Electronics Information (EI)
Electronics Information is an ASVAB subtest that tests knowledge of electrical and electronic concepts, including circuits, current, voltage, resistance, and basic electronic components and systems.
Exam Tip
EI tests electrical concepts. Master Ohm's Law (V=IR) and power formula (P=IV). Know series vs. parallel circuits. NOT part of AFQT but critical for technical job qualification.
What is the Electronics Information Subtest?
Electronics Information (EI) is an ASVAB subtest that measures your understanding of electrical and electronic principles. It is especially important for qualifying for technical military jobs in fields like avionics, communications, and cyber operations.
Subtest Details
| Feature | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 15 | 20 |
| Time | 10 minutes | 9 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
Topics Covered
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Basic Electricity | Current (amps), voltage (volts), resistance (ohms) |
| Ohm's Law | V = IR (Voltage = Current x Resistance) |
| Circuits | Series vs. parallel, open vs. closed |
| Power | P = IV (Power = Current x Voltage), watts |
| Components | Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors |
| Conductors & Insulators | Materials that conduct or resist electricity |
| AC vs. DC | Alternating vs. direct current |
| Electrical Safety | Grounding, fuses, circuit breakers |
| Electronic Devices | Diodes, LEDs, integrated circuits |
| Wiring | Wire gauges, color codes, connectors |
Key Formulas
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| V = IR | Ohm's Law |
| P = IV | Electrical power |
| P = I²R | Power alternate form |
| Series R_total = R1 + R2 + R3 | Resistors in series |
| Parallel 1/R_total = 1/R1 + 1/R2 | Resistors in parallel |
EI in Line Scores
| Composite Score | Uses EI? |
|---|---|
| EL (Electronics) | Yes |
| GM (General Maintenance) | Yes |
| MM (Mechanical Maintenance) | Yes |
| AFQT | No |
Study Tips
- Master Ohm's Law and power formulas
- Understand series vs. parallel circuit differences
- Know common electronic components and their symbols
- Learn AC vs. DC characteristics
- Study wire gauge sizing (lower gauge = thicker wire)
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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.
Line Scores (ASVAB)
Line scores are composite scores derived from specific combinations of ASVAB subtest results. Each military branch uses different line score formulas to determine which jobs a recruit qualifies for, separate from the AFQT enlistment score.
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Mechanical Comprehension is an ASVAB subtest that tests understanding of basic mechanical and physical principles, including simple machines, force, energy, fluid dynamics, and structural support concepts.
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