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How the test works
The same test comes in two versions that work very differently. On the computer you cannot go back, and random guessing at the end costs you; on paper you can review, and guessing is free. Know which one you will take before you practice.
Two versions, one score
At a MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) the test is always on the computer. At a smaller MET site (Military Entrance Test site) it can be on the computer or on paper. Ask your recruiter which one you will get.
Neither version is easier
The two versions are put on the same scale, so a score means the same on both. The computer test can feel harder or easier because it adjusts to you, but you should expect a similar score either way.
What happens on the test
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1
Where you take it
To take the ASVAB for enlistment, you do not sign up yourself. A recruiter schedules your test, at the closest MEPS or at a MET site, after a first screening. There are 65 MEPS across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. MET sites are often in federal buildings, National Guard armories or Reserve centers.
A recruiter can also give you an access code for the PiCAT: the computer ASVAB taken at home, with no time limit per test. It is only for people who have never taken the ASVAB, you can take it once, and you must finish within 48 hours of starting. Only your recruiter sees the PiCAT scores. If they show you may qualify, you confirm them with a short supervised Verification Test (about 25 to 30 minutes) at a MEPS or MET site within 45 days.
Next step: ComputerMEPSMilitary Entrance Processing Station
Always on the computer
MET siteMilitary Entrance Test site
Computer or paper
PiCATAt home, with a code from a recruiter
Confirmed later with a short Verification Test
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2
The computer test adapts to you
The computer version is called the CAT-ASVAB (Computerized Adaptive Test). Everyone starts with a question of medium difficulty. Answer it right and the next one is harder; answer it wrong and the next one is easier. That is how it measures your level with fewer questions.
Because of that, you cannot go back to change an answer once you move on. In 2 to 4 of the tests you will also get tryout questions: new questions being tried out, which do not count toward your score. They are mixed in at random, and you get extra time for them. Treat every question as if it counts.
Scratch paper and pencils are given to you. A red HELP key stops the clock if you need more paper or help, and the time you spend reading instructions does not count. No computer experience is needed. When you test at a MEPS or MET site, your scores are ready right after the session.
Next step: PaperThe four AFQT tests on the computerTest Questions that count Time limit (minutes) Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) 15 55 Word Knowledge (WK) 15 9 Paragraph Comprehension (PC) 10 27 Mathematics Knowledge (MK) 15 31 These are the most minutes you are allowed, not how long it takes; nearly everyone finishes. If a test has tryout questions, its limit grows: AR 113, WK 18, PC 75 and MK 65 minutes. On average, the whole computer test, all ten tests, takes about 2 hours.
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The paper test is fixed
On paper, every test has a fixed number of questions and a time limit, and you start each test when the administrator says so. Within a test you can skip a hard question, answer the ones you know, and come back to review if there is time. You cannot go back to an earlier test or start the next one early.
The paper session takes 3 to 4 hours with instructions, and the answer sheets are scored at the MEPS, which usually takes a few days.
Next step: Out of timeThe four AFQT tests on paperTest Questions Minutes Arithmetic Reasoning 30 36 Word Knowledge 35 11 Paragraph Comprehension 15 13 Mathematics Knowledge 25 24 -
4
When time runs out, the two versions are opposite
On the computer, if you do not finish a test, the questions you left get a penalty: they are scored as if you had answered them at random. So clicking random answers at the end gains you nothing, and the official site warns that several wrong answers at the end of a test bring a fairly large penalty. If time is short, use it to really answer as many questions as you can, one by one. Time limits are generous: nearly everyone finishes.
On paper, answer every question. If you run out of time, fill in guesses for the rest: there is no penalty for guessing.
On both: when you do not know an answer, rule out the choices you can, then pick the best of what is left.
Next step: RetakesComputerTime is almost up
Keep answering for real, one by one
PaperTime is almost up
Fill in every blank: guessing is free
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No calculator, retakes and how long scores last
No calculator on any version, not even on the PiCAT at home. The official reason: the ASVAB is an employment test, and you may need to do basic math by hand, without a calculator, on the job.
To retake it: after your first test, wait 1 calendar month. After your first retake, wait 1 calendar month again. After your second retake, wait 6 calendar months before each new try. A score can be used to enlist for up to two years. If your score goes up a lot on a retake (for example, 20 or more AFQT points within six months), you must take a confirmation test.
If you took the ASVAB at school, those scores can count for enlistment for up to two years if they can be verified as yours; if school staff gave the test, you also take a Verification Test.
Retake waiting timesAfter Wait Your first test 1 calendar month Your first retake 1 calendar month Your second retake, and each one after it 6 calendar months
4 myths about how the test works
Each one sounds reasonable, and each one costs points on test day.
Skip and come back
On the computer test, a hard question:
WrongSkip it and come back at the end
RightYou cannot go back: answer it, then move on
Guess at the end
On the computer test, two minutes left and five questions to go:
WrongClick random answers to finish
RightKeep answering for real: random wrong answers at the end are penalized
The paper test is easier
Choosing a version:
WrongPaper is easier, so ask for paper
RightBoth use the same scale: neither version is easier
A calculator for Arithmetic Reasoning
What you can use:
WrongA basic calculator is allowed for AR
RightNo calculator on any part of the ASVAB
6 questions to check yourself
Pick an answer, then read why.
On the computer ASVAB, you answer a question correctly. What usually comes next?
Show the answer
B. The computer test adapts: a right answer leads to a harder question and a wrong one to an easier question. So after a correct answer, the next question is usually harder. The answer: A harder question.
You are on the computer test and unsure of an answer. What can you do?
Show the answer
A. On the computer you cannot return to a question or change it after you move on. So eliminate the choices you can and pick the best one left: Rule out what you can, choose, and move on.
On the paper test, time is running out and three questions are blank. What does the official advice say?
Show the answer
C. On paper there is no penalty for guessing, so a guess can only help. The official advice: Fill in guesses: there is no penalty for guessing.
How many Arithmetic Reasoning questions count toward your score on the computer test?
Show the answer
C. On the computer test, AR has 15 questions that count, in 55 minutes. 30 is the paper version, 10 is Paragraph Comprehension on the computer, and 9 is the minutes for Word Knowledge. It has 15.
You took the ASVAB for the first time today. When is the earliest you can retake it?
Show the answer
D. After your first test, you wait 1 calendar month. After your first retake, you wait 1 calendar month again, and after your second retake, 6 calendar months. So the earliest retake is one calendar month later. The answer: After one calendar month.
Which is true about calculators on the ASVAB?
Show the answer
D. The official site says you cannot use a calculator, and the PiCAT rules say the same for the test at home. So no version allows a calculator. The answer: Not allowed on any version.
10 flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Keep the ones you miss until they stick.
All 10 cards known.
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