ASVAB - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
 

ASVAB Study Guides

Kaplan
ASVAB 2008

30 Days to
the ASVAB

ASVAB Basics

Score High
on ASVAB

How to Prepare

Guide to Military Careers

Joining the Military

[ Purpose ]  [ Guide ]  [ Practice Test ]  [ Results ]  [ Your Future ]  [ Fitness ]  [ Study Guides ]

What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is actually a multi-aptitude test battery known as the Career Exploration Program. It is available at over 14,000 schools nationwide and is maintained by the Department of Defense. The ASVAB comprises ten individual tests: Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, Numerical Operations, and Coding Speed. Not only do you receive scores on each of these individual tests, you also receive composite scores. Composite scores combine individual tests to yield Verbal, Math, and Academic Ability scores. Each ASVAB test area is timed, and the whole test takes about three hours.

The ASVAB is the most widely used multiple aptitude test battery in the world. It was originally designed to predict future academic and occupational success in military occupations. Since its introduction in 1968, the ASVAB has been the subject of extensive research. Numerous validation studies indicate the ASVAB assesses academic ability and predicts success in a wide variety of military and civilian occupations.

Where can I take the ASVAB?
The ASVAB can be taken at many high schools, at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), or at a rural Mobile Examining Team Site (METS). Taking the ASVAB does not commit you to enlisting in the military.

ASVAB scores are good for two years. If you wish to enlist in the military, you must retake the ASVAB if your scores are more than two years old. Students who took the ASVAB as sophomores are required to retake the ASVAB before enlisting.


What is a passing score on the ASVAB?
No one "passes" or "fails" the ASVAB. The ASVAB allows you to compare your scores to other students at your grade level. Your scores will not affect your school grades.


Who will see my ASVAB results?
Both you and your counselor will receive a copy of the results. Before you take the ASVAB, you will be asked to sign a statement authorizing the Department of Defense to score your test and return your results to your school. Each school determines if it will release your scores to the military services. If you are a junior, a senior, or a postsecondary school student, a recruiter may contact you. This can occur whether or not you take the ASVAB.


Should I take the ASVAB if I plan on becoming a commissioned officer?
Yes, it can be helpful. The ASVAB is not required for entrance into most officer training programs. However, the aptitude information you receive could assist you in career planning.


Should I take the ASVAB if I am considering entering the Reserve or National Guard?
Yes. These military organizations also use the ASVAB for enlistment purposes.


Is there any relationship between taking the ASVAB and Selective Service registration?
There is no relationship between taking the ASVAB and Selective Service registration. ASVAB information is not available to the Selective Service System.

How important is this test?
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides tools developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to help high school and post-secondary students across the nation learn more about career exploration and planning. Since the mid-1990's, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program has provided high quality, cost-free career exploration and planning materials and services annually to approximately 14,000 of the nation's high schools.

You are tested in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge (see below) -- these scores count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military. Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB determine how qualified you are for certain military specialties. Score high, and your chances of getting the specialty/job you want increase.  The better score you get, the better chance you have of pursuing the specialty or field that you desire.

The ASVAB is divided into  eight individual subtests:

Total number of items: 200
Test Time: 134 minutes
Administrative Time: 46 minutes
Total Test Time: 180 minutes

Scoring high on the ASVAB will require preparation and study. Don't miss out on preparing for this important test -- let us help prepare you for the ASVAB.  Learn more about the ASVAB test, study with our test prep materials and take our practice test.  Our website will give you an idea of how well you'll score, identifies areas that you may need to work on and suggests resources and techniques that you can use.  Additionally, check out the books that we recommend - these are the highest rated ASVAB preparation books available.  Check out our ASVAB Study Guides.

It's your future. Get the most out of it.
[ Purpose ] [ Guide ] [ ASVAB Practice Test ] [ Results ] [ Your Future ] [ Fitness ] [ Study Guides ]

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ASVAB Basics
Extra back-to-basics practice that has helped thousands of recruits to qualify for the armed forces. Thousands of military recruits need extra help to pass the ASVAB, or Armed Forces Test and here's where they can find it! ARCO's ASVAB Basics offers intensive practice in reading, vocabulary, and mathematics the subjects covered in the four ASVAB subtests that determine whether a recruit qualifies for enlistment. Now updated, it features: * Full-length ASVAB subtests for practice * Drills to improve basic academic skills * Complete explanatory answers.

ASVAB - How to Prepare
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