The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a mandatory 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.
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| 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.
Step 1 – Is The Army Right For Me?
Step 2 – Choose The Right Path
Step 3 – Talk To The Recruiter
Step 4 – Ace The ASVAB
Step 5 – Process In
Step 6 – Choose Your Army Job
Step 7 – Get Ready For Boot camp