ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (
ASVAB) is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (MEPS), used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. In addition to determining eligibility, the test also determines jobs available to you in each service and enlistment bonus incentives, so you will want to do your best when taking the ASVAB.
ASVAB Information
How can I prepare for the ASVAB?
First, the ASVAB measures your accumulated knowledge in different areas. So if you are currently in school, stay focused and study hard. Your overall knowledge gained in school will most likely be reflected in your ASVAB score. Second, though accumulated knowledge is important, you may be able to raise your score by preparing specifically for the ASVAB, especially in areas where you are weak. Various study guides are available for this purpose (listed left).
ASVAB Study Guide
What is the minimum score?
To
enlist in the military you must achieve a certain score on the ASVAB to be eligible for enlistment, though a waiver may be granted in some circumstances. Required ASVAB entrance scores by service:
AFQT required minimum scores as of 2009 (unless otherwise noted) are as follows:
- Air Force (AFQT) 36 (GED Graduate is 65)
- Air National Guard (AFQT) 31 (GED Graduate is 50)
- Coast Guard (AFQT) 45 (GED is 46)
- Navy (AFQT) 35 (GED is 50)
- Marines (AFQT) 32 (GED is 50)
- Army (AFQT) 31
GED holders who earn 15 college credits 100 level or greater are considered equivalent with those holding high school diplomas. This would result in only needing the minimum score to enlist.
What are the enlistment Categories / ASVAB test score categories?
These are the test score category ranges:
I 93-99
II 65-92
IIIA 50-64
IIIB 31-49
IVA 16-30
IVB 10-15
V 0-9 Not eligible for enlistment
ASVAB VERSIONS
There are three versions for the ASVAB test:
1. High School/Student Version
The test is offered at high schools throughout the United States to help students and teachers assess verbal, math, science and technical skills.
THE EIGHT STUDENT ASVAB TEST AREAS ARE:
- General Science
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
A 30-item test measuring ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems
- Word Knowledge
A 35-item test measuring ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms
- Paragraph Comprehension
A 15-item test measuring ability to obtain information from written material
- Mathematics Knowledge
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications
- Electronics Information
A 20-item test measuring knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems
- Auto and Shop Information
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices
- Mechanical Comprehension
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials
2. CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test)
Most potential military recruits now take this version, which is taken on a computer. Computer adaptive testing means that if you get a question right, then the next question is harder, and if you get a question wrong, then the next question is easier.
THE TEN CAT-ASVAB TEST AREAS ARE:
- General Science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Auto Information
- Shop Information
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Assembling Objects
3. MET-ASVAB (Mobile Examination Test)
This is the U.S. Military's pen and paper ASVAB test. Fewer potential recruits are taking this test, as most are now taking the CAT-ASVAB (above).
THE NINE MET-ASVAB TEST AREAS ARE:
- General Science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Auto and Shop Information
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Assembling Objects
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