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ASVAB Test Design

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a manditory test when joining the military. It is offered in three versions. The first version is CAT (computerized adaptive testing), in which a correct answer leads to more difficult questions. The MET-site test is given only for entrance into the military, while the Student ASVAB allows students to explore career opportunities.

The ASVAB consists of 200 multiple choice questions that are divided into ten short tests that evaluate your strengths in the areas: general science, word knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, numerical operations, paragraph comprehension, auto and shop information, coding speed, mechanical comprehension, electronics and mathematical knowledge.and it takes approximately three hours to complete. An ASVAB test administrator will give you instructions and tell you how long you have to complete each test. Before you begin, you will be given the opportunity to answer practice questions and ask any questions about taking the test.

The four most important areas you will be scored in are: word knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, paragraph comprehension and mathematical knowledge. These scores determine if you qualify to enlist in the armed services and if you are eligible for specialty jobs and a signing bonus. There is not a pass or fail when taking the ASVAB, however; to be considered for enlistment in the Army, you need to score at least a 31. Your scores will be provided to you on a report called the ASVAB Student Results Sheet, with additional information to help you understand your score. The chart below explains the time length and number of questions in each area.

ASVAB Secrets Study Guide

Subtest	Minutes	Questions	Description
General Science	11	25	Measures knowledge of physical and biological sciences
Arithmetic Reasoning	36	30	Measures ability to solve arithmetic word problems
Word Knowledge	11	35	Measures ability to select the correct meaning of words presented in context, and identify synonyms
Paragraph Comprehension	13	15	Measures ability to obtain information from written material
Auto and Shop Information	11	25	Measures knowledge of automobiles, tools, and shop terminology and practices
Mathematics Knowledge	24	25	Measures knowledge of high school mathematics principles
Mechanical Comprehension	19	25	Measures knowledge of mechanical and physical principles, and ability to visualize how illustrated objects work
Electronics Information	9	20	Tests knowledge of electricity and electronics

ASVAB results are valid for two years. After taking an initial ASVAB Test (any ASVAB test taken in school doesn't count as an "initial test"), one must wait a minimum of 30 days for the first re-test, 30 days for the second re-test, and then a minimum of six months for any re-tests thereafter. There are no limits to the number of times the ASVAB can be taken if he/she failed to achieve a minimum qualifying score.