Free ASVAB Exam Flashcards
Memorize 50 essential terms and definitions for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). See the term, recall the definition, then flip to check yourself.
Synonym
A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. For example, 'happy' and 'joyful' are synonyms. Understanding synonyms is essential for the Word Knowledge section of the ASVAB.
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About These ASVAB Flashcards
These 50 flashcards are designed to help you memorize key terms and definitions for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Each card shows a term on the front and its definition on the back—the classic flashcard format for vocabulary memorization. Use these alongside our practice questions to build both recall and comprehension.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ASVAB score do I need to join the military in 2025?
Minimum AFQT scores by branch: Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard, and Coast Guard all require 31 for high school graduates. GED holders need 50 for Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. The Navy accepts scores as low as 26 through the Future Sailor Preparatory Course (as of April 2025). Higher scores unlock more Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) - scoring 50+ makes you competitive, 70+ opens most doors, and 90+ may qualify you for bonuses.
What is the hardest section on the ASVAB?
According to test-takers, Mathematics Knowledge and Mechanical Comprehension are the most challenging subtests. The Mechanical Comprehension test has 25 questions in only 19 minutes, requiring you to understand gears, pulleys, levers, and physics principles. Arithmetic Reasoning is also difficult because it involves multi-step word problems. The Assembling Objects subtest trips up many with spatial reasoning, rotations, and mirror-image traps. Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension tend to be easier for most candidates.
How long is the CAT-ASVAB vs paper ASVAB?
The CAT-ASVAB (computerized adaptive test) has 145-155 questions with 198 minutes total, though most finish in about 2 hours. Questions adapt to your ability level, and you cannot skip or go back. The Paper-and-Pencil ASVAB (P&P-ASVAB) has 225 questions with 149 minutes, taking 3-4 hours total. The CAT-ASVAB is now the primary format used at MEPS and most MET stations. Some locations offer at-home testing.
How many times can I retake the ASVAB if I fail?
There is no lifetime limit on ASVAB retakes. The waiting periods are: 1 month after your first test, 1 month after your second test, then 6 months for all subsequent retests. Important: Your most recent score counts, not your highest. If you score lower on a retest, that becomes your official score. Also, if you improve by 20+ points, you must take a confirmation test (C-Test) immediately to verify the score increase. ASVAB scores remain valid for 2 years.
How long should I study for the ASVAB?
Experts recommend 4-6 weeks of study with daily practice for best results. Take a practice test first to identify weak areas - if you score well in certain sections, focus study time on your weakest subtests. The four AFQT sections (Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge) are most important since they determine enlistment eligibility. Don't cram the night before; studies show memory retention drops significantly after all-nighters.
Which ASVAB subtests count for the AFQT score?
Only 4 of the 9 subtests calculate your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score: Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK). The formula combines these into a percentile score from 1-99. The other subtests (General Science, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Assembling Objects) determine your line scores, which qualify you for specific military jobs (MOS/AFSC/Rating).