CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test)
The CAT-ASVAB is the computer-adaptive version of the ASVAB taken at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS). It adapts question difficulty based on your answers, contains 145 questions across 10 subtests, and takes approximately 154 minutes.
Exam Tip
CAT-ASVAB adapts difficulty to your level. Cannot go back to previous questions. 145 questions across 10 subtests. Taken at MEPS. Results are immediate.
What is the CAT-ASVAB?
The CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the computerized version of the military entrance exam taken at MEPS locations. Unlike the paper version, it adjusts question difficulty in real-time based on your performance.
How Computer Adaptive Testing Works
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | First question is of medium difficulty |
| 2 | Correct answer leads to a harder question |
| 3 | Incorrect answer leads to an easier question |
| 4 | Algorithm converges on your ability level |
| 5 | Fewer questions needed for accurate scoring |
CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper ASVAB (P&P)
| Feature | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| Location | MEPS | MET sites |
| Questions | 145 | 225 |
| Time | ~154 minutes | 149 minutes |
| Subtests | 10 (AI and SI separate) | 9 (AS combined) |
| Adaptive | Yes | No |
| Results | Immediate | 2-7 business days |
| Go back | Cannot return to previous questions | Can review within subtest |
Important CAT-ASVAB Rules
- You cannot go back to change answers once submitted
- Each question must be answered before moving on
- Question difficulty adapts to your performance
- Time limits apply per subtest, not per question
- Scratch paper is provided for calculations
CAT-ASVAB Subtests
| Subtest | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 15 | 10 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 15 | 55 min |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 15 | 9 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 10 | 27 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 15 | 23 min |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 15 | 10 min |
| Auto Information (AI) | 10 | 7 min |
| Shop Information (SI) | 10 | 6 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 15 | 22 min |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 15 | 18 min |
Scoring
Getting harder questions right earns more points than getting easy questions right. The adaptive algorithm means a high scorer may see mostly difficult questions, while the final score reflects ability level, not just percentage correct.
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine qualification for military enlistment and job placement across all branches. It consists of 10 subtests covering verbal, math, science, and technical domains.
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station)
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) is a Department of Defense facility where military applicants complete the CAT-ASVAB, undergo medical examinations, and take the oath of enlistment. There are 65 MEPS locations across the United States.
PiCAT (Pre-screening Internet-delivered CAT)
The PiCAT is an unproctored, internet-based version of the ASVAB that can be taken at home. If the results are verified at MEPS through a short confirmation test, PiCAT scores are used as official ASVAB scores for enlistment.
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