ASVAB (AFQT) Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
ASVAB exam details
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the primary assessment used by the U.S. military to evaluate candidates for enlistment. The exam consists of multiple subtests, four of which form the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). The AFQT is not a separate test from the ASVAB, but rather a subsection used to determine basic eligibility for enlistment across all branches.
The four subtests that make up the AFQT are:
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
The ASVAB offers two versions: a computerized test known as the CAT-ASVAB (Computerized Adaptive Test) or a traditional, paper-and-pencil format. The AFQT is a main component of both versions of the exam.
Our AFQT course is a preview of our comprehensive ASVAB course and is designed to help you prepare specifically for the branch qualification subtests.
The ASVAB exam is hosted by ASVAB Enlistment Testing Program and costs None to register.
Time
3 hours 17+ minutes (CAT-ASVAB)
2 hours 29 minutes (paper-and-pencil)
2 hours 29 minutes (paper-and-pencil)
Format
135 - 150 questions (CAT-ASVAB)
225 questions (paper-and-pencil)
Exam fee
None
Passing score
Depend on military branch and professional field
AFQT scores are calculated using scores from four ASVAB subtests that assess basic competencies required for military service. Scores from these sections are converted and reported as a percentile between 1 and 99 using this formula:
AFQT = 2 × (VE) + AR + MK where VE (Verbal Expression) = WK + PC
Percentiles represent how an examinee performed relative to a nationally representative sample. For example, a score of 40 indicates that you scored as well or better than 40% of the reference group. Scores are also divided into the following performance categories:
Category I: 93 - 99
Category II: 65 - 92
Category IIIA: 50 - 64
Category IIIB: 31 - 49
Category IV: 10 - 30
Category V: 1 - 9 (not qualified)
AFQT scores are used by military branches to determine eligibility, with each branch setting its own minimum score required to enlist. According to official military websites, the minimum qualifying scores for each branch are:
Army: 31
Marine Corps: 31
Navy: 35
Air Force: 31
Coast Guard: 32
These scores apply to candidates with high school degrees: those with GEDs typically need a score of 50 or above to qualify. A military recruiter can provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date information on minimum AFQT scores by branch.
The remaining ASVAB subtests are more specialized and used to determine a candidate's suitability for different career areas within the military. Results on AFQT subtests may also be used for career-matching purposes, as they represent baseline knowledge needed for a variety of fields.
ASVAB exam summary
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
27% - 29%
15 questions (CAT-ASVAB) & 30 questions (paper-and-pencil)
Tests mathematical skill through word problems.
Word Knowledge (WK)
27% - 33%
15 questions (CAT-ASVAB) & 35 questions (paper-and-pencil)
Assesses competency in selecting the correct meaning of words presented in context, and in identifying the best synonym for a given word.
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
14% - 18%
10 questions (CAT-ASVAB) & 15 questions (paper-and-pencil)
Tests ability to obtain information from written passages as well as interpretive skill.
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
24% - 27%
15 questions (CAT-ASVAB) & 25 questions (paper-and-pencil)
Gauges knowledge of high school mathematics principles.
Achievable ASVAB content outline
1
Word knowledge
Covers vocabulary building through prefixes, roots, and suffixes. Focuses on word meaning and usage in context.
2
Math knowledge
Includes foundational math, algebra, and geometry. Also covers advanced topics and strategies for solving math problems efficiently.
3
Paragraph comprehension
Focuses on reading passages, identifying main ideas, drawing conclusions, and understanding written information.
4
Arithmetic reasoning
Covers solving word problems using basic arithmetic, logic, and quantitative reasoning.