UNDERSTANDING THE ASVAB TEST
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a multiple-choice test that helps you better understand your strengths and is one of the things that helps identify which Army jobs (Military Occupational Specialties) are best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT DOES THE ASVAB MEASURE?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery measures your knowledge and ability in ten different areas. It is not an IQ test, but the ASVAB is one of the ways to help you decide what job areas in the Army would be best for you.
HOW CAN I PREPAREE FOR THE ASVAB?
You don’t have to go through any special preparation to take the ASVAB. Getting a good night’s rest and arriving on time are the two most important steps you can take to prepare.
WHO GIVES THE ASVAB, AND WHERE CAN I TAKE IT?
The ASVAB is usually given in schools by test administrators from the federal government. Schools determine where and when the ASVAB will be given. See your academic advisor for more information, or if you’re not currently in school, contact your local recruiter.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF THE TEST?
The ASVAB consists of ten short tests to complete during three hours. An ASVAB test administrator will give you instructions and tell you how long you have to complete each test. However, before you begin, you will have a chance to answer some practice questions and ask any questions about taking the test.
WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS WILL I BE ASKED ON THE ASVAB?
The ASVAB tests cover General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Numerical Operations, Coding Speed, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics Information.
HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT MY SCORES MEAN, AND HOW ARE THEY USED?
No one passes or fails the ASVAB. However, to be considered for enlistment in the Army, you need to score at least a 31. Your scores will be provided to you on a report called the ASVAB Student Results Sheet, with additional information to help you understand your score.
OTHER RESOURCES
Check out other Department of Defense websites for more information about the ASVAB test.
March 2 Success
March 2 Success provides materials to help improve scores on the standardized tests, such as SAT, ACT, state exit exams and ASVAB.
ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program was developed with input from a panel of career-development experts and designed to encourage students to increase their level of self-knowledge and to understand how that information could be linked to civilian and military occupational characteristics.
Today's Military
Today's military Web site provides a section dedicated to exploring the ASVAB test and helping potential military candidates learn more about their skills and interests, helping match them up with possible career paths.
ARMY CAREER EXPLORER
Take an in-depth look at the jobs and career paths that fit your future goals by creating an account and exploring your options. Part of the Army career explorer is a practice ASVAB test that will give you a general idea of your strengths and weaknesses before you take the test.
