How to Study for the ASVAB Test

The best way to study for the ASVAB test is based on your specific needs. Be sure to check out Smart Edition Academy’s online ASVAB course which includes 50 lesson modules, 100+ video lessons, hundreds of flashcards, 500+ practice questions, and 4 practice tests. Study materials are accessed instantly and can be accessed through tablet, computer, or phone.

If you want more practice tests and all the resources to PASS the ASVAB check out the Online Course

If you want the best chance at passing the ASVAB then the Smart Edition ASVAB course will provide all the material and resources you need to succeed on the test.

What is the ASVAB Test?

The ASVAB test stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery and is a timed aptitude test that measures a person’s aptitude in specific areas such as math, science and language. The ASVAB was designed by the department of defense to help the military determine which recruits would be best suited for specific occupations within the armed forces.

History of the ASVAB Test

The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude battery test that was first introduced in 1968 and was designed to predict success in training programs. The CAT and P&P ASVAB was updated in 2002.

ASVAB Questions and Time Limits

The CAT version of the ASVAB is 135 questions and has a time limit of 186 minutes.

The P&P version of the ASVAB is 225 questions and has a time limit of 149 minutes.

ASVAB Scoring

The ASVAB is scored by taking the score from each section and converting it to a scaled score. The scaled scores are then added together to get the final score. The scoring first starts with what is known as the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) which is composed of 4 of the 10 sections on the ASVAB, the four sections of the AFQT are:

Word Knowledge (WK)
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

Your scores on these four sections are combined to give your recruiter your total AFQT score which determines your eligibility to enlist and what your job eligibility in the military will be.

The remaining six sections of the ASVAB help to further determine your eligibility for more specific roles within the armed forces.

The scores between 0 and 99 indicate how likely you are to succeed in a given military job. The minimum score required is 31. The average ASVAB score is 50.

You can read more about what your ASVAB scores mean here.

ASVAB Score Range

The ASVAB score range is from 1 to 99. Your score on the ASVAB is a percentile score. The higher your score, the more job options will be open to you.

Branch Requirements

The ASVAB score requirements for each military branch are as follows:

– Army: 31
– Coast Guard: 40
– Air Force: 31
– Navy: 35
– Marines: 32

In addition to meeting the ASVAB score requirements, each branch has its own set of physical, mental, and moral standards that must be met to join. Each branch requires a high school diploma or equivalent. In addition, potential recruits must either be a United States citizen or permanent resident alien of the United States. Each branch has a varying age requirement.

Sections of the ASVAB Test

The test consists of 10 subtests, each covering a different area. The subtests are:

General Science (GS): This subtest measures a person’s knowledge of basic scientific concepts.
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): This subtest measures a person’s ability to solve basic arithmetic problems.
Word Knowledge (WK): This subtest measures a person’s vocabulary and word knowledge.
Paragraph Comprehension (PC): This subtest measures a person’s ability to read and understand written material.
Mathematics Knowledge (MK): This subtest measures a person’s knowledge of mathematics.
Electronics Information (EI): This subtest measures a person’s knowledge of electronics and electricity.
Auto Information (AI): This subtest measures a person’s knowledge of automobiles.
Shop Information (SI): This subtest measures a person’s knowledge of automobiles and mechanical equipment.
Mechanical Comprehension (MC): This subtest measures a person’s understanding of basic mechanical principles.
Assembling Objects (AO): This subtest measures a person’s ability to put together various objects.

How Should I Study for the ASVAB Test?

The best way to prepare for the ASVAB is to:

Study with resources that align with your learning style
Give yourself plenty of time to study
Take practice tests
Focus on the questions you get incorrect.

Additional study tips for the ASVAB:

Find what we call “study where you scroll”. Follow ASVAB accounts on TikTok, Youtube, or IG. Follow the #ASVAB on different social accounts.
Join an online forum for people studying for the ASVAB. You can ask questions and get tips and motivation from others doing the same thing.
Plan your study sessions to be short and specific. Pick a topic within one subject to study for 45-60 minutes at a time. For example, study main ideas, topic sentences, and supporting details for paragraph comprehension.

What Should I Bring to the ASVAB Test?

The only thing you should bring to your MET-site is an approved identification card. Pencils and scratch paper are provided at the testing facility. Calculators are not allowed. You will not be granted a bathroom break so use the restroom beforehand.

Getting Ready For Your Test Date

The days leading up to the ASVAB can be stressful, but the best way to prepare for your test is to avoid cramming and stressing. Take good care of yourself by getting adequate sleep, hydrating, and staying positive. There is no more extensive mental fatigue than stress and worry, so don’t let it seep in.

Where Can I Find My ASVAB Scores?

Test takers can access their ASVAB scores online.

Can I Take the ASVAB Test More Than Once?

The ASVAB can be taken every 30 calendar days. ASVAB scores are valid for up to two years.

If you aren’t sure how to study for the ASVAB, start with the comprehensive practice tests as part of the online course, taking online practice test can help your ASVAB test prep, reduce your study time, and increase your ASVAB test scores.