ASVAB Test Syllabus, Subtests and Questions Distribution

 

 


 

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-choice test used by the U.S. military to assess a candidate’s qualifications for enlistment and job roles. It consists of 9 subtests (for the computerized version, CAT-ASVAB) or 10 subtests (for the paper version).

ASVAB Subtests and Question Distribution

Subtest Abbreviation Questions (CAT-ASVAB) Questions (Paper) Time (CAT-ASVAB) Time (Paper)
General Science GS 15 25 10 min 11 min
Arithmetic Reasoning AR 15 30 55 min 36 min
Word Knowledge WK 15 35 9 min 11 min
Paragraph Comprehension PC 10 15 27 min 13 min
Mathematics Knowledge MK 15 25 23 min 24 min
Electronics Information EI 15 20 10 min 9 min
Auto & Shop Information AS 10 25 7 min 11 min
Mechanical Comprehension MC 15 25 22 min 19 min
Assembling Objects AO 15 25 17 min 15 min
Verbal Expression Score VE (WK + PC) Combined Combined N/A N/A

Note: The paper-based version has a separate Auto (AI) and Shop (SI) test, while the CAT-ASVAB combines them into one AS test.

Scoring System

  • The AFQT Score (Armed Forces Qualification Test) determines enlistment eligibility and is based on:
    • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
    • Word Knowledge (WK)
    • Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
    • Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
  • AFQT scores are reported as percentiles (1–99), comparing your performance to a reference group.
  • The highest possible ASVAB score is 99.

Minimum ASVAB Scores for Military Branches

Branch Minimum AFQT Score Required
Army 31
Navy 35
Air Force 36
Marines 32
Coast Guard 40
Space Force 31

Note: Higher scores improve job qualification opportunities.

Composite Scores & Job Qualification

Each military job (MOS/Rating/AFSC) requires different combinations of ASVAB subtest scores, called line scores.
For example:

  • Army Clerical (CL) = VE + AR + MK
  • Navy Mechanical (MM) = AR + EI + MC + AO
  • Air Force General (G) = VE + AR


ASVAB Subtests and Syllabus

1. General Science (GS)

  • Life Science (Biology, Ecology, Human Body)
  • Earth and Space Science (Geology, Meteorology, Astronomy)
  • Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, Energy, Matter)

2. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)

  • Basic arithmetic operations
  • Word problems
  • Percentages, ratios, and proportions
  • Probability and statistics

3. Word Knowledge (WK)

  • Vocabulary and synonyms
  • Contextual understanding of words

4. Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

  • Reading and understanding short passages
  • Identifying main ideas and supporting details
  • Drawing logical conclusions

5. Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Exponents)
  • Geometry (Shapes, Angles, Area, Volume)
  • Basic Probability and Statistics
  • Number Theory and Arithmetic

6. Electronics Information (EI)

  • Electrical circuits and components
  • Conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
  • Ohm’s Law and electrical measurements
  • Basic electronic devices (transistors, resistors, capacitors)

7. Auto and Shop Information (AS)

  • Automotive systems (engines, transmissions, brakes)
  • Car maintenance and troubleshooting
  • Tools and shop practices
  • Woodworking and metalworking basics

8. Mechanical Comprehension (MC)

  • Simple machines (levers, pulleys, gears)
  • Laws of motion (Newton’s laws)
  • Mechanical advantage
  • Fluid dynamics and hydraulics

9. Assembling Objects (AO)

  • Spatial orientation
  • Pattern recognition
  • Visualization of assembled objects

ASVAB Scoring & AFQT

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is derived from:

  • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
  • Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
  • Word Knowledge (WK)
  • Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

This AFQT score determines overall military enlistment eligibility. The other sub-tests help determine job qualifications.




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