The ASVAB Explained
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude
Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test
battery in the world. As an aptitude test, the ASVAB
measures your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for
future success. The ASVAB also provides you with career
information for various civilian and military occupations
and is an indicator for success in future endeavors whether
you choose to go to college, vocational school, or a
military career.
Your ASVAB Score can be
Critical
ASVAB test scores are broken down by the individual
sub-tests and composites of the sub-tests. One of the most
critical of these scores is the Armed Forces Qualification
Test, which is used to determine if you are qualified to
join the military service. Each service determines the
qualification AFQT score for enlisting in their service.
The AFQT is comprised of your test
results in Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Math Knowledge (MK),
and Verbal Composite (VE) x 2. Your Verbal Composite score
is a combination of your Word Knowledge and Paragraph
Comprehension scores.
Check out the following AFQT qualifying scores for each
branch of service.
|
Service Branch |
Required AFQT Score* |
|
Army
|
31 |
|
Navy |
35 |
|
Marines |
32 |
|
Air Force |
36 |
|
Coast Guard |
36 |
* These scores are
subject to change without notice.
In addition, your scores on the
other ASVAB composite tests will determine your career field
or military occupation eligibility. Since enlistment bonuses
are directly tied to your choice of occupations, the better
the score, the more opportunities you have. But keep in
mind, it is impossible to “ace” the ASVAB, so your goal
should be to simply do your best.
TIP: Be sure you
are ready before you take the ASVAB — use the
Militay.com ASVAB practice tests
to find the areas you may need to work on. In addition you
can read about
ASVAB study techniques.
Three Versions of the ASVAB
There are three distinctly different versions or formats of
the ASVAB; the CAT-ASVAB (computer adaptive test), the
MET-site ASVAB, and the Student ASVAB. Each ASVAB has
different benefits and limitations. Many potential military
recruits take the CAT-ASVAB.
Next Step
Learn more about the
three versions of ASVAB.
