A high AVSAB score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.
Start studying now by taking ASVAB practice tests. These tests will give you an idea of how you'll score, and identify areas that need improvement.
Many find it helpful to also study ASVAB online course tutorials on sections of the ASVAB test.
Or, you can get a complete study package that includes practice tests, online classes and study sheets.
It's important to get the highest score possible on the four primary sections of the test. The higher scores in Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge will qualify for very desirable job positions in the military. Here is a link for minimum ASVAB score requirements for each branch of the military.
The ASVAB features eight individual subtests. If you take the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) then you will take the computer administrated version, or "CAT-ASVAB", of the ASVAB test. Click here to find out where MEPS are located. It is important to note that you can NOT go back and change an answer after you submit it on the CAT-ASVAB. You get the following amount of questions and time for each subtest on the ASVAB:
Subtest |
Questions |
Minutes |
Material Covered |
Arithmetic Reasoning |
16 |
39 |
Measures ability to solve arithmetic word problems. |
Word Knowledge |
16 |
8 |
Measures ability to select correct word meanings presented in context and to identify synonym for a given word. |
Paragraph Comprehension |
11 |
22 |
Measures the ability to obtain information from a written passage. |
Mathematics Knowledge |
16 |
20 |
Measures knowledge of general mathematics principles, including algebra and geometry. |
General Science |
16 |
8 |
Measures knowledge of physical and biological sciences. |
Electronics Information |
16 |
8 |
Measures knowledge of electricity, radio principles and electronics. |
Auto Information |
11 |
7 |
Measures knowledge of automobiles. |
Shop Information |
11 |
6 |
Measures knowledge of tools, shop terminology and practices. |
Mechanical Comprehension |
16 |
20 |
Measures knowledge of mechanical and physical principles and ability to visualize how illustrated objects work. |
Assembling Objects* |
16 |
16 |
Measure spacial skill and ability to identify relationships between objects. |
If you do not live near a MEPS, you will take the ASVAB test at a satellite location called a Military Entrance Test (MET) site. MET sites are often located in Federal government office buildings, National Guard armories, or Reserve centers. Here is the amount of questions and time limit for each section of the ASVAB test:
Subtest |
Questions |
Minutes |
Material Covered |
Arithmetic Reasoning |
30 |
36 |
Measures ability to solve arithmetic word problems. |
Word Knowledge |
35 |
11 |
Measures ability to select correct word meanings presented in context and to identify synonym for a given word. |
Paragraph Comprehension |
15 |
13 |
Measures the ability to obtain information from a written passage. |
Mathematics Knowledge |
25 |
24 |
Measures knowledge of general mathematics principles, including algebra and geometry. |
General Science |
25 |
11 |
Measures knowledge of physical and biological sciences. |
Electronics Information |
20 |
9 |
Measures knowledge of electricity, radio principles and electronics. |
Auto & Shop Information |
25 |
11 |
Measures knowledge of automobiles, tools, shop terminology and practices. |
Mechanical Comprehension |
25 |
19 |
Measures knowledge of mechanical and physical principles and ability to visualize how illustrated objects work. |
Assembling Objects* |
25 |
15 |
Measure spacial skill and ability to identify relationships between objects. |
*The Navy is the only military branch that uses the Assembling Objects subtest results