per hour
Show Answer for Question 2
Answer: C. 168 miles per hour
Divide the distance by the time: 420 divided by 2.5 equals 168 miles per hour.
3. Word Knowledge: The word concise most nearly means:
- brief
- uncertain
- complex
- repetitive
Show Answer for Question 3
Answer: A. brief
Concise means expressing information clearly in relatively few words.
4. Math Knowledge: If 4x + 7 = 31, what is the value of x?
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 8
Show Answer for Question 4
Answer: C. 6
Subtract 7 from both sides to get 4x = 24. Divide both sides by 4 to get x = 6.
AFOQT Scores
AFOQT scores are reported as percentiles rather than as the raw number or percentage of questions answered correctly. Percentile scores range from 1 to 99 and indicate how an examinee performed compared with the test’s reference group.
The 12 subtests contribute to results in six areas:
Academic Composites
| Rated Composites
|
AFOQT Minimum Standards
Applicants must meet the general commissioning minimums and any additional rated composite minimum that applies to the training field they are pursuing.
Meeting a published minimum does not make an applicant competitive or guarantee selection. Selection programs may consider higher scores along with education, leadership, experience, physical qualifications, and other requirements.
Registration, Times, and Locations
Anyone interested in taking the AFOQT must first contact an Air Force recruiter or the test control officer at a supported base education center. That official will review the applicant’s background and determine eligibility.
After eligibility is confirmed, the applicant can arrange a testing date and location. The AFOQT is provided at no charge to eligible examinees.
Retaking the AFOQT
At least 90 days must normally pass between AFOQT administrations. Three administrations are authorized, but a third administration requires an approved waiver from the appropriate authority.
Valid scores from the current authorized AFOQT forms do not expire. The Air Force uses superscoring, which means the best composite score earned across valid attempts becomes the score of record for that composite.
Retesting Basics
- Wait at least 90 days before retesting.
- A third administration requires an approved waiver.
- Valid current-form scores do not expire.
- The highest valid score for each composite is used.
How Can I Prepare for the AFOQT?
A strong AFOQT study plan should address both knowledge and speed. Begin with a diagnostic practice test, identify the subtests that contribute to the composites most important to your goal, and divide your study time accordingly.
Do not prepare only for the verbal and mathematical portions. Applicants pursuing rated fields should also practice aviation information, instrument comprehension, table reading, block counting, and other spatial or technical skills.
AFOQT Study Checklist
- Review arithmetic, algebra, geometry, ratios, percentages, and word problems.
- Practice vocabulary, synonyms, verbal analogies, and reading comprehension.
- Review high-school-level physical science concepts.
- Study aviation terminology and flight concepts when pursuing a rated field.
- Practice table reading, block counting, and instrument comprehension for speed.
- Complete practice sections using the official time limits.
- Review every missed question and determine why the error occurred.
AFOQT Study Resources
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AFOQT and Air Force Officer Qualifying Test are program names belonging to the United States Air Force. The United States Air Force is not involved with or affiliated with Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com, nor does it endorse or sponsor any products or services offered by Mometrix Media LLC or StudyGuideZone.com.
