ASVAB Exam 2026: Your Complete Military Aptitude Test Guide
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-aptitude test used by all branches of the U.S. military to determine qualification for enlistment and identify the best military occupational specialties (MOS) for each recruit. Whether you're aiming for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force, the ASVAB is your first step toward a military career.
The ASVAB measures your strengths and potential for future success in military training. Your scores help match you with jobs that fit your abilities.
Exam Format & Structure
| Component | CAT-ASVAB (Computer) | Paper ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 145 questions | 225 questions |
| Total Time | 154 minutes | 149 minutes |
| Subtests | 10 subtests | 10 subtests |
| Scoring | Adaptive (adjusts to ability) | Fixed difficulty |
| Cost | FREE | FREE |
| Location | MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) | High schools, community centers |
The ASVAB is offered in two formats:
- CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test) - Taken at MEPS; questions adapt to your ability level
- Paper-and-Pencil ASVAB (P&P) - Taken at high schools through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program
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The 10 ASVAB Subtests
The ASVAB consists of 10 subtests that measure different aptitudes:
Verbal Domain
1. Word Knowledge (WK)
- CAT: 16 questions, 8 minutes
- P&P: 35 questions, 11 minutes
- Tests vocabulary and word meanings
- Includes synonyms and context clues
2. Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- CAT: 10 questions, 22 minutes
- P&P: 15 questions, 13 minutes
- Tests reading comprehension
- Analyzes passages for main ideas and details
Math Domain
3. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- CAT: 15 questions, 55 minutes
- P&P: 30 questions, 36 minutes
- Word problems requiring math
- Real-world math applications
4. Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- CAT: 15 questions, 23 minutes
- P&P: 25 questions, 24 minutes
- Pure math concepts
- Algebra, geometry, basic math principles
Science & Technical Domain
5. General Science (GS)
- CAT: 15 questions, 10 minutes
- P&P: 25 questions, 11 minutes
- Life science, physical science, earth science
- Basic scientific principles and concepts
6. Electronics Information (EI)
- CAT: 15 questions, 10 minutes
- P&P: 20 questions, 9 minutes
- Electrical concepts and terminology
- Circuits, currents, resistance, voltage
7. Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- CAT: 15 questions, 22 minutes
- P&P: 25 questions, 19 minutes
- Mechanical and physical principles
- Levers, pulleys, gears, forces
Auto & Shop Domain
8. Auto Information (AI)
- CAT: Combined with Shop (25 questions, 7 minutes)
- P&P: 25 questions, 7 minutes
- Automotive maintenance and repair
- Engine systems, electrical systems
9. Shop Information (SI)
- CAT: Combined with Auto (see above)
- P&P: 25 questions, 6 minutes
- Wood and metal shop practices
- Tools, materials, procedures
Spatial Domain
10. Assembling Objects (AO)
- CAT: 15 questions, 17 minutes
- P&P: 25 questions, 15 minutes
- Spatial relationships and visualization
- Connecting points and assembling shapes
Understanding Your AFQT Score
The AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is the most important number from your ASVAB. It determines whether you can enlist in the military.
AFQT Formula
AFQT = 2VE + AR + MK
Where:
- VE (Verbal Expression) = WK + PC (combined standard score)
- AR = Arithmetic Reasoning standard score
- MK = Mathematics Knowledge standard score
AFQT Score Categories
| Category | Percentile | Description |
|---|---|---|
| I | 93-99 | Outstanding |
| II | 65-92 | Above Average |
| IIIA | 50-64 | Average |
| IIIB | 31-49 | Below Average |
| IV | 10-30 | Below Average (limited enlistment) |
| V | 1-9 | Not eligible for enlistment |
Minimum AFQT Scores by Branch
| Branch | Minimum AFQT (GED) | Minimum AFQT (HS Diploma) |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 50 | 31 |
| Navy | 50 | 31 |
| Air Force | 65 | 31 |
| Marine Corps | 50 | 32 |
| Coast Guard | 50 | 40 |
| Space Force | N/A | 36 |
Note: In practice, most branches require higher scores for competitive enlistment, especially for desired MOS/ratings.
Free Practice Questions & Study Materials
Each subtest section includes:
- Detailed content explanations
- Official-style practice questions
- Test-taking strategies
- Key formulas and concepts
Composite Scores and Military Jobs
Beyond the AFQT, your subtest scores combine into composite scores (also called line scores) that determine which military jobs you qualify for:
Army Composite Scores (Example)
| Composite | Subtests | Job Categories |
|---|---|---|
| CL (Clerical) | VE + AR + MK | Administrative roles |
| CO (Combat) | AR + AS + MC | Combat arms |
| EL (Electronics) | GS + AR + MK + EI | Electronics/IT |
| FA (Field Artillery) | AR + MK + MC | Artillery operations |
| GM (General Maintenance) | GS + AS + MK + EI | Maintenance jobs |
| GT (General Technical) | VE + AR | Many specialized jobs |
| MM (Mechanical Maintenance) | AS + EI + MC | Vehicle/equipment maintenance |
| OF (Operators/Food) | VE + AS + MC | Operators, food service |
| SC (Surveillance/Communications) | VE + AR + AS + MC | Surveillance, communications |
| ST (Skilled Technical) | GS + VE + MK + MC | Technical specialists |
Each branch has its own composite score system. Navy uses ASVAB line scores differently than Army, etc.
Study Timeline for ASVAB Success
| Week | Focus | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diagnostic | Take practice test, identify weak areas |
| 2 | Verbal | Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension |
| 3 | Math | Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge |
| 4 | Technical | General Science, Electronics Information |
| 5 | Mechanical | Mechanical Comprehension, Auto/Shop |
| 6 | Review | Full practice tests, weak area focus |
Recommended: 4-8 weeks of focused study
Test-Taking Strategies
General Strategies
- Prioritize AFQT subtests - AR, MK, WK, PC determine eligibility
- Manage your time - CAT-ASVAB doesn't allow going back
- Don't leave blanks - No penalty for wrong answers
- Read carefully - Watch for words like "NOT" or "EXCEPT"
For Word Knowledge
- Learn common prefixes, suffixes, and roots
- Context clues often reveal meaning
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
For Arithmetic Reasoning
- Draw diagrams for word problems
- Write out your calculations
- Check if answer is reasonable
- Common topics: percentages, ratios, time/distance
For Mathematics Knowledge
- Memorize key formulas
- Know order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Practice algebra and geometry
- Focus on: quadratics, angles, area/volume
For Mechanical Comprehension
- Understand simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears)
- Know how forces work
- Visualize mechanical problems
- Practice reading diagrams
Retaking the ASVAB
If you don't score high enough, you can retake the ASVAB:
| Attempt | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| 1st retest | 1 month after initial test |
| 2nd retest | 1 month after 1st retest |
| Subsequent | 6 months after previous test |
ASVAB scores are valid for 2 years for enlistment purposes.
ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP)
High school students can take the ASVAB through the Career Exploration Program:
- Free aptitude and career exploration tool
- Results are NOT sent to military recruiters automatically
- Provides valuable career insights regardless of military plans
- Same 10 subtests as enlistment ASVAB
- Can be used for enlistment within 2 years
ASVAB Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 17-39 (varies by branch) |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
| Education | High school diploma preferred (GED accepted with higher scores) |
| Physical | Must also pass MEPS physical exam |
Pass the ASVAB with Confidence
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- All 10 subtests covered in detail
- Practice questions matching actual ASVAB style
- Math formulas and vocabulary lists for quick review
- AI-powered study assistance for instant explanations
- Regularly updated for 2026
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Official Resources
- Official ASVAB Program - ASVAB Career Exploration Program
- Military OneSource - Military resources and support
- Today's Military - Branch comparisons and careers
- MEPS Locations - Find your nearest MEPS
- Your local military recruiter