1. THE ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
Major Wes Whitaker
Senior Army Instructor
Stanhope Elmore High School

2. The ASVAB Class Objectives
Discuss the fact about the ASVAB
Define the 10 different parts of the ASVAB
Define how the ASVAB is used
Provide Testing Tips for the ASVAB
Define the 11 Sub-test Military Job Qualifiers
Explain how to read the ASVAB Summary
Define the 8 Areas of The Military Entrance Score (AFQT)

3. The ASVAB Test Defined The Military
Enlistment Test, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
ASVAB scores are used to determine if you are qualified to enlist in the military and to assign
you to an appropriate job in the military.
The ASVAB tests are designed to measure aptitudes in four domains: Verbal, Math,
Science and Technical, and Spatial. 3

4. The ASVAB Test Facts
After taking the initial ASVAB you must wait a calendar month to retest a 2nd time
After the 2nd time you must wait 6 months to retake the ASVAB
ASVAB scores are good up to 2 years before enlisting
There are 2 types of ASVAB test (Written and Computer)
Computer version tailors to you need and is shorter 145 questions versus 225 written
The AFQT score= 2VE + AR + MK
Verbal Expression (VE) score= Work Knowledge (WK) and Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

5. The ASVAB Test Breakdown
General Science (25 Questions 11 Minutes)
Arithmetic Reasoning (30 Questions 36 Minutes)
Word Knowledge (35 Questions 11 Minutes)
Paragraph Comprehension (15 Questions 13 Minutes)
Mathematics Knowledge ( 25 Questions 24 Minutes)
Electronic Information ( 20 Questions 9 Minutes)
Auto and Shop Information ( 25 Questions 11 Minutes)
Mechanical Comprehension ( 25 Questions 19 Minutes)
Assembling Objects ( 25 Questions 15 Minutes)
Total Questions: 225
Total Time: 2 Hours and 29 Minutes ( 3 Hours is allowed for Admin)

6. The ASVAB Subtest Test Defined
The ASVAB subtests for determining the composites are: General Science (GS), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), Numerical Operations (NO), Coding Speed (CS), Auto and Shop Information (AS), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Mechanical Comprehension (MC), Electronics Information (EI), and Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension, scaled (VE). . 6

7. The ASVAB/MOS Correlation
CL -Clerical-VE+AR+MK
CO -Combat-AR+CS+AS+MC
EL -Electronics-GS+AR+MK+EI
FA -Field Artillery-AR+CS+MK+MC
GM- General Maintenance-GS+AS+MK+EI
GT- General Technical-VE+AR
MM- Mechanical Maintenance-NO+AS+MC+EI
OF- Operators and Food-VE+NO+AS+MC
SC - Surveillance and Communications-VE+AR+AS+MC
ST- Skilled Technical-GS+VE+MK+MC 7

8. The ASVAB General Science
General Science tests the ability to answer questions on a variety of science topics drawn from courses taught in most high schools. The life science items cover botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology and ecology. The earth and space science items are based on astronomy, geology, meteorology and oceanography. The physical science items measure force and motion mechanics, energy, fluids, atomic structure and chemistry.
Sample test question:
1. An eclipse of the sun throws the shadow of the
A. moon on the sun B. moon on the earth C. earth on the sun D. earth on the moon 8

9. The ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning
Arithmetic Reasoning tests the ability to solve basic arithmetic problems encountered in everyday life. One-step and multistep word problems require addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and choosing the correct order of operations when more than one step is necessary.
The items include operations with whole numbers, operations with rational numbers, ratio and proportion, interest, percentage and measurement. Arithmetic Reasoning is one factor that helps characterize mathematics comprehension, and it also assesses logical thinking.
Sample test question:
1. How many 36-passenger buses will it take to carry 144 people?
A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6 9

10. The ASVAB Word Knowledge
Word Knowledge tests the ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms – words having the same or nearly the same meaning as other words. The test is a measure of one component of reading comprehension since vocabulary is one of many factors that characterize reading comprehension.
Sample test question:
1. The wind is variable today.
A. mild B. steady C. shifting D. chilling 10

11. The ASVAB Paragraph Comprehension
Paragraph Comprehension tests the ability to obtain information from written material. Students read different types of passages of varying lengths and respond to questions based on information presented in each passage.
Concepts include identifying stated and reworded facts, determining a sequence of events, drawing conclusions, identifying main ideas, determining the author’s purpose and tone and identifying style and technique.
Sample question:
1. Twenty-five percent of all household burglaries can be attributed to unlocked windows or doors. Crime is the result of opportunity plus desire. To prevent crime, it is each individual’s responsibility to:
A. provide the desire B. provide the opportunity C. prevent the desire D. prevent the opportunity 11

12. The ASVAB Math Knowledge
Mathematics Knowledge tests the ability to solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications. The problems focus on concepts and algorithms, and involve number theory, numeration, algebraic operations and equations, geometry, measurement and probability. Mathematics knowledge is one factor that characterizes mathematics comprehension; it also assesses logical thinking.
Sample test question:
5. If X + 6 = 7, then X is equal to
A. -1 B. 0 C. 1 D. 7/6 12

13. The ASVAB Electronics Information
Electronics Information tests understanding of electrical current, circuits, devices and systems. Electronics Information topics include electrical circuits, electrical and electronic systems, electrical currents, electrical tools, symbols, devices and materials.
Sample test question:
6. Which of the following has the least resistance?
A. wood B. iron C. rubber D. silver 13

14. The ASVAB Auto and Shop Information
Auto and Shop Information tests aptitude for automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices. The test covers several areas commonly included in most high school auto and shop courses, such as automotive components, automotive systems, automotive tools, troubleshooting and repair, shop tools, building materials and building and construction procedures.
Sample test question:
7. A car uses too much oil when which of the following parts are worn?
A. pistons B. piston rings C. main bearings D. connecting rods 14

15. The ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension
Mechanical Comprehension tests understanding of principles of mechanical devices, structural support and properties of materials. Mechanical comprehension topics include simple machines, compound machines, mechanical motion and fluid dynamics.
Sample test question:
8. Which post holds up a greater part of the load?
A. post a B. post b C. both equal D. not clear 15

16. The AQFT Scores By Branch
The Lowest AQFT score to enlist in the Army is a 31 with waivers down to a score of 26 a minimum score of 50 qualifies you for most scholarships and incentive programs
The lowest AQFT score to enlist in the Air Force is 36 with a High School Diploma and can be lowered to 31 with a critical skill and 65 with a GED
The lowest AQFT score for the Marines is a 32 with a High School Diploma and a 50 with a GED. A score of 50 makes you eligible for scholarships and choice of area program
The lowest AQFT for the Navy is a 31 with a High School Diploma and a 50 with a GED. A 50 qualifies you for scholarship and other incentives

17. MILITARY ENTRANCE SCORES ARMED FORCES QUALIFICATION TEST (AFQT)
The military divides AFQT scores into the following categories. The lower your category number, the more attractive candidate you are to the military for enlistment:
Category I Outstanding
Category II Excellent
Category IIIA Above Average
Category IIIB Average
Category IVA Below Average
Category IVB Markedly Below Average
Category IVC Poor
Category V Not Trainable

18. The ASVAB Test Useful Links
This link provides ACT preparation which directly assist on ASVAB Test
The link below provides many practice test on the ASVAB as well as the ACT
The link below lets you know what ASVAB Scores are required for Jobs in all Armed Forces. (Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy) 18

19. The ASVAB Test Useful Links
The links below is information that can assist you in scoring higher on the ASVAB. Just cut and paste the links as required.
This link is a free ASVAB Study Test:
This link is ASVAB Study Tips: This Link is a ASVAB fact Sheet:
This link list the AFQT scores and facts by Military Branch 19

20. The ASVAB Test Useful Links
The links below is information that can assist you in scoring higher on the ASVAB. Just cut and paste the links as required.
This link is for free Math Test Grades 1-6 and worksheets on Addition, Algebra, Geometry, and Multiplication
This link is a Free ASVAB Study Guide:
This Link is an additional link with Free Example ASVAB Practice Test 20