Where You Take the ASVAB
The ASVAB is administered at two types of locations: Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and Military Entrance Test (MET) sites. There are 65 MEPS locations across the United States, plus hundreds of MET sites at schools, National Guard armories, and reserve centers.
If you are enlisting, your recruiter will schedule you at the nearest MEPS. If you are a high school student taking the ASVAB through your school's guidance office, you will take it at your school or a nearby MET site. MEPS administrations use the CAT-ASVAB (computer); MET sites may use the paper-and-pencil version.
CAT-ASVAB vs Paper-and-Pencil
The CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test) is the standard format at MEPS. It adapts question difficulty based on your answers — get a question right and the next one is harder; get it wrong and it gets easier. This means you typically answer fewer questions but each one counts more. Most people finish the CAT-ASVAB in about 1.5 hours.
The paper-and-pencil ASVAB (P&P) uses fixed-difficulty questions. Everyone gets the same questions in the same order. It takes about 3 hours. P&P is more common at schools and MET sites.
Both versions produce the same types of scores. The CAT-ASVAB is generally considered slightly more accurate because it targets questions to your ability level.
The CAT-ASVAB adapts to you. The paper version gives everyone the same test.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, school ID, or passport). Your recruiter will confirm which forms of ID are accepted at your specific location.
You do not need to bring pencils, paper, or a calculator — all materials are provided, and calculators are not allowed. Bring nothing electronic: no phones, smartwatches, or earbuds.
Wear comfortable clothes and eat a good meal before the test. MEPS administrations can involve a full day including the physical exam, so plan accordingly.
Timing and Structure
The ASVAB is not one continuous test — it is nine separately timed sections. You cannot go back to a previous section once time is called. On the CAT-ASVAB, you also cannot go back to a previous question within a section.
CAT-ASVAB timing varies because the number of questions adapts, but plan for about 1.5 hours of testing. Paper-and-pencil timing is fixed at approximately 3 hours. Both formats include short breaks between sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the ASVAB take?
The CAT-ASVAB (computer version) takes about 1.5 hours. The paper-and-pencil version takes about 3 hours. Plan for a longer day at MEPS, which may include a physical exam and other processing.
Can I use a calculator on the ASVAB?
No. Calculators are not allowed on any version of the ASVAB. Scratch paper is provided for math sections.
What happens if I fail the ASVAB?
There is no pass or fail — you receive scores. If your AFQT is below your target branch's minimum, you can retake the test after one calendar month. Your recruiter will help you schedule a retest.
Can I go back and change answers?
On the paper-and-pencil ASVAB, you can go back within the current section. On the CAT-ASVAB, you cannot go back to a previous question once you have answered it. This is because the next question is selected based on your answer.