If you plan to enter the armed forces, or if you are trying to advance your career, you’ll need to take the ASVAB test. What is the ASVAB? It is a test that determines your aptitude in various categories, scoring each of them to decide whether or not you can enlist in any branch of the military, as well as offering a score as to whether you are eligible for career advancement. This test is incredibly important to your future in the military, which is why so many people have a lot of questions about it.
One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to planning for the ASVAB test is how long the test takes? This is important not only for planning how long you’ll be there but also in determining how you should study.
This depends on which version of the ASVAB you are taking. If this is your first time, you will most likely take the PiCAT, which is the Prescreen Internet Computerized Adaptive Test. The PiCAT is taken entirely via computer, and has no time limit. The PiCAT score counts as your official ASVAB score as long as you complete a proctored 25-30 minute test to verify your PiCAT scores. 95% of students who pass the PiCAT can use their scores, however, 5% of passing students will be randomly selected to take the full ASVAB test directly after. For more on the PiCAT, read this in-depth blog post.
Because it can take one person a lot less time to complete a test than it can another person, the actual amount of time you will spend on the ASVAB test can vary. However, there is a time limit if you take the CAT-ASVAB or the P&P-ASVAB. The CAT-ASVAB test gives test-takers over 2.5 hours to complete the test, though the average student takes 1.5 hours to finish the entire test.
The amount of time given for a student to take the test is based on each section. For each section, test-takers are given a specific amount of time. The chart below lists how much time you will have to complete each subtest of the ASVAB.
There’s no magic formula for studying for any test, including the ASVAB. But, researchers have been conducting tests for years to determine some of the best ways to study for tests. According to a blog post by the State University of New York (SUNY) there are a few proven methods that you can utilize to do as well as possible on the ASVAB Test. These methods include:
· Do not cram. Cramming for a test, or trying to memorize all the information in one fell swoop the night before the test, is incredibly ineffective for studying. You might remember things in the short term, but long-term memory retention is not gleaned when you try to shove all that information in at once. A way around this is space out your studying, and use ASVAB study questions to help you focus on a key subject for a certain amount of time each night.
· Do not pull all-nighters and make sure to get plenty of sleep. Researchers agree, when you are preparing for your ASVAB test, it’s not a good idea to pull an all-nighter right before the test. When you skimp on sleep, your memory retention becomes impaired. Studies have shown that reasoning and memory can be damaged for up to four days after staying up all night to study for a test. Instead, as stated in the first point, space out your studying and start planning far in advance of the actual test. Your ASVAB scores will likely improve if you are taking care of yourself, which includes getting plenty of much-needed rest and rejuvenation.
· Take practice tests. According to many different studies, two of the most effective ways to study for a test include taking a full ASVAB practice test or using flashcards. When you take a practice test, you are using a very intentional and targeted method of studying. A practice test not only simulates the exam, but many researchers believe that it helps students because it gives them an idea of the real ASVAB test questions that you will have to answer. This type of focused studying prepares the student in ways that simply reading a book does not.
· Reduce distractions when studying. Researchers across the board also agree that distractions while studying for the ASVAB can make memory retention a real challenge. Make sure you have a quiet place for focused study and also ensure that no one will be bothering you during this time. Turn off your phone, tell your friends to stay out of your room, and get to work!
Once you’re ready to start studying for what could be the most important test of your career, it’s time to find the right resources to kick start your studying. With the right materials from a reputable source, you’ll be able to have the most success when studying. Look no further than the study materials at ASVAB Boot Camp. At ASVAB Boot Camp, you can get useful testing supplies, like ASVAB practice tests, ASVAB study guides, and so much more. The experts at ASVAB Boot Camp are proven leaders in creating materials for this test that are high quality and can help you get your best ASVAB score. Don’t settle for materials that aren’t going to get the job done right. When it comes to your ASVAB test, choose ASVAB Boot Camp for all of the study methods you need to excel
We don’t provide flash cards.