If you want to become a military officer, but you’re not sure which branch to join, this comparison is for you! Maybe you’re considering both the Air Force and the Navy, Coast Guard, or Marine Corps. This is a common dilemma for aspiring officers, and in your consideration, you may be looking at two of the main tests for either the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test AFOQT or the Aviation Selection Test Battery-E (ASTB-E). In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between these two exams (AFOQT vs. ASTB-E) to help you make an informed decision about the military officer programs for your future.
What is the AFOQT? The Air Force’s Gateway
The AFOQT is the required entrance exam for anyone seeking to become an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Different subtests make up the AFOQT test, covering areas like verbal reasoning, math knowledge, pilot aptitude, and much more, with 12 total subtests. Various sections are used to calculate seven composite scores. A score is generated for a subtest based on the number of correct answers. Scores are then statistically calculated relative to a normal distribution of test results among all those competing for limited officer candidate positions and then later for limited career field positions.
AFOQT scores are reported as percentiles in specific composite areas like Pilot, Navigator-CSO, Academic Aptitude, and Verbal. These scores are a crucial part of your application to the Air Force Officer Candidate School. An AFOQT study plan is essential, and taking an AFOQT practice test with realistic AFOQT practice questions and detailed answer explanations can be very beneficial to bolster your score.
The ASTB-E: The Navy’s, Marine Corps’, & Coast Guard’s Path to Command
The ASTB-E is the primary Navy officer aptitude test for those applying to be a commissioned officer in the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard. You may wonder, is the ASTB-E similar to the ASVAB? While both are military exams, the ASTB-E is a more specialized test for officer roles, particularly aviation.
The ASTB-E includes many portions like Math Skills Test (MST), Reading Comprehension Test (RCT), Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT), Aviation & Nautical Information Test (ANIT), Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI), Performance-Based Measures (PBM), and Biographical Inventory with Response Validation (BI-RV). You will also see the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) portion, which all officer candidates must take.
The Navy officer OAR test is its own score and is a critical factor for selection into the Navy Officer Candidate School, while the other scores are used for specific aviation programs.
In our prep, you’ll find comprehensive information about the ASTB-E, including the number of questions you’ll encounter and the length of each subtest, followed by a full-length timed ASTB-E practice test. A Navy officer OAR practice test and an ASTB-E practice test are key components of a successful study plan for the officer test Navy.
Side-by-Side Comparison: AFOQT vs. ASTB-E
The officer test Air Force is required for all candidates, while the officer test Navy is also a gateway to other roles beyond aviation.
| AFOQT | ASTB-E | |
| Purpose | The officer test Air Force is required for all candidates | The Officer test Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps is a gateway to roles in and beyond aviation |
| Structure & Format | Longer, linear test | Has a few adaptive sections, which can make it feel different |
| Content |
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| Prep | Requires dedicated study with specific practice materials for the test | Requires dedicated study with specific practice materials for the test |
Which One Should You Take? AFOQT vs. ASTB-E?
The choice depends on which branch of service you want to join. If you’re set on the Air Force, the AFOQT is your path. If you’re aiming for the Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, you should focus on the ASTB-E. For candidates who are still undecided, talk to recruiters from both branches. They can provide valuable insights into their specific programs and selection processes. Ask questions that align with your desires and interests, to see which may be a better fit for you. You can also research all branches and their respective military officer program offerings.
With all of this information, also assess your strengths. If you excel at spatial reasoning, one test might be a better fit, or if you have a particular interest in the Air Force, the AFOQT may be for you. If you still cannot decide, you can prepare for both and take both, as many of the core concepts (math, verbal skills) overlap.
Conclusion: Your Future Starts Here
The Air Force Officer Test and the ASTB-E Officer Candidate Test are different exams for different branches, but they both serve the same purpose: finding the best candidates to lead. No matter which test you decide to take or which branch you decide to go into, preparation for either exam is essential, whether it’s through an AFOQT practice test or an ASTB-E practice test. Your career as a military officer begins with either of these tests. Study hard, prepare thoroughly, and take the first step toward your new future.
