About the ASVAB
Overview
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The ASVAB, sponsored by the Department of Defense, is a career exploration test that includes eight to nine individual tests covering General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension. If you take the enlistment ASVAB (also known as the Production ASVAB), there is an additional test: Assembling Objects.
Your ASVAB results include scores for each individual test, as well as three academic composite scores. The ASVAB is required for entrance into the military as a career qualification test. It is also useful to civilians and those already in the military who want to explore how well suited they might be for various careers.
Test Dates
The ASVAB is given once or twice a year at more than 14,000 high schools and postsecondary schools in the United States. It is also given year round at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) or Military Entrance Test (MET) sites for anyone interested in enlistment.
Test Locations
If you are in school, contact your guidance counselor to find the location nearest you. Otherwise, contact a military recruitment office for more information.
Test Structure
SECTIONS | QUESTION TYPE | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS | TIME ALLOTTED |
General Science | Life, earth, space, and physical science | 25 | 11 minutes |
Arithmetic Reasoning | Word problems | 30 | 36 minutes |
Word Knowledge | Synonyms | 35 | 11 minutes |
Paragraph Comprehension | General reading comprehension | 15 | 13 minutes |
Mathematics Knowledge | Math concepts and applications | 25 | 24 minutes |
Electronics Information | Electrical currents, circuits, devices, and systems | 20 | 9 minutes |
Auto & Shop Information* | Auto maintenance and repair, wood- and metal-shop practices | 25 | 11 minutes |
Mechanical Comprehension | Principles of mechanical devices, structures, and the properties of materials | 25 | 19 minutes |
Assembling Objects** | Spatial aptitude | 16 | 9 minutes |
*This test is given in two separate sections on the computerized ASVAB.
**This section is a part of the Enlistment ASVAB only.
Note that the time limits and numbers of questions shown here are for the paper-and-pencil version of the test.
Scoring
No one passes or fails the ASVAB. The test helps you to identify your abilities in different areas and can help you choose a career path. You can also compare your student ASVAB scores to other students at your grade level.
Raw scores are also used to compute your AFQT score, which is the score that determines eligibility for military enlistment. If you plan to join the military, you need to meet minimum score requirements that vary from branch to branch. Your enlistment scores also identify your potential for various military career areas.
Your civil service career awaits. Score high and go get it. 
