Preparation Guide for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test — what is it? 

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The armed services vocational aptitude battery (ASVAB) test is a timed, multi-aptitude test. It’s designed to help the Department of Defense determine if you are a good fit for military service. It can also be used to figure out which branch of service or military job you’re best suited for.

Who is Eligible to Take the ASVAB? 

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• To be eligible to take the ASVAB, you must be between the ages of 17-35.
• Those under the age of 18 will need parental consent to take the ASVAB.

How is the ASVAB Graded?

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Scoring for the ASVAB is based on the item response theory (IRT)—a mathematical model that helps improve the accuracy of a test by taking into account the number of questions answered correctly and the difficulty of the question. This allows for each test to be tailored specifically to you. It also ensures that everyone’s abilities are evaluated using the same scale.

The ASVAB tests,the aspirant’s proficiency in 10 different subject areas:

Your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is calculated using your responses in arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and word knowledge. It’s reported as a percentile score, which indicates the percentage of scores that are equal to or below your score. For example, if you score in the 75th percentile, it means that 75% of the examinees had either the same score as you or lower.

Those who score higher will have more military job or career options available to them.

ASVAB Score Requirements by Military Branch

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The lowest score the military will accept is 31 for high school seniors or graduates but GED holders must have a minimum of 50 overall and may even need at least 15 hours of college credit, depending on which branch of the military they are considering.

For high school seniors and graduates, the minimum AFQT score requirements for each branch are:

How Many Times Can You Retake the Test?

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You can take the ASVAB as many times as you need—however, there are some things you should know. For your second attempt, you must wait at least one month before retaking. After your second attempt, you must wait at least six months for each subsequent attempt so be sure that you have had adequate preparation for the ASVAB test.

Preparation Guide for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test

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While the armed services vocational aptitude battery test is common and has thousands of applicants throughout the year, information on ASVAB test preparation can be scarce. You may want to start preparing by finding out which version of the ASVAB you are taking—pencil and paper or computer-based. While both versions test for the same information and are ultimately scored the same, they do function differently.

1) Pencil-and-Paper ASVAB 

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The pencil-and-paper (P&P) ASVAB is a standardized traditional test—similar to the ACT and SAT—where everyone has the same questions and time limit. It takes about three hours to complete on average and you may revisit previous questions but not test sections.

It has a total of 225 questions divided into the following sections:

Unlike the computer-based version, the P&P-ASVAB does not penalize for guessing so be sure to answer every question using educated guesses. Make sure you also review your answers if you have time.

2) Computer-Based ASVAB

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The computer-based (CAT) ASVAB is unique because it adapts to your ability level as you answer questions. As you take the test, it will automatically select questions according to your skill level as determined by the responses you have already submitted.

The CAT-ASVAB can be shorter than the P&P-ASVAB, which means that you can complete it at your own pace without having to wait on others. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

It has a total of 135 possible questions divided into the following sections:

Because the CAT-ASVAB is a responsive software, you will not be able to edit or re-read your answers after they’ve been submitted. Because of this, you should take your time and answer each question carefully as you are penalized for guessing. 

Before Test Day

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Once you know which version of the ASVAB you are taking, you can begin to familiarize yourself with the contents of each section using ASVAB preparation books. Arithmetic reasoning, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, and word knowledge are the key sections to prepare for. Your scores in these four sections will determine where you will be able to enlist.

Keep in mind that you need a specific score for each branch of the military. U.S. Navy ASVAB test preparation may be more focused on four main sections, while all the sections may need to be studied equally for the Marines. Take several practice exams and review the sections in which you have done poorly.

On Test Day

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Be sure that you get plenty of sleep and read the directions for each section carefully before you begin answering—especially on the CAT-ASVAB, which does not allow you to go back to your answers.

If you’re taking the P&P-ASVAB, you can review your answers before completing the test, but be sure to keep track of how much time you have left. Make sure you select only one response per question and erase completely if you change an answer.

For the CAT-ASVAB, be sure that the answer you have selected is the one you want since you cannot return after submitting it. Pay attention to the time—if you are running out of time, try to read and carefully answer each question rather than guessing.

ASVAB Test Preparation Made Easy

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While preparing for the ASVAB test can be stressful, Full Potential Learning Academy’s (FPLA) ASVAB preparation course makes it easier than ever before!

FPLA has four convenient online ASVAB test prep options to choose from, starting at $37.50 per hour. FPLA’s certified tutors can provide up to 40 hours of personalized, one-on-one online tutoring which may include:

Our online tutoring program also features a highly interactive online platform with a whiteboard that allows both you and the tutor to write on it! Additionally, all of our certified tutors hold their students accountable for their work—meaning you can be sure that you will keep a strict study routine in preparation for the ASVAB.

Start your road to success today with FPLA’s online ASVAB preparation course!

References 

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• Anderson, N. (2021, September 02). ASVAB scores and the military jobs that qualify. Retrieved March 25, 2022
• Asvab scoring. (2020, August 12). Retrieved March 25, 2022
• ASVAB Subtests. (2020, February 10). Retrieved March 25, 2022
• Glen, S. (2015, August 5). What is Item Response Theory? Retrieved March 25, 2022
• Understanding the ASVAB test. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2022