7 tips on how to study for the ASVAB test

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Preparing for the ASVAB test doesn’t have to be overwhelming and complicated. There are a few things you can do to better prepare yourself to get a high grade on the test.

If you need guidance or help preparing for the ASVAB test, we’re here for you. Contact us today!

1. Know what will be on the test

The questions on the test include math, word problems, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Be strong in these categories to be well-placed in the military. 

Beyond these, there are questions about electrical computing, science, mechanics, and auto information. These categories are for specific areas of the military. If you are attempting the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), you will not need to take these sections.

2. Know the sections of the tests

There are 10 sections to the ASVAB test. Each one is designed to test your knowledge in different categories. It’s best to have an understanding of all categories, but if you were to focus on specific sections, look at math and reading the most.

Here are the sections:

  • General Science (GS)
  • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
  • Word Knowledge (WK)
  • Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
  • Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
  • Electronics Information (EI)
  • Auto & Shop Information (AS)
  • Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
  • Assembling Objects (AO)
  • Verbal Expression (VE)
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The most notable ones are Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Mathematics Knowledge, and Arithmetic Reasoning because they’re prerequisites for the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT).

3. Know how the test works

There are 10 sections to the test. You will need to prepare for specific sections depending on what you want to do in the military. Each section has between 10-45 questions. Each section is timed and from start to finish, the test will take about 3 hours.

For each question you get right, you’re given a point. All points from individual sections are added to give a final score. The scoring for the branches of the military are as follows:

  • Air Force: 31 (50 if you have a high school equivalency certificate)
  • Army: 31 (50 if you have a high school equivalency certificate)
  • Marine Corps: 35 (50 if you have a high school equivalency certificate)
  • Navy: 35 (50 if you have a high school equivalency certificate)
  • Coast Guard: 40 (50 if you have a high school equivalency certificate)

4. Answer sample questions

Taking a few sample ASVAB questions will show you how the test works and the difficulty of the questions. Practice getting rid of the wrong answers using the process of elimination. It’s better to choose from three — or two — answers than four.

5. Take practice tests

Take practice tests before taking the real one. Here’s why

  • You’ll start on a baseline of knowledge
  • You’re familiar with how the test works
  • You’ll know what to expect
  • You’ll know how much time you have
  • You know how to study
  • You know what to study

Contact us if you need help studying for the ASVAB test. We’ve been helping students reach their goals for the ASVAB test for more than eight years.

6. Study for the position you want in the military

Even though there are 10 sections to the test, you may only need to take four if taking the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). This is the most popular test taken. For this test, you will need to do well in the sections of Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Mathematics Knowledge, and Arithmetic Reasoning.

There are, however, other tests you can take. Here they are as follows:

  • Clerical (CL)
  • Combat (CO)
  • Electronics (EL)
  • Field Artillery (FA)
  • General Maintenance (GM)
  • General Technical (GT)
  • Mechanical Maintenance (MM)
  • Operators and Food (OF)
  • Surveillance and Communications (SC)
  • Skilled Technical (ST)
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Each one required you to do well in different sections of the test. As an example, for Operations and Food, you must do well in Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop, and Mechanical Comprehension.

7. Ask a local recruiter to help you study

Before seeking the help of a recruiter, consider taking a practice ASVAB test so you have a base knowledge of what to expect.

A recruiter can give you resources that will help in preparing for the ASVAB. And, when you’re ready, most can administer an electronic version of the test for you.

What is the ASVAB?

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a multiple-choice test made up of sections with 10-45 questions in each. The test-taker has about 3 hours to complete the test and its sections. The results of the rest will denote the area of the military you may serve.

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