ASVAB Practice Test

If you are considering joining the military, there are steps you need to take in preparing for this great journey in your life.  The military is a wonderful career with numerous opportunities but first, you need to prepare for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Exam.

This test is titled “The ASVAB” which is administered to over 14,000 high schools nationwide.  This exam is also administered at all MEPs (Military Entrance Process Stations) nationwide.  The test was developed by the Department of Defense who also oversees the academic standards of the test.

Preparation is instrumental in scoring well on the ASVAB

If you are serious about a military career, you need to begin preparing for this exam.  There are numerous books and practice tests that can help you as you prepare for a life with the military.  These practice tests will give you an idea of where you stand in passing the test while helping you to understand where you need to improve.  It is highly recommended that you obtain as many study guides as possible in preparing for the ASVAB.

Why is the ASVAB test so important?

You might have heard that the ASVAB is not a difficult test.  If you heard this information, I am here to inform you this information is wrong.  The ASVAB is a test that helps the Department of Defense determines the jobs to offer you as you are going through the in processing stage of joining the military.  The scores achieved will most importantly determine if you qualify for military service.  You have to pass the exam in order to be deemed “fit” for military service.

How are scores determined?

The scores are compiled from four areas of the ASVAB.  These areas include Math Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and Word Knowledge.  Scores are compiled in these areas in determining your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) score.  Upon making it into the military, no matter the branch you choose, this score will follow you around throughout your entire military service.  You should not take this test seriously because your ASVAB scores can open doors to wonderful jobs or place you into a military field where you are considered a “quota.”

Conclusion

The higher you score on this test will improve your chances of achieving the job specialty you desire and sometimes, if you score high enough, you might qualify for an enlistment bonus.  In order to achieve a high score on the ASVAB, you will need to study and concentrate.  Do not blow off the importance of this exam because your military future depends on the score you achieve.

Taking the ASVAB exam is not a joke.  If you are interested in a military career, this one exam will determine your eligibility for military service.   The scores you achieve on this test will determine your future career with the military.  There are three separate versions of the ASVAB with different testing and scoring procedures.  Each version is unique with different test-taking procedures offered.

The composites and individual scores from the sub-tests determine the test scores.  The most important score on the ASVAB is the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score.  This score is the one area that determines if you are qualified to join any branch of the military.  Every branch of service has their own qualifications in levels of the AFQT score for enlisting into their branch of service.  What does this mean?  It means that some branches of service such as the Air force demands higher AFQT scores in order to enlist into their branch of service.  The Army and Marines are less demanding however, this does not mean that that any branch of service is sub-standard.

The following are required AFQT scores for the different military branches:

Navy – 35

Army – 31

Marines – 31

Coast Guard – 45

Air Force – 36

How many versions of the ASVAB are available?

There are three versions of the ASVAB, which are the MET ASVAB, Student ASVAB (given to college and high school students) and the CAT-ASVAB (computer adaptive test).  Each of these versions contains different benefits for the test takers.

1. The MET-site ASVAB – In order to take this version of the ASVAB, you will need a referral from a military recruiter.  This test is administered at Mobile Examination Test sites throughout the country.  It has an eight-area test that consists of multiple-choice questions with the answers written on a separate sheet of paper.  You can change your answers on this test as long as you are within the allotted period designated in taking the test.

You will not leave the room while other people are taking this test, ensure that you utilize the facilities beforehand or this period will prove uncomfortable.  Ensure that you answer every question on the test; the number of questions you answer correctly determines your overall score.

The person giving the test does not score the test on the premises.  The test results are sent to the local MEPS station for scoring.  You are given a sealed envelope to place your unofficial scores inside with instructions to give the sealed envelope to your military recruiter.  Your recruiter will share the scores with you upon receiving the official scores from MEPS.

1. CAT-ASVAB – This version of the ASVAB is administered frequently to military recruits.  The test is automated and displays questions, scores and records the answers to the test.  It also computes the AFQT score.  The computer adaptive test offers flexibility and is administered at MEPS for enlistment purposes.

The CAT-ASVAB has an hour and a half period allotted to take the test.  The test consists of ten sub-tests that include topics such as Auto Shop.  When you answer a test question correctly, the next question will automatically become harder to answer.  If you answer with a wrong question, the questions will become easier within a particular category.  You cannot change your answers once you choose an answer.  This version of the ASVAB allows for answering the questions at your own pace and there is no set time limit in completing the test.  After you complete the test, you may leave the room.

1. Student ASVAB – The Student ASVAB is given to college and high school students in determining their career paths.  This version consists of eight sub-tests and takes approximately three hours to complete.  The test results are given to your college or high school educational counselors, which are used in exploring possible future careers for students.  The section of the Student ASVAB that is labeled “interest inventory.” determines your interest with college majors or future careers.  The AFQT score associated with this test is a reflection on your overall test results and can be utilized in enlisting into any of the branches of the military.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test has numerous purposes.  The test can be found in three different versions.  Each version of this exam is utilized in determining different strengths and weaknesses.  Additionally, there are different limitations that solely depend on the version you are taking.

The following are the three versions of the ASVAB

1. The MET-site ASVAB
2. The Student ASVAB
3. The Cat-ASVAB

Break down of scoring procedures with the ASVAB

1. The MET-site ASVAB – This version of the ASVAB is utilized specifically for enlistment purposes.  The test sites vary but can be located in most major cities.  This test requires a referral from your military recruiter in order to be allowed the opportunity in taking the test.

The test consists of 8 sub-tests which will test your abilities on General Science (25 questions), Word Knowledge (35 questions), Arithmetic Reasoning (30 questions), Paragraph and Reading Comprehension (15 questions), Mathematics (25 questions), Auto Shop (25 questions), Electronics (20 questions) and Mechanical Comprehension (25 questions).

The following is the allotted period of time and material you will be tested on:

General Science – This section of the exam will measure your aptitude for life, space, physical and earth sciences. The time allotted for this section is 11 minutes.

Word Knowledge – This measures your ability to comprehend meanings of words.  The allotted time for this section is 11 minutes.

Arithmetic Reasoning – Measures ability to solve basic mathematical problems.  Time allotted for this section is 36 minutes.

Paragraph and Reading Comprehension – Measures your aptitude of obtaining information. The time allotted is 13 minutes.

Mathematics – Measures your knowledge of mathematical applications and concepts.  Time allotted is 24 minutes.

Auto Shop – Measures your knowledge of auto maintenance procedures, repair and metal and wood shop procedures.  Time allotted is 11 minutes.

Electronics – Measures your aptitude for electrical circuits, devices, systems and currents.  Time allotted is 9 minutes.

Mechanical Comprehension – Measures your ability to recognize devices, structures and properties of mechanical equipment.  Time allotted is 19 minutes.

1. 2. Student ASVAB – This version of the ASVAB is administered as a tool in guiding students in both college and high school on their desired career paths.  This test is utilized in determining eligibility for military service as well. There are 8 sub-tests on this version of the ASVAB.

The test consists of 8 sub-tests that test your ability on General Science (25 questions), Arithmetic Reasoning (30 questions), Word Knowledge (35 questions), Paragraph and Reading Comprehension (15 questions), Mathematics (25 questions), Electronics (20 questions), Auto Shop (25 questions), Mechanical Comprehension (25 questions).

The following is the allotted period of time and material you are tested on:

General Science – This section of the exam will measure your aptitude for life, space, physical     and earth sciences. The time allotted for this section is 11 minutes.

Arithmetic Reasoning – Measures ability to solve basic mathematical problems.  Time allotted for this section is 36 minutes.

Word Knowledge - This measures your ability to comprehend meanings of words.  The allotted time for this section is 11 minutes.

Paragraph and Reading Comprehension - Measures your aptitude of obtaining information. The time allotted is 13 minutes.

Mathematics - Measures your ability to recognize devices, structures and properties of mechanical equipment.  Time allotted is 24 minutes.

Electronics - Measures your aptitude for electrical circuits, devices, systems and currents.  Time allotted is 9 minutes.

Auto Shop – Measures your knowledge of auto maintenance procedures, repair and metal and wood shop procedures.  Time allotted is 11 minutes.

Mechanical Comprehension – Measures your ability to recognize devices, structures and properties of mechanical equipment.  Time allotted is 19 minutes.

1. 3. CAT-ASVAB – The scores from this test are computed utilizing formulas, which rate the difficulty level in which you answered questions correctly.  The raw scores do not equal the number of correct answers.  The results of this test are good for two years.

The test consists of 9 sub-tests that will test your abilities on General Science (16 questions), Arithmetic (16 questions), Word Knowledge (16 questions), Paragraph and Reading Comprehension (11 questions), Mathematics (16 questions), Electronics (16 questions), Auto Information (11 questions), Auto Shop Information (11 questions), Mechanical Comprehension (16 questions).

The following is the allotted period of time and material you are tested on:

General Science – This section of the exam will measure your aptitude for life, space, physical and earth sciences. The time allotted for this section is 8 minutes.

Arithmetic Reasoning – Measures ability to solve basic mathematical problems.  Time allotted for this section is 39 minutes.

Word Knowledge - This measures your ability to comprehend meanings of words.  The allotted time for this section is 8 minutes.

Paragraph and Reading Comprehension - Measures your aptitude of obtaining information. The time allotted is 22 minutes.

Mathematics - Measures your ability to recognize devices, structures and properties of mechanical equipment.  Time allotted is 18 minutes.

Electronics - Measures your aptitude for electrical circuits, devices, systems and currents.  Time allotted is 8 minutes.

Auto Information – Measures aptitude for maintenance and auto repair.  Time allotted is 6 minutes.

Auto Shop Information – Measures your aptitude for metal shop and wood shop practices.  The time allotted for this is 5 minutes.

Mechanical Comprehension - Measures your ability to recognize devices, structures and properties of mechanical equipment.  Time allotted is 20 minutes.

As an active duty military member, you have already gained the “military” experience.  You served your country proudly while fulfilling your contracted obligation and decided to move onto greener pastures in your life.  Now, you are facing the decision of going back into the military.  There is information you must understand in order to re-join our nations finest.

Time to read your discharge papers

First, you must ensure that you are still deemed eligible for active duty.  The first thing you need to do is look at your discharge papers (DD Form 214).  You need to look on your number 4 copy of your discharge papers and look for the re-entry code.  If you have a re-entry code of “1”, you are deemed eligible to begin the process of rejoining the military.  If you have a re-entry code of “2”, you are eligible to begin the enlistment process with a waiver.  You can talk to your recruiter who can explain this process in more detail.  If you have a re-entry code of “3”, you are deemed ineligible for military service.

Speak with a military recruiter

If you fall in the category of re-entry codes “1” or “2”, your next step is to speak to a military recruiter.  Your recruiter will inform you that no matter if, you have served or not served, you will have to take the ASVAB test.  Another thing your recruiter will inform you that in accordance to the needs of the United States military, you might be forced to re-join the military with the same job you had joined for with your last enlistment.  Sometimes, if the military has the open quotas, they will allow qualified prior service military members to sign enlistment contracts for new jobs but do not hold your breath on that one.  What does this mean if you have to settle for your old job title?  It means you will be forced to re-take the ASVAB test.

The ASVAB is now computerized

As prior service, you will soon discover that some things have not changed with the ASVAB test but some things have indeed changed.  Gone are the days where you walk into a room with your number 1 pencils and scrap paper while sitting down at a desk or table while receiving your test booklets.  The ASVAB tests are now administered on computers.  Back in the “old days”, you would take the exam and wait for your results but unbelievably, you will now be told of your failure or success after leaving the testing room.

Conclusion

As a prior service military member, the ASVAB is nothing new to you however; you should always refresh yourself before taking the test.  The basics you remember are still present in the test but new strategies and concepts have been added since the last time you took the ASVAB.  Make sure you prepare the same as the last time you took the test and you should not have anything to worry about.

The ASVAB is an aptitude battery exam that determines your eligibility for military service.  This test was created in 1968 in order to predict future occupational and academic skills in relation to military occupations.  The exam consists of ten sub-tests that rate your aptitude in subjects such as Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Electronics, Mechanics, Auto Shop and Paragraph and Reading Comprehension.  The exam combines each individual score in these areas while compiling them to determine your Academic Ability, Math and Verbal scores.  The ASVAB is always timed and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Where are ASVAB exams administered?

These exams are administered at colleges, high schools, MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) or METS (Mobile Examining Team Site).  Just in case you are not one hundred percent sure, if you want a military career, you can rest assured that taking the ASVAB does not alone commit you to an enlistment in the United States military.

How long are the ASVAB scores retained?

The scores from the exam are good for two years.  If you decide to enlist into the military and you have taken the ASVAB over two years ago, you will have to re-take the exam.

Who will be viewing the results of my ASVAB exam?

If you are in high school or college, the exam results will be made available to you and your educational counselor.  You will be required to sign a document authorizing the Department of Defense to release the exam scores to your high school or college.  After your high school or college receives the scores, they will make the determination of releasing your exam scores to the Department of Defense.  This is why it is imperative that you speak with your educational counselor in relaying your wishes of enlisting into the military or not enlisting into the military.  Keep in mind that if you are a junior in high school, by law, a recruiter can contact you whether or not you have taken the exam or not.

What is considered passing scores?

There is no “failure” or “passing” grades on the ASVAB exam.  The ASVAB does however allow students to compare their scores with other students within your grade level.  No matter what you score on the ASVAB exam, this will not in any form affect your high school or college grades.

Is the ASVAB mandatory for military recruits wishing to join the reserves?

No matter if your interest lies in joining an active duty branch of the military or reserves, the ASVAB has to be taken before an official enlistment can be performed.

Scoring well on the ASVAB exam will require studying and dedication.  You do not want to waste your time in taking the exam only to not score to your full potential.  Perform your research and learn as much as you can about the ASVAB.  Numerous study guides and literature can prepare you for the exam.  In preparing for the exam, ensure that your study material is up to date.  If you have other questions not covered in this article, feel free to contact a military recruiter who will be more than happy to guide you in your preparation for the ASVAB exam.

Every branch of service has its own requirement in relation to ASVAB scores.  Recruiters and military job counselors utilize the ASVAB scores in determining what military jobs you are qualified to perform.  After taking the ASVAB, you will be required to sit down with your military recruiter to discuss the scores you have achieved on the test.  The lingo can prove confusing for anyone who is not familiar with military service or the ASVAB therefore, ensure that you ask your recruiter what certain terms mean if you are confused.

Terms to familiarize yourself with

• AFQT Score – This score is compiled in calculating your English and Math scores on the ASVAB.  This score is what determines your overall eligibility of joining the United States military.
• Standard Score – This score refers to scores you achieved in the Verbal Expression, Mathematics and Arithmetic Reasoning and other sections of the ASVAB.
• Line Score – This score compiles all the standard scores in relation to the military branches job qualifications.

When you are going through the enlistment process, your military branch you hope to join will be determining your qualifications for jobs within that branch of service.  If you score well, you will find that you will have your choice of jobs.  If you do not score well, you will find your choices limited.

If you desire to enlist into active duty service for your country, you will find the benefits are more in abundance.  The selection depends highly on what is available and how well you score on the ASVAB.  No matter what any recruiter or MEPS employee informs you, there are not guarantees of jobs or assignments unless it is in your enlistment contract.

You will find that scoring well on the ASVAB will be a doorway to a bright future, no matter the branch of service you choose.  If you feel that you are being pressured in any way, you will be relieved to know that until you raise your right hand swearing an oath to your country that you can change your mind at any time.  You want to feel good about your enlistment and where your future is leading you.  This is why understanding how the ASVAB scores relate to your enlistment into the Armed Forces is very important.  If you have any questions, make sure that you contact your recruiter to find the answers you are seeking.

No matter the test you are studying for, the results will be determined by your studying habits.  In order to study effectively, you must always plan accordingly to allow yourself ample study time.  This is even more important with tests such as the ASVAB.

In preparing for the ASVAB test, you want to study effectively.  This entails finding quiet, comfortable places to study along with having the right study materials.  You will also want to create your own study schedule that compliments your every day life.

Upon creating a study schedule, the most important thing is to stick with it.  There are days where not everyone feels like studying and the last place they desire to be is in their home with their nose in a book.  With this being stated, no matter how you are feeling or what is going on in your life, you must remain consistent with good study habits which will enable you to reap successful rewards of taking the ASVAB test.

Upon gathering your updated study materials, it is now time to determine where your weaknesses and strengths are in relation to the topics covered on the ASVAB test.  If you are uncertain, it is highly recommended that you take some practice ASVAB tests.  The practice tests will relay your academic strengths and weaknesses.

The following is a list of Dos and Don’ts when taking the ASVAB test:

Dos:

1. Listen and follow the instructions carefully
2. If you are uncertain of anything, ask questions
3. Make sure you have plenty of scratch paper
4. Take your time in answering the questions.  Do not rush through the test
5. Read the instructions as they appear
6. Use common sense and eliminate the questions that are wrong
7. If you do not know the answer to a question, guess the answer.  Do not ever leave a question blank.

Don’ts

1. Do not talk during the ASVAB test.  This is the fastest way to get kicked out of the test room
2. Familiarize yourself with the keyboard.  Do not press wrong keys on the keyboard.
3. Do not dwell too long on one particular question.  Keep in mind that the test is timed and you have to complete the test in order for the test to be graded.
4. Skip questions
5. Do not ever fall asleep during the ASVAB test.  It is wise to remember that military personnel are administering the exam and they do not appreciate anyone sleeping during the test.  Do not discover this the hard way.

The ASVAB is not an easy test to master.  If you have dreams of the military for your future, the ASVAB test is an obstacle you will have to face in order to achieve that dream.  No matter what branch of the military you want to join, the ASVAB is a test you must face.  Your failure or success will depend on the preparation and time you dedicate to this task.  Your goal should not only be to “pass” the ASVAB, because your overall scores will determine the type of job and assignment you will receive in the military.

Gain the right material to study

Everyone has their own particular style of studying for exams.  Different styles of studying work for different people however, if you do not prepare accordingly for the ASVAB, you are setting yourself up for failure.  There are numerous study guides and practice tests at your disposal in preparing for this important exam.  You can find ASVAB study guides in bookstores and helpful information on the internet.  Make sure you speak in depth with your military recruiter for he or she might have some updated study guides as well as updated practice tests they can supply to you as you prepare for one of the biggest tests of your life.

Study in constant short periods while taking breaks

Once you have the much-needed study material, dedicate time to studying the material.  Dedicate your time to short periods of studying.  Avoid “cramming” for the ASVAB; this studying technique does not work for this type of test because there is far too much information to retain.  Schedule studying sessions for maximum one hour at a time while taking breaks in between to relax.  You will need to allow your brain time to rest.

Retain the information you have studied

Make sure that you review all the materials repeatedly.  You want to be able to retain the material so that when you view questions on the ASVAB, the answers will come naturally.  You want to perform well on the test.  Studying smart will enable you to experience success.  If you do not practice good studying habits, this will reflect poorly on you when you take the ASVAB.  You are allowed to re-take the ASVAB if you fail however; you are allowed only a few re-takes of the exam.  You want to get this part of joining the military over as soon as possible so that you can focus on other important factors such as choosing your job and future assignment.

Do not let the ASVAB scare you

Some military recruits are horrible test takers.  Horrible test-taking skills are not limited to military recruits.  Not everyone at one point in their lives was good at taking tests.  The primary goal is to remain calm.  The ASVAB is a very important test but it is only a test and one you will conquer as long as you remain calm and concentrate.  Your goal is to answer the questions on the test with the information you have retained from your study materials.  Chances are, you will pass the exam and go on with your life with a bright military career to look forward to in your future.

Conclusion

If you find that, there are answers on the ASVAB test that you do not remember studying, relax and ensure that you answer every question.  On some versions of the ASVAB, there is no wrong answer unless of course you leave the answer blank.  Do not stress out during the test, make the most educated answers and look for common sense answers.  Do not focus on questions you do not know the answers to for long periods; this will slow you down and could be the deciding factor of finishing the test.  As long as you study the updated and quality material during your preparation for the ASVAB, the chances are great that you will pass.

If you simply cannot afford to drop some cash on ASVAB prep books like ASVAB For Dummies, then you’ve found the right post. Here will be an ongoing collection of Free  Practice Questions.

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These practice questions are extremely limited in scope. I would take a glance at them and try to copy and paste them into a word document. It’ll help you understand some of the actual content and the theme of the questions. This will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.