The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a multiple-choice test used by the U.S. Armed Forces to help determine enlistment eligibility and identify military job areas that may fit a candidate’s abilities.
The ASVAB is also offered to many high school and post-secondary students through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Taking the ASVAB through a school program can help students explore civilian and military career options, but it does not require a student to join the military.
ASVAB Test Overview
| Full name | Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery |
| Purpose | Used for enlistment eligibility, military job qualification, and career exploration |
| Main formats | Computer-adaptive, paper-and-pencil, and PiCAT |
| Testing locations | MEPS, MET sites, schools, or approved PiCAT locations depending on the testing program |
| Calculator allowed? | No |
Online ASVAB Prep Course
If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online ASVAB Prep Course. The course includes review lessons, practice questions, flashcards, videos, progress tracking, and study tools designed to help you review the major areas tested on the exam.
- 100+ ASVAB lessons
- 1,590+ ASVAB practice questions
- 320+ digital flashcards
- 290+ review videos
- Progress tracking
- Bonus study tools and test-taking tips
What Is on the ASVAB?
The ASVAB measures aptitude in four major domains: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical, and Spatial. The subtests are presented in a set order.
| Subtest | Abbreviation | What It Measures | Domain |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | GS | Physical and biological sciences | Science and Technical |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | AR | Arithmetic word problems | Math |
| Word Knowledge | WK | Vocabulary and word meaning | Verbal |
| Paragraph Comprehension | PC | Reading comprehension | Verbal |
| Mathematics Knowledge | MK | High school mathematics principles | Math |
| Electronics Information | EI | Electricity and electronics | Science and Technical |
| Auto Information | AI | Automobile technology | Science and Technical |
| Shop Information | SI | Tools, shop terminology, and shop practices | Science and Technical |
| Mechanical Comprehension | MC | Mechanical and physical principles | Science and Technical |
| Assembling Objects | AO | How an object will look when parts are assembled | Spatial |
Note: Auto Information and Shop Information are separate subtests on the computer version. On the paper-and-pencil version, they are combined into one Auto & Shop Information subtest.
CAT-ASVAB Format
The CAT-ASVAB is the computerized adaptive version of the ASVAB. Because it is adaptive, the computer selects questions based on the test taker’s performance. Test takers move through the subtests at their own pace, but each subtest has a time limit.
The proctored CAT-ASVAB is usually taken at a MEPS or MET site. On average, it takes about 2 hours to complete. Some test takers receive unscored tryout questions in selected subtests, which can increase the time limit for those subtests.
| Subtest | Scored Questions | Time Without Tryout Questions | Time With Tryout Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | 15 | 12 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 15 | 55 minutes | 113 minutes |
| Word Knowledge | 15 | 9 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Paragraph Comprehension | 10 | 27 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Mathematics Knowledge | 15 | 31 minutes | 65 minutes |
| Electronics Information | 15 | 10 minutes | 21 minutes |
| Auto Information | 10 | 7 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Shop Information | 10 | 6 minutes | 17 minutes |
| Mechanical Comprehension | 15 | 22 minutes | 42 minutes |
| Assembling Objects | 15 | 18 minutes | 38 minutes |
Paper-and-Pencil ASVAB Format
The paper-and-pencil ASVAB is given at only a small number of MET sites. Unlike the CAT-ASVAB, everyone works through the test at the same pace. Test takers may review answers within the current subtest, but they cannot return to an earlier subtest after time has ended.
| Subtest | Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 25 | 11 minutes |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 30 | 36 minutes |
| Word Knowledge | 35 | 11 minutes |
| Paragraph Comprehension | 15 | 13 minutes |
| Mathematics Knowledge | 25 | 24 minutes |
| Electronics Information | 20 | 9 minutes |
| Auto & Shop Information | 25 | 11 minutes |
| Mechanical Comprehension | 25 | 19 minutes |
| Assembling Objects | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 225 | 149 minutes |
What Is the PiCAT?
The PiCAT, or Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test, is an unproctored version of the CAT-ASVAB. It can be taken from home or another location with a computer and internet access.
To take the PiCAT, candidates must work with a military recruiter. The recruiter provides an access code, and candidates must complete the PiCAT within the required time window. If the PiCAT score suggests possible eligibility for military service, the candidate must complete a shorter proctored verification test to confirm the score.
How Is the ASVAB Scored?
Individual ASVAB subtests are reported as Standard Scores. A Standard Score shows how a test taker performed compared with a national reference group.
Candidates also receive an Armed Forces Qualification Test, or AFQT, score. The AFQT score is based on four ASVAB subtests:
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Word Knowledge
AFQT scores are reported as percentiles from 1 to 99. A percentile score shows how the test taker performed compared with the reference group. For example, an AFQT score of 50 means the test taker scored as well as or better than 50% of the reference group.
Each military branch sets and applies its own enlistment and job-qualification rules. Because those requirements can change, candidates should confirm current score requirements with a recruiter.
How Do I Register for the ASVAB?
Applicants who are interested in military service should contact a local military recruiter. The recruiter reviews basic eligibility, explains the testing process, and helps schedule the ASVAB.
Students who take the ASVAB through a school usually do so as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. School-based testing is coordinated through the school or program staff.
What Should I Expect on Test Day?
For testing at a MEPS or MET site, bring valid identification and arrive on time. Candidates who arrive late may be turned away and required to reschedule.
- Bring the identification required by your recruiter or testing instructions.
- Do not bring a calculator, since calculators are not allowed on the ASVAB.
- Follow all instructions from the test administrator.
- Complete every subtest to receive a score.
- Do not discuss or share specific test questions.
Your recruiter may help you get to the testing location, but the recruiter is not allowed in the testing room.
Can I Retake the ASVAB?
Yes, but waiting periods apply. Candidates must wait one month between the initial ASVAB and the first retest. Another one-month wait is required before a second retest. After that, a six-month wait is required between additional retests.
Special rules may apply if a test is invalidated, if a confirmation test is required, or if there is a large AFQT score increase within a short period. Candidates should follow the current retest instructions provided by their recruiter.
How Can I Prepare for the ASVAB?
Start by learning the ASVAB subtests and identifying which areas are strongest and weakest. The AFQT score depends on Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge, so those areas deserve special attention if enlistment eligibility is your main concern.
Then review the science, technical, mechanical, electronics, auto, shop, and spatial topics that may affect job qualification. These sections can influence which military occupational specialties or training paths may be available.
Practice questions are useful because they help you get used to the pace and style of ASVAB questions. After each practice session, review missed questions carefully so you understand the vocabulary rule, math process, reading skill, science concept, or mechanical principle behind the correct answer.
ASVAB FAQ
Can you use a calculator on the ASVAB?
No. Calculators are not allowed on the ASVAB.
Is the ASVAB timed?
Yes. Each subtest is timed. The exact timing depends on whether the test is the CAT-ASVAB, the paper-and-pencil ASVAB, or the PiCAT.
What is the AFQT?
The AFQT is a score based on Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge. It is used to help determine enlistment eligibility.
Is the ASVAB only for people joining the military?
No. The ASVAB is also used in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program for students who are exploring career options. However, applicants who want to enlist in the military must take the ASVAB or an approved version of it.
How long are ASVAB scores valid?
For enlistment purposes, ASVAB scores are generally valid for a limited period. Candidates should confirm current score-validity rules with their recruiter, especially if they tested months or years ago.
