Key Takeaways
- The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test required for military enlistment in all U.S. armed forces branches.
- CAT-ASVAB (computerized) has 145 questions in 154 minutes; P&P-ASVAB has 225 questions in 149 minutes.
- The test includes 10 subtests covering verbal, math, science/technical, and spatial domains.
- Your AFQT score (percentile 1-99) determines basic enlistment eligibility.
- No calculator allowed; scores valid for 2 years for enlistment purposes.
About the ASVAB Exam
Quick Answer: The ASVAB is a 10-subtest military aptitude exam with 145 questions (computerized) or 225 questions (paper). Your AFQT score (1-99 percentile) determines enlistment eligibility—minimum scores range from 31 (Army, Marines, Navy) to 40 (Coast Guard). No calculator allowed.
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It's used to determine qualification for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces and to assign recruits to appropriate military jobs.
Exam Overview
| Detail | CAT-ASVAB (Computerized) | P&P-ASVAB (Paper) |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 145 multiple-choice | 225 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 154 minutes (~2.5 hours) | 149 minutes (~2.5 hours) |
| Subtests | 10 (Auto & Shop split) | 9 (Auto & Shop combined) |
| Adaptive | Yes - adjusts to your level | No |
| Location | MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) | MET (Military Entrance Test) sites |
| Cost | Free | Free |
What the ASVAB Measures
The ASVAB measures aptitudes in four domains:
| Domain | Subtests | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal | Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension | Communication and reading skills |
| Math | Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge | Quantitative and problem-solving ability |
| Science/Technical | General Science, Electronics Information, Mechanical Comprehension | Technical knowledge and reasoning |
| Spatial | Assembling Objects (CAT only) | Spatial visualization ability |
The 10 ASVAB Subtests
| Subtest | Abbrev. | CAT Questions | CAT Time | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Science | GS | 16 | 8 min | Physical and biological sciences |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | AR | 16 | 39 min | Math word problems |
| Word Knowledge | WK | 16 | 8 min | Vocabulary and synonyms |
| Paragraph Comprehension | PC | 11 | 22 min | Reading comprehension |
| Mathematics Knowledge | MK | 16 | 20 min | High school math concepts |
| Electronics Information | EI | 16 | 8 min | Electricity and electronics |
| Auto Information | AI | 11 | 7 min | Automobile technology |
| Shop Information | SI | 11 | 6 min | Tools and shop practices |
| Mechanical Comprehension | MC | 16 | 20 min | Mechanical/physical principles |
| Assembling Objects | AO | 16 | 16 min | Spatial visualization |
Who Takes the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is required for:
- All military enlistees in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- High school students exploring career options (Career Exploration Program)
- ROTC candidates for officer training programs
- National Guard and Reserve recruits
Note: The ASVAB is completely free. You can take it at MEPS, MET sites, or through the Career Exploration Program at participating high schools.
Test Administration Options
CAT-ASVAB at MEPS
- Computerized adaptive testing
- Questions adjust based on your performance
- Faster for most test-takers
- Immediate score availability
P&P-ASVAB at MET Sites
- Traditional paper-and-pencil format
- Fixed questions for all test-takers
- May be available at more locations
- Assembling Objects not administered
Important Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculator | Not allowed on any version |
| Scratch Paper | Provided for calculations |
| Guessing Penalty | No penalty—answer every question |
| Breaks | Short breaks between some subtests |
| ID Required | Valid government-issued photo ID |