ASVAB standing for The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a mandated test for those who are interested in entering the United States military services. The ASVAB is designed and administered to gauge the test taker’s qualifications for any of the US army branches. Thus, keep in mind the score you earn on the ASVAB will likely determine your initial placement in the military services and even possible advancement opportunities. 

This article will give you the answer to the hard questions including how many questions are on the test, how long the ASVAB test takes, what sample of ASVAB questions are, how to address questions on the ASVAB successfully, and so on. Read thoroughly if you are interested in the ASVAB test. 

 

1. How Many Questions on the ASVAB?

 

The ASVAB is a government-mandated multiple choice test that assesses your aptitude for military service. Typically, the number of questions among two test delivery methods will be different. More specifically, the computer-delivered ASVAB comprises 145 questions, whereas the paper-and-pencil one consists of 225 questions. 

how many questions are on the asvab
You should always keep track of time when taking the ASVAB test to complete all of the questions.

However, both versions of the ASVAB are organized into a battery of specific subsections, each of which has a different number of questions required to be finished within a specific time limit. More specifically, the computerized format includes 10 separate timed subtests, in which the Auto and Shop Information (AI & SI) Exam is split into 2. Meanwhile, the paper format contains 9 subtests with a combination between AI and SI. Hence, bear in mind that you should always keep track of time when taking the ASVAB test to complete all of the questions. 

The following table outlines the ASVAB subsections with specific information involving the number of questions and the time allotted for each of them. Check it out! 

ASVAB Subtests Questions/Time (CAT-ASVAB) Questions/Time (Paper Version)
General Science (GS) 16 questions, 8 minutes 25 questions, 11 minutes
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) 16 questions, 39 minutes 30 questions, 36 minutes
Word Knowledge (WK) 16 questions, 8 minutes 35 questions, 11 minutes
Paragraph Comprehension (PC) 11 questions, 22 minutes 15 questions, 13 minutes
Mathematics Knowledge (MK) 16 questions, 20 minutes 25 questions, 24 minutes
Electronics Information (EI) 16 questions, 8 minutes 20 questions, 9 minutes
Auto & Shop Information (AS) 11 Auto Information questions, 7 minutes; 11 Shop Information questions, 6 minutes 25 questions, 11 minutes
Mechanical Comprehension (MC) 16 questions, 20 minutes 25 questions, 19 minutes
Assembling Objects (AO) 16 questions, 15 minutes 25 questions, 15 minutes*

 

2. What is tested on the ASVAB questions? 

 

In spite of the difference in the test version, both of them are designed to measure the same knowledge so an individual’s score typically hardly varies regardless of what kind of test you are going to take. Here are the core areas of the exam you must prepare for:

    • General Science (GS): Earth, life, and physical sciences.
    • Paragraph Comprehension (PC): Reading short passages and answering related questions
    • Auto and Shop Information (AI & SI): Basic automobile mechanics, shop practices, and tool identification
    • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): Math word problems
    • Mathematics Knowledge (MK): Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic. 
    • Mechanism Comprehension (MC): Basic mechanical and physical principles
    • Word Knowledge (WK): Recognizing synonyms
    • Electronics Information (EI): Basic principles of electronics, circuitry, and terminology. 
    • Assembling Objects (AO): Piecing together disassembled objects so they fit together
test asvab questions
Main subsections on the ASVAB Test

It is deemed that the computer-based exam is a bit easier than the paper test because it adapts to the candidates’ level of ability once they answer questions by either providing them with easier or more challenging questions based on previous performance – correct or incorrect answers respectively. 

Related article>> >ASVAB General Science Study Guide

 

3. How long is the ASVAB test? 

 

  • The computer version (CAT – ASVAB) takes about 1.5 hours to complete
  • The  Paper-and-pencil- ASVAB (P&P ASVAB) averages a completion time that is near twice the average of the computer-based delivery – about 3 hours. 

The large difference in time is due to the fact that the CAT – ASVAB allows examinees to self-pace themselves throughout all tests, meanwhile for the P&P version all test-takers have to follow one fixed timing guideline.

 

4. Where is the test offered?

 

  • CAT-ASVAB tests are administered at Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) locations. 
  • P&P tests take place at most Military Entrance Test (MET) sites. It should be noted that this version of the ASVAB exam is only eligible for those who live an unreasonable distance from the MEPS and cannot arrive at MEPS.

 

5. What are the knowledge areas of ASVAB questions? 

 

Below are the sample questions of the ASVAB which are outlined according to the types of subtests: 

 

5.1. General Science

 

General science measures your understanding of various science topics drawn from courses taught in most high schools. 

  • The life-science items involve Botany, Zoology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Ecology. 
  • The earth and space science items cover Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, and Oceanography. 
  • The physical science items contain Force and Motion Mechanics, Energy, Fluids, Atomic Structure, and Chemistry.

 

5.2. Arithmetic Reasoning

 

Arithmetic reasoning measures your ability in solving basic arithmetic problems by using addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or choosing the correct order of operations when more than one step. 

The Arithmetic reading items might involve numbers, operations with rational numbers, ratio and proportion, interest, percentage, and measurement. 

 

5.3. Word Knowledge

 

Word knowledge tests your understanding of words’ meanings through their synonyms. 

 

5.4. Paragraph Comprehension

 

Paragraph comprehension requires you to obtain information from written material. You read different types of passages of varying lengths and respond to questions based on the information presented in each passage. 

Concepts are associated with identifying stated and reworded facts, determining a sequence of events, drawing conclusions, identifying main ideas, determining the author’s purpose and tone, and identifying style and technique.

>>> Read More: Top Prevalent Word List Of Military Vocabulary

 

5.5. Mathematics Knowledge

 

Mathematics Knowledge tests the ability to apply knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications to solve mathematical problems, which focus on Concepts and Algorithms, and involve Number Theory, Numeration, Algebraic Operations and Equations, Geometry, Measurement, and Probability. 

 

5.6. Electronics Information

 

Electronics information measures your understanding of Electrical Currents, Circuits, Devices, and systems. 

Electronics information topics include Electrical Circuits, Electrical and Electronic Systems, Electrical Currents, Electrical Tools, Symbols, Devices, and Materials.

 

5.7. Auto and Shop Information

 

Auto and Shop Information tests the knowledge related to automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices. 

The test covers several areas commonly such as automotive components, automotive systems, automotive tools, troubleshooting and repair, shop tools, building materials, and building and construction procedures.

 

5.8. Mechanical Comprehension

 

Mechanical comprehension tests your understanding of the Principles of Mechanical Devices, Structural Support, and Properties of Materials.

Mechanical comprehension topics comprise Simple Machines, Compound Machines, Mechanical Motion, and Fluid Dynamics.

 

5.9. Assembling Objects (MEPS Test-Takers Only)

 

Assembling objects tests ask you to determine how an object will look when its parts are put together.

 

6. How to prepare for questions on the ASVAB? 

 

Here are some ASVAB Test Preparation Tips which help you address the ASVAB questions successfully: 

  • Plan your study plan and follow it strictly to start preparing for the ASVAB test. Don’t forget to take our ASVAB Practice Test on a regular basis. 
  • Keep track of time to see how long it will take to complete these exams during practice sessions.
  • Concentrate on your weaknesses to improve them later on. 
  • Pay more attention to the 4 crucial areas, which are critical to the AFQT score.

In conclusion, our blog provides you helpful information about questions on the ASVAB. Reading carefully to get well-prepared for your actual test.