What is the ASVAB Test?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a comprehensive test that measures your skills and helps determine qualification for military service.
Overview & Purpose
The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. It was created in 1968 and has been the standard test for military applicants since 1976.
The test serves multiple purposes:
- Determines qualification for enlistment in the U.S. military
- Helps identify which military jobs (MOS/Rating) you qualify for
- Measures developed abilities and predicts future academic and occupational success
- Provides career exploration tools for students
Key Fact
The ASVAB is administered to more than one million military applicants, high school, and post-secondary students each year.
Test Components
The ASVAB consists of nine individual timed subtests covering various subjects:
1. General Science (GS)
Physical and biological sciences
2. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Word problems using basic arithmetic
3. Word Knowledge (WK)
Understanding word meanings
4. Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Reading and understanding written material
5. Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
High school math concepts
6. Electronics Information (EI)
Basic electronics and electrical principles
7. Auto & Shop Information (AS)
Automotive and workshop knowledge
8. Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Mechanical and physical principles
9. Assembling Objects (AO)
Spatial relationships and assembly
Important Note
Four of these subtests (AR, WK, PC, and MK) make up your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score, which determines your eligibility for enlistment.
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Who Takes the ASVAB?
Military Applicants
Anyone interested in joining any branch of the U.S. military must take the ASVAB:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marines
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
High School Students
Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 can take the ASVAB through the Career Exploration Program. This helps with:
- Career exploration and planning
- Understanding personal strengths
- Identifying potential career paths
- College and vocational planning
Other Test Takers
- GED holders considering military service
- College students exploring military options
- Career changers interested in military service
- Prior service members seeking re-enlistment
Test Formats
The ASVAB is available in two formats:
CAT-ASVAB
Computer Adaptive Test
- Adapts to your ability level
- Generally takes 1.5-2 hours
- Immediate scoring
- Used at MEPS locations
P&P-ASVAB
Paper and Pencil Version
- Traditional test format
- Takes about 3 hours
- Manual scoring required
- Used in schools and MET sites
Next Steps
Now that you understand what the ASVAB is, you're ready to begin your preparation journey. We recommend:
- Understanding Your Scores - Learn how ASVAB scores work and what you need for your desired military branch
- Taking a Practice Test - Assess your current knowledge level with our free practice tests
- Creating a Study Plan - Use our study resources to improve in areas where you need help