What is the ASVAB Test?

ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a standardized test originally established in 1968 to measure and predict the success of an applicant in academic and occupational pursuits across each branch of the military. High school and post-secondary students and adults take the test more than one million times each year. If you’re interested in joining the military, or if you already have and would like to take a sample test, simply navigate through the ten ASVAB practice test sections and take whichever tests you’d like as often as you’d like.

About This Site

This site is designed to provide you with everything you need for ASVAB exam prep, offering sample questions, detailed explanations, correct answer breakdowns, and practice based on the real exam format. We have ASVAB practice sections broken up just as you would see them on the real test.

• Every resource on this site, including the ASVAB practice tests, is completely free.

• Each practice ASVAB test section contains enough questions that the test can be retaken and will be different each time, so you can practice the test as many times as you need to.

• Our ASVAB practice tests follow the same format and structure as the Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT-ASVAB), matching the number of questions and types of questions you’ll face on the actual test.

Free 2025 ASVAB Study Guide

One of the most important parts of ASVAB prep is having a good grasp on all of the topics. While our practice tests are helpful, you’ll want to first review key subject areas like physical sciences, life sciences, and ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning to confidently tackle each section. To help you out, we’ve put together a free ASVAB study guide that walks you through the common questions and provides background information and tips to help you perform your best in each section.

ASVAB Scoring

One thing that can be important to learn in regard to the ASVAB is the vernacular and the acronyms. For example, your ASVAB score determines your MOS for the Marine Corps and the Army, and your eligibility for specialized fields depending on your minimum score and test results. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• MOS – Military Occupational Specialty
• Ratings – The term used for your job in the Navy or Coast Guard
• AFSC – Air Force Specialty Code

Sections of the ASVAB Test

Each section of the ASVAB, from Verbal Expression to ASVAB Electronics Information and Mechanical Comprehension, assesses a different skill area crucial for placement across each branch of the military.

General Science (GS)
Covers basic concepts in physical sciences (like physics and chemistry) and life sciences (such as biology and anatomy).

Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Focuses on solving word problems using basic arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Word Knowledge (WK)
Measures your ability to understand word meanings through synonyms and vocabulary usage.

Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Tests your ability to read a passage and interpret its meaning, draw conclusions, and answer related questions.

Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
Covers high school-level math concepts such as algebra, geometry, and probability.

Electronics Information (EI)
Evaluates your knowledge of basic electrical principles, circuits, and electronic systems.

Automotive and Shop Information (AS)
Assesses your understanding of automobile systems, tools, and shop practices commonly used in mechanical repairs.

Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Measures knowledge of mechanical and physical principles, including gears, pulleys, levers, and fluid dynamics.

Assembling Objects (AO)
Tests your ability to visualize how parts fit together by interpreting diagrams and figuring out spatial relationships.

ASVAB Score Range

Understanding the ASVAB score range is to understand standard deviations. The highest score on the ASVAB is a 99 and the lowest score is a one. Scores are based on the mean of all examinees. This is to say that a score of 50 would account for an average score. Each increment of 10 represents a single standard deviation from the mean score. So, for example, a score of 80 would be three standard deviations better than the meanwhile a score of 30 would be two standard deviations lower than the mean score.

The ASVAB measures your knowledge and ability in ten different areas. It is not an IQ test, but the ASVAB does help the various branches of the military assess which jobs you are best suited to perform. The AFQT, or the Armed Forces Qualification Test, is a portion of the ASVAB that is computed to determine your AFQT Score. The AFQT is the basic skill assessment and consists of:

• Paragraph Comprehension
• Word Knowledge
• Mathematics Knowledge
• Arithmetic Reasoning

These sections decide if the test taker is fit for military duty. Mathematics Knowledge and Arithmetic Reasoning are closely related and are a heavy focus in any of the technical jobs in each branch.

AFQT Category	Score Range	Meaning
Category I	93–99	Exceptional — top percentile; highly competitive for any military role.
Category II	65–92	Above average — qualifies for most military jobs and advanced opportunities.
Category IIIA	50–64	Average to above average — meets standards for many military occupations.
Category IIIB	31–49	Below average — qualifies for enlistment but with more limited job choices.
Category IVA	21–30	Low — may qualify for enlistment with significant restrictions; fewer career options.
Category IVB	16–20	Very low — not normally accepted unless there are special waivers.
Category IVC	10–15	Extremely low — rarely eligible for enlistment.
Category V	1–9	Not eligible — score too low to qualify for military service.

Aim High

Scoring over an 85 on the ASVAB — especially in sections like ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning and Verbal Expression — will qualify you for nearly any specialized position across the armed forces. But there are slight breakdowns within each score. For example, in order to qualify for Surveillance and Communications (SC) in the Army, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension all require high marks. Though scoring an 85 or above would guarantee you scored in a high enough percentile to qualify for SC.

Branch Requirements

Each military branch requires a minimum score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, with additional focus areas like Electronics Information for technical fields. The higher your score, the better your chance of enlisting in your chosen branch and gaining the position you want. The minimum AFQT scores for entry into each branch, with a high school diploma, are as follows:

• Air Force – 36
• Army & National Guard – 31
• Coast Guard – 40
• Marine Corps – 32
• Navy – 35

Holding a GED without a high school diploma requires the following scores:

• Air Force – 65
• Coast Guard – 40
• Army & National Guard – 31
• Marine Corps – 50
• Navy – 50

Don’t be misled by lower AFQT scores; the scoring algorithm is highly complex. A score of 40 does not mean you answered 40% of the questions correctly—it reflects your performance relative to others and may indicate strength in some areas and weakness in others. Your ASVAB score is used to determine eligibility for military positions and is not a measure of intelligence.

Because the ASVAB directly impacts your military career options, it requires serious preparation. Your results will reflect the effort you invest—success on the ASVAB is earned, not given.

What is the CAT-ASVAB Test?

When exploring the ASVAB, many first encounter the CAT — or Computerized Adaptive Test — format, which adjusts question difficulty based on correct answers and time constraints. There are three different versions of the ASVAB test. The CAT is available at military processing stations for enlisting soldiers. The pencil and paper (also known as the P&P or S-ASVAB) version of the test is available for high school and college students who may not actually enlist. The third type of ASVAB test is the MET-ASVAB, or Mobile Examination Test, which is available only for enlisted soldiers at mobile testing centers (this test is also done with paper and pencil).

The CAT-ASVAB is an adaptive test, which means the test adapts to the ability of the test-taker. It is possible to administer a shorter test this way than with the pencil and paper test. When you complete a subsection of the test, you can then move on to the next section of the test without having to wait for an administrator. Subsections are still timed however and on average it takes about 1 ½ hours to complete the computer ASVAB.

The written test, also known as the “pencil version,” is administered by an instructor who will give verbal directions and pass out the test booklets with answer sheets. Examinees are not allowed to proceed until the administrator instructs to do so. The total time required for this test ranges from about 2-4 hours, with each subsection having a fixed number of questions and a time limit.

ASVAB Sections, Questions & Time Limits

CAT-ASVAB Test	# of Questions	Time Limit (in Minutes)
General Science (GS)	16	8
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)	16	39
Word Knowledge (WK)	16	8
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)	11	22
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)	16	18
Electronics Information (EI)	16	8
Auto Information (AI)	11	6
Shop Information (SI)	11	5
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)	16	20
Total	134	154

Pencil & Paper ASVAB Test	# of Questions	Time Limit (in Minutes)
General Science (GS)	25	11
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)	30	36
Word Knowledge (WK)	35	11
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)	15	13
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)	25	24
Electronics Information (EI)	20	9
Automotive and Shop (AS)	25	11
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)	25	19
Assembling Objects (AO)	25	15
Total	245	158

 

What’s an Adaptive Test?

The Computerized Adaptive Test model used in the ASVAB helps better match the test to your ability level, dynamically adjusting the difficulty based on your correct answers. Questions in each section range in difficulty, and based on the test taker’s answers, the question types and difficulties adjust with each answer. This type of test allows for a greater level of accuracy in evaluating a prospect’s abilities. For the most part, correct answers beget more difficult questions while wrong answers will reduce the difficulty of proceeding questions.

What Happens if I Don’t Finish the CAT-ASVAB Test?

Thanks to manageable time constraints, most people complete the CAT-ASVAB; unanswered questions are scored randomly, which can heavily affect your test results. However, if a respondent isn’t able to finish in time, the remaining unanswered questions are scored as if the respondent had answered them randomly. This is obviously not an ideal way to finish up the test, and most often results in even poorer scores.

How Should I Study for the ASVAB Test?

There are numerous resources, tips, and sample tests you can take to help you prep for the exam. Make use of ASVAB flashcards and practice tests with accurate ASVAB practice questions to strengthen your weak sections before the real exam. For example, with the numerous practice sections offered, you can practice the ASVAB on this site. If you are having trouble with one particular section, you can reach out to local recruiters who have taken it before to gain further insight, or read up on effective test-taking strategies that can help you improve your score.

What Should I Bring to the ASVAB Test?

Bring your valid ID and be prepared to share your personal information at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) where you’ll take the Military Entrance Test. Arrive on time— you’ll be turned away and required to reschedule if you are late. Your recruiter may give you a ride to and from the session, but he/she is not permitted in the testing room. You will not need to bring a calculator for the test.

Where Can I Find My ASVAB Scores?

Your test results will typically be available through your local recruiting office or can be mailed directly from the Military Entrance Processing Station after your test. ASVAB scores are valid for up to two years before you need to retest, so most offices will send your current scores via mail. If you can’t get yours by mail, you can pick them up from your local recruiting office.

Can I Take the ASVAB Test More Than Once?

Yes, you can retake the ASVAB, but you must wait a full calendar month between attempts, and plan your study time accordingly to achieve higher scores. If you want to take it a third time, you must wait an additional calendar month to retest. Any additional times after that, and you have to wait six calendar months to retake the ASVAB.

Where Can I Take the ASVAB Test? How Do I Schedule It?

High-school students can often take the ASVAB through their school, but others will need to schedule with a local recruiter or branch office to complete it at a Military Entrance Processing Station. If you choose not to take one in high school, then you will have to schedule a time to take it. You can contact the Armed Forces Recruiting Office in your area and schedule an appointment with a local recruiter from the military branch you wish to join.