Free AFCT Exam Flashcards

These 50 cards are an editorial review allocation: 5 administration/evidence cards, 12 verbal, 12 math, 8 science/electronics, 5 auto/shop, 5 mechanical, and 3 spatial. They do not predict the number, timing, or mix of subtests on a member's assigned AFCT delivery.

The AFCT is an in-service testing process for eligible service members. It is not a public consumer exam. The member's service and servicing education or test-control office determine whether the member may test and for what authorized purpose.

Do not assume one form, item count, duration, or subtest list. Current delivery is controlled by the service and authorized test site. Navy policy, for example, distinguishes paper forms 18F/19G from computer-based AFCT processing; that policy is not a universal rule for every site.

Retest timing is service-specific. Army policy generally requires a six-month wait unless an approved exception to policy applies; Navy policy states a minimum 30-day interval. Verify the current rule with the office that controls your test rather than applying another service's rule.

AFQT is one score derived from four verbal and math subtests. A classification, conversion, or program may require another service-defined composite or line score. A strong AFQT does not by itself establish eligibility for a particular program.

Word Knowledge measures recognition of word meaning. Build durable vocabulary by learning a word's meaning, a close synonym, and a sentence that shows how the word is used—not by memorizing isolated lists alone.

A context clue is information nearby that helps reveal a word's meaning. Contrast words such as “but” or “however,” examples, definitions, and cause-and-effect statements can all narrow the best meaning.

Denotation is a word's direct, dictionary meaning. When selecting a synonym, first match that core meaning before considering the emotional tone or the sentence's context.

Connotation is the association or emotional shading a word carries beyond its dictionary definition. “Frugal” and “stingy” both suggest spending little, but the first is usually more favorable and the second more critical.

Word parts can provide a cautious clue to meaning. For example, “pre-” often means before, “bio” relates to life, and “-less” means without. Use the whole word and context to confirm the inference.

A synonym should preserve the meaning used in the sentence, not merely belong to a similar topic. “Mitigate” means make less severe; “eliminate” is too strong because it means remove completely.

Paragraph Comprehension focuses on meaning in a short passage. The key task is to connect what the author says, how the details support it, and what conclusion is warranted—without adding outside assumptions.

The main idea is the passage's central point. It is broad enough to cover the important details but narrow enough to reflect the author's actual focus; it is not merely the first sentence or the most vivid example.

A supporting detail is a fact, example, reason, or explanation that develops the main idea. Ask which larger claim the detail helps establish to distinguish support from a separate side point.

An inference is a conclusion supported by the passage even when it is not stated word for word. Choose the conclusion that needs the fewest extra assumptions; do not treat a possible idea as a supported one.

An author's purpose is the reason for writing: for example, to explain, compare, describe a process, or argue for a position. Look at the overall organization and evidence, not one sentence in isolation.

Signal words show relationships between ideas. “Because” introduces cause, “therefore” signals a result, “however” signals contrast, and “for example” introduces illustration. Tracking them improves passage logic.

Arithmetic Reasoning applies math to a written situation. Translate the question into quantities, units, and relationships before calculating. A correct computation answers the question asked, not just a number appearing in the problem.

Rate = quantity ÷ time. For a constant-speed trip, distance = rate × time. Keep the units consistent: miles per hour multiplied by hours gives miles.

Percent change compares a difference with the original amount: (new − original) ÷ original × 100%. A 10% increase followed by a 10% decrease does not return to the original value because the second percentage uses a different base.

A proportion states that two ratios are equal. If a/b = c/d, cross-products are equal: ad = bc, provided denominators are nonzero. Check that the compared quantities use matching units.

A ratio compares quantities. A 2:3 ratio has 5 total equal parts, so the first share is 2/5 of the total and the second share is 3/5. Do not confuse a ratio's parts with a percentage until the whole is known.

Use a conversion factor equal to 1 so unwanted units cancel. For example, multiply feet by 12 inches/1 foot to obtain inches. Write the units through each step as an error check.

Mathematics Knowledge uses mathematical concepts and procedures such as number operations, algebra, geometry, and measurement. Write an organized equation or diagram before doing multi-step work.

Evaluate grouping symbols first, then exponents, then multiplication and division from left to right, then addition and subtraction from left to right. Multiplication does not automatically come before division when they appear at the same level.

To add or subtract fractions, rewrite them with a common denominator, then combine the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

A linear equation has a variable to the first power. Isolate the variable by applying inverse operations equally to both sides. For 3x + 5 = 20, subtract 5, then divide by 3.

Solve an inequality like an equation, except reverse the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number. For example, −2x > 8 becomes x < −4.

Area measures surface: length × width. If dimensions are in feet, the answer is in square feet. Perimeter instead adds the side lengths, so it uses linear units.

A controlled investigation tests a question by changing an independent variable, measuring a dependent variable, and holding other relevant conditions constant. Repeated observations help distinguish a pattern from chance variation.

In a closed system, energy is not created or destroyed; it changes form or transfers between objects. For example, a falling object's gravitational potential energy can become kinetic energy.

Mitochondria help cells release usable energy from food molecules through cellular respiration. They are one part of a coordinated cell system; different cell structures perform different functions.

Igneous rock forms when molten material cools and solidifies. Sedimentary rock forms from compacted and cemented sediments, and metamorphic rock forms when existing rock changes under heat, pressure, or both.

Ohm's law relates voltage, current, and resistance: V = I × R. Rearranging gives I = V/R and R = V/I. Use volts, amperes, and ohms consistently.

A series circuit provides one path for current. The same current flows through each component, and the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. An open break stops current in the path.

A parallel circuit provides more than one current path. Voltage is the same across each branch, while current can divide among branches. Adding a parallel branch lowers the circuit's equivalent resistance.

Electrical power is the rate at which electrical energy is transferred. P = V × I, measured in watts. Combining this with Ohm's law also gives P = I²R and P = V²/R.

A four-stroke internal-combustion engine cycle is intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The sequence explains how an air-fuel charge enters, is compressed, releases energy, and leaves the cylinder.

Engine oil lubricates moving parts, reducing friction and wear. It also helps carry heat and contaminants away from components; the oil filter removes many suspended particles from the circulating oil.

Choose a wrench or socket that fully fits the fastener. A poor fit can round the corners, damage the tool, or cause a hand injury when it slips. Do not use a damaged or improvised tool for a high-torque task.

Secure the workpiece with a vise or clamp; do not hold it by hand. Keep loose clothing, jewelry, and hair away from rotating parts, and use the correct bit and speed for the material.

Inspect the wheel and guards before use, wear appropriate eye and face protection, and stand out of the wheel's direct line during start-up. A cracked or improperly mounted wheel can fail violently.

Net force is the vector sum of all forces on an object. Newton's second law states F = m × a: a nonzero net force produces acceleration in the net-force direction.

Mechanical advantage compares output force with input force. A machine can reduce the force needed by trading force for distance; friction reduces the actual advantage from the ideal value.

Friction opposes relative motion between surfaces. It can provide useful traction, but it also converts some mechanical energy to heat and makes a real machine require more input force than an idealized one.

Pressure equals force divided by area. In a fluid at rest, pressure increases with depth because deeper points support more fluid above them. A larger force spread over a larger area produces lower pressure.

A lever rotates about a fulcrum. A first-class lever has the fulcrum between effort and load; a second-class lever has the load between fulcrum and effort; a third-class lever has the effort between fulcrum and load.

A rotated object keeps the same lengths, angles, and connections; only its orientation changes. Track one distinctive edge or corner as it turns instead of trying to visualize every feature at once.

For an assembly problem, compare tabs, holes, edges, and matching angles. Eliminate choices that require a piece to bend, pass through another piece, or reverse its visible shape without a rotation.

Use a fixed reference feature—such as a notch, shaded face, or unique corner—to align pieces mentally. Check every connection after rotating a piece; a single mismatch can disqualify an otherwise similar arrangement.