PiCAT (Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test)
PiCAT is the unproctored, online version of the CAT-ASVAB for first-time ASVAB examinees. Successful proctored verification at MEPS or a MET site makes the PiCAT scores the official ASVAB scores of record.
Exam Tip
Start before the recruiter code expires in 30 days, finish within 48 hours of starting, and complete verification within 45 days of taking PiCAT. Confirm the verify-by date with your recruiter.
What is the PiCAT?
PiCAT is an option for U.S. military applicants who have never taken the ASVAB. You can take it once, at home or in another suitable location with internet access.
How the PiCAT Works
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | A military recruiter registers you and issues a code that expires 30 days after issue. |
| 2 | Start before the code expires and finish within 48 hours after starting. The test usually takes 2–3 hours. |
| 3 | Contact the recruiter who registered you for your scores. |
| 4 | If the scores suggest you may qualify, take the proctored Verification Test (Vtest) at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or Military Entrance Test (MET) site. Complete it within 45 days of taking PiCAT and confirm your deadline with your recruiter. |
| 5 | Successful verification makes your PiCAT scores the official ASVAB scores of record. If the Vtest does not verify the result, the follow-on full ASVAB score becomes the score of record. |
PiCAT vs. Proctored CAT-ASVAB
| Feature | PiCAT | Proctored CAT-ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Suitable location with internet access | MEPS or MET site |
| Time limits | 48-hour completion window, no individual subtest limits | Timed per subtest |
| Subtests | 10, with no unscored tryout items | 10, with unscored tryout items in selected subtests |
| Score access | Initially available through the registering recruiter | Available after the testing session |
The Vtest typically takes 25–30 minutes and checks whether performance is consistent with the unproctored PiCAT. Applicants receive a verification outcome without a separate Vtest score. Use scratch paper and a pen or pencil on PiCAT, and work independently without a calculator or online lookups.
See the Official ASVAB PiCAT guidance and the USMEPCOM PiCAT brochure for the follow-on score-of-record rule.
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Study guide on MometrixRelated 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. The computer-adaptive enlistment form has 10 subtests in verbal, math, science and technical, and spatial domains.
CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test)
The CAT-ASVAB is the computer-adaptive version of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. The proctored enlistment form has 135 scored questions across 10 subtests, plus unscored tryout items.
MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station)
A Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is a USMEPCOM facility for enlistment testing, medical screening and processing.
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