THE ULTIMATE ASVAB STUDY GUIDE FOR RECRUITS
Before you enlist, regardless of which branch you’re looking to join, completing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a mandatory requirement for all service members. The ASVAB can feel intimidating for many recruits, but at its core, it’s simply a test that helps identify your strengths and weaknesses and where you might best fit within the U.S. military. From what to expect on the test, to study guides and more, here’s what you need to know about the ASVAB.
What Is the ASVAB Test?
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test aiming to look at how recruits will do as they venture into the military both from an academic and occupational standpoint.
Each year, over a million applicants take the ASVAB test, which is conducted at one of the 65 Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) found throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Consisting of ten different subjects, you’ll receive two different ASVAB scores, including the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score and your ASVAB category score.
You’ll need an AFQT score of at least 31, while your category score will determine which jobs in the military you qualify for, along with career opportunities.
Different jobs or Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) require different minimum scores to qualify, so the test can affect your career choices.
AFQT Score Ranges
You may only need a 31 to enlist in the military, but there are different scores for each branch. Your AFQT is comprised of four of the ASVAB subtest standard scores:
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Word Knowledge (WK)
Operating as percentiles between 1 and 99, here is the score range and how each corresponds to a category:
| Category | Score Range |
|---|---|
| I | 93 to 99 |
| II | 65 to 92 |
| IIIA | 50 to 64 |
| IIIB | 31 to 49 |
| IVA | 21 to 30 |
| IVB | 16 to 20 |
| IVC | 10 to 15 |
| V | 1 to 9 |
Depending on whether or not you’ve graduated with your high school diploma or if you’ve received your GED, the score you receive will affect your ability to enlist.
Furthermore, each branch has its own standards. Here’s the score for each military branch:
| Branch | High School Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force | 36 | 65 |
| Army | 31 | 50 |
| Coast Guard | 40 | 50 |
| Marines | 32 | 50 |
| National Guard | 31 | 50 |
| Navy | 35 | 50 |
| Space Force* | 36 | 65 |
*Space Force is still developing and for now, recruits similarly to the branch from which it came, the USAF. Therefore, you’ll likely need the same AFQT score to become a Guardian as you would as an Airman.
If you’ve already taken the ASVAB exam and are looking to check your scores, you can do so online.
Subtests and Subjects
There are ten core subtests across various subjects you’ll need to pass. While the ASVAB tests mathematic, scientific, spatial, technical, and verbal abilities, here is a closer look and the order in which you’ll be tested:
General Science (GS)
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Word Knowledge (WK)
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Math Knowledge (MK)
Electronics Information (EI)
Auto Information (AI)
Shop Information (SI)
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Assembling Objects (AO)
Keep in mind that because you can take the ASVAB via computer or in its paper-and-pencil format, you may notice AI and SI are one subtest noted as AS.
Test takers will need to answer 135 questions when using the computer format and 225 questions through the paper-and-pencil format.
Each subtest will need to be finished within their specific time limits and in total, you’ll need around three and a half hours to complete the entire ASVAB exam.
Be sure to take these time limits into account when practicing and prepare accordingly.
What to Expect When Taking the ASVAB
If you’ve never taken the ASVAB, there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of:
Punctuality matters. If you’re late, you’re going to have to reschedule.
If you need a ride, you may get one from your recruiter; however, specific discussions of the questions are not allowed by any party. You also must take the test alone.
Calculators are not allowed.
Computer tests are provided at most testing locations, but you may find the paper-and-pencil format at some Military Entrance Test (MET) sites.
If at first you don’t succeed, try again. You are allowed multiple attempts; however, you have to wait a month after your first take, and you have to wait six calendar months to take it a third time.
No matter how many times you take the ASVAB, your most recent score is used, not the highest one you receive out of all of your attempts.
Preparation Using the ASVAB Practice Test and Study Guide
Taking the time to prepare is going to pay off in most endeavors. The ASVAB test is no different.
Not only will you want to be sure to study and practice the relevant subjects you know you’ll face on the test, but you’re also going to need to stay consistent.
Rather than cramming everything or waiting until the last minute, be sure to create a study routine, find a quiet place to study, and do so over a larger period of time, leading up to your test date.
Finally, rest is underrated and can be essential to your performance. Be sure to get lots of rest and take breaks to recharge your mind.
ASVAB Resources:
Sources:
ASVAB. Accessed August 2024. https://www.officialasvab.com/applicants/what-to-expect/
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