Free guide · ASVAB

The ASVAB, explained

Ten subtests, one score that decides whether you can enlist, and line scores that decide which jobs you qualify for. Every fact here links to the official page it comes from.

How the test is built

The computer test (CAT-ASVAB) [3]
SubtestScored questionsTime limit
General Science (GS)1512 min
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)1555 min
Word Knowledge (WK)159 min
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)1027 min
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)1531 min
Electronics Information (EI)1510 min
Auto Information (AI)107 min
Shop Information (SI)106 min
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)1522 min
Assembling Objects (AO)1518 min

Some tests also include tryout questions, with more time allowed for them.

  • The computer test is adaptive and self-paced. You cannot go back and change an answer once it is submitted. [1]
  • A few testing sites may still use the paper version: 225 questions in 149 minutes, with Auto and Shop as one subtest. [1]
  • The ASVAB is given only in English. [2]

How it is scored

AFQT categories [4]
CategoryAFQT percentile
I93–99
II65–92
IIIA50–64
IIIB31–49
IVA21–30
IVB16–20
IVC10–15
V1–9
  • The AFQT score comes from four subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. [4]
  • The AFQT is a percentile from 1 to 99: the share of a reference group of young adults who scored at or below you. [4]
  • Each branch sets its own minimum AFQT to enlist, and builds its own line scores from the subtests to place you in jobs. [5]

Retests and how long scores last

  • You can retest one calendar month after your first test, again one month after that, and then every six months. [6]
  • Scores can be used to enlist for up to two years from the test date. [2]

Where you take it

  • A recruiter books your test at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a Military Entrance Test (MET) site. [7]
  • High school and college students can also take it through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Ask a counselor. [7]

Free practice from the testing program

  • officialasvab.com has free sample questions for every subtest. [8]
  • The testing program shares no real questions with anyone, endorses no paid prep and warns about anyone who claims otherwise. [9]

Test-day checklist

  • Bring valid identification. Ask your recruiter which kinds are accepted. [10]
  • Be on time. Late arrivals are turned away and have to reschedule. [10]
  • Leave your calculator at home: none is allowed. [10]
  • Your recruiter may drive you, but may not sit in the testing room. [10]

Rules can change. Check the official page before test day.

Practice with Prepanchor

Practice packs written by Prepanchor, an independent publisher.

Sources

  1. ASVAB fact sheet (PDF), officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  2. ASVAB FAQs, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  3. The CAT-ASVAB, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  4. Understanding ASVAB scores, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  5. Appropriate use of ASVAB scores (PDF), officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  6. ASVAB retest policy, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  7. Where to take the ASVAB, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  8. Sample questions for every subtest, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  9. Test preparation disclaimer, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026
  10. What to expect when you take the ASVAB, officialasvab.com checked 23 Oct 2026