STEP 01
Talk to your recruiter about what to expect.
Your recruiter will help you set up the test appointment and talk to you about how ASVAB scoring works. They can’t help you study, but they’ll help connect you to resources you need.
Entrance Test (ASVAB)
Understanding the ASVAB.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test on science, math, and language that helps identify which careers may be a fit for you when you join.
You’ll take the test before enlisting and find a job that matches your strengths once it’s complete.
Work with a recruiter to schedule the test and get all the resources you need to prepare.
Reach your career goals by learning about the test subjects and how your score affects which jobs are available to you.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
FIND
YOUR
STRENGTHS.
Prepare yourself for test day.
Every enlisted Soldier takes the ASVAB. You’ll be given all the tools you need to make it a smooth test experience. Follow these steps to stay ready as your test date approaches.
Step 02
Practice taking the test.
Get familiar with ASVAB testing topics by requesting to take the pre-ASVAB test or downloading the free U.S. Army ASVAB Challenge app.
STEP 03
Make a plan for your test day.
Know the time and location of your ASVAB test, which can be taken at a registered testing site or nearby Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) facility. Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before.
Subjects covered on the ASVAB.
When you take the ASVAB entrance test, you’ll be scored in ten different subject areas and you’ll receive two types of ASVAB scores. First, your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score determines your eligibility to join and requires a score of at least 31 to enlist. Second, your ASVAB category scores—also called line scores—determine job opportunities across different career categories.
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General Sciences
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Arithmetic Reasoning
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Word Knowledge
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Paragraph Comprehension
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Mathematics Knowledge
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Electronics Information
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Auto and Shop Information
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Mechanical Comprehension
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Assembling Objects
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Verbal Expression
Your scores help match you with an Army job.
After you receive your scores, you’ll have a better idea of which job opportunities you can pursue. Your ASVAB scores help indicate the job areas you’d excel in after you join as an enlisted Soldier. You may even discover new career paths you hadn’t considered.
Clerical
Requires high scores in the Verbal Expression, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge subjects and leads to jobs like the Human Resources Specialist.
Combat
Requires high scores in the Verbal Expression, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension subjects and leads to jobs like the Combat Engineer.
Electronics
Requires high scores in General Sciences, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, and Electronic Information subjects and leads to jobs like the Radar Repairer.
Field Artillery
Requires high scores in the Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, and Mechanical Comprehension subjects and leads to jobs like the Fire Control Specialist.
General Maintenance
Requires high scores in the General Science, Auto and Shop, Mathematics Knowledge, and Electronics Information subjects and leads to jobs like the Parachute Rigger.
General Technical
Requires high scores in the Verbal Expression and Arithmetic Reasoning subjects and leads to jobs like the Stryker Systems Maintainer.
Mechanical Maintenance
Requires high scores in the Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electronic Information subjects and leads to jobs like the Artillery Mechanic.
Operators & Food
Requires high scores in the Verbal Expression, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension subjects and leads to jobs like the Culinary Specialist.
Surveillance & Communication
Requires high scores in the Verbal Expression, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension subjects and leads to jobs like the Electronic Warfare Specialist.
Skilled Technical
Requires high scores in the General Sciences, Verbal Expression, Mechanical Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge subjects and leads to jobs like the Ammunition Specialist.
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TAKE THE FIRST STEP.
Find out more about becoming a Soldier and if a career in the Army is right for you.
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Common questions about the ASVAB entrance test.
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How many times can I take the ASVAB?
How many times can I take the ASVAB?
You can take the ASVAB test multiple times, but there are rules regarding how frequently. After your first attempt, you must wait one calendar month to retake the test. Your third attempt can be administered no earlier than six calendar months after your second test. It’s important to remember that your most recent score—not your highest—will be used to assess your performance. Talk to your recruiter if you have any questions or concerns.
What can I do to improve my ASVAB score?
What can I do to improve my ASVAB score?
To enlist, you need an ASVAB score of at least 31. However, if you have a minimum score of 21, there’s an academic track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course to help you better your score. This 90-day program provides training on all the subjects covered on the ASVAB, as well as opportunities to retake the test.
If your ASVAB score is between 31 and 49, you could qualify for a second option of the course that’s 30 days of classes with one chance to improve your score. You may select a new MOS based on your higher score depending on the needs of the Army.
Additionally, there’s an expanded course that allows you to first take the academic track to improve your ASVAB score and then move into the fitness track of the course to help you meet the physical requirements if your body fat percentage exceeds the Army standard.
Find out more about the ASVAB entrance test and work with your recruiter to see which Future Soldier Preparatory Course option is right for you.
Is the ASVAB available in Spanish?
Is the ASVAB available in Spanish?
The ASVAB entrance test is only administered in English. Applicants need to demonstrate English language comprehension and fluency to complete tasks and understand commands.
What is the difference between the paper and online version of the ASVAB?
What is the difference between the paper and online version of the ASVAB?
The computer adaptive test (CAT-ASVAB) adjusts to your knowledge level in real-time. Note that around 70% of military applicants take the test online, and on average, it takes about half the time as the paper version.
Is there an alternative test for the ASVAB?
Is there an alternative test for the ASVAB?
Yes, the Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test (PiCAT) is an alternative to current ASVAB testing procedures. It is an unsupervised, full version of the ASVAB you may take on your own time. Contact your recruiter to learn more about taking it and validating your results on your visit to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
Do commissioned Army Officers take the ASVAB?
Do commissioned Army Officers take the ASVAB?
If you attend Officer Candidate School after you enlist, you will have taken the ASVAB as part of the enlistment process. But, you do not take the ASVAB if you join the Army through a direct commission as an Officer, or through ROTC or U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where you graduate with a college degree and as a commissioned Army Officer.