Looking to join the U.S. Armed Forces is an admirable career path and there are certain tests that you will have to take before following that dream. Before you even consider enlisting, you will have to take the ASVAB, but where can you take this test?
Can I take the ASVAB online?
No, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test is not available online. To take the test, applicants must visit a military entrance processing station or a satellite location; some tenth, eleventh, and twelfth graders can take it at their high school.
But what is the ASVAB, and what can you expect when you go into the testing location to take the exam? Read on to find out more.
What is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. It is a multiple-choice test that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command—the arm of the military that processes applicants to the Armed Forces. The test measures your aptitude, strengths, and weaknesses, along with determining what positions may be best for you within the Armed Forces.
Although anyone eligible for enlistment can take the test, it is offered to U.S. high school students in their 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years.
The test itself has nine sections and it takes three hours to complete. Each section varies in time frame—in the computerized test, you have seven minutes to complete ten Automotive and Shop Information questions, while you have 40 minutes to complete fifteen Assembling Objects questions.
In the written exam, you have 36 minutes to complete 30 questions on Arithmetic Reasoning and eleven minutes to complete 25 questions on Automotive and Shop Information.
Both tests have applicants answer questions in the following categories:
- General Science
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- Word Knowledge
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Automotive and Shop Information
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Assembling Objects
Your Verbal Expression score is the sum of your Word Knowledge score and your Paragraph Comprehension score.
Computerized vs. Written ASVAB
There are two options to complete the ASVAB—computerized or written. The computerized version, also known as the CAT-ASVAB, adapts to your ability level as you go, which means it considers your answers on earlier parts of the test. Because of this, the computerized test is shorter. You also do not have to wait for anyone else to complete a section of the exam and can leave the testing facility as soon as you are finished. This version typically takes about an hour and a half, but you cannot go back to change your answers. There is also a penalty for guessing on this version. About 70 percent of applicants take this version of the test.
The written, or ‘paper and pencil’ version of the test, means you must wait for other applicants to finish a section before you are allowed to move on. This version takes about three hours, but you are allowed to review your answers on each section before moving on to the next one. For this test, there is no penalty for guessing.
How do I take the ASVAB?
You will have to physically go to one of the United States Military Entrance Processing Command MEPS, or a military entrance processing station, throughout the country. Find out where your closest MEPS by going to the USMEPCOM website.
Sometimes, satellite locations are available in which to take the test; the test is also administered for some high school students in their tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade years.
What happens before I take the ASVAB?
When you head in to take the ASVAB, note that you will have to do a few other tests before you can take the exam. You will have to complete a hearing, vision, urinalysis, blood and blood pressure tests; women will have to take a pregnancy test before consideration. You will also have to submit to both a height and weight check and a doctor’s examination before taking a breathalyzer test.
Following a moral and background examination, you will then be able to take the ASVAB.
Want to know the 5 best apps to study for the ASVAB?
How am I scored on the ASVAB?
A maximum score on the ASVAB is 99. For Army enlistment, you must receive a score of 31 or higher. The Navy and Marine Corps require an ASVAB score of 35, while the Air Force requires an ASVAB score of 50.
Each military occupation specialty requires a certain set of scores on each section of the test and can determine what jobs you are most suited for in the military. This is also true of the Navy Enlisted Classification and Air Force Specialty Code.
What happens after I take the ASVAB?
After you take the ASVAB, you will find out if you are qualified for military service. You can then meet with a service counselor, sign a contract, and swear your entrance oath.
While you do not have to join the military after taking the test, you do have to take the test to join the military.
Taking the ASVAB is integral to starting a military career, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Practice tests are available online, and recruiters are available for questions and concerns about the test and your potential military service. For more information about the ASVAB, visit their official website.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Can you use a calculator on the ASVAB?
No, you cannot use a calculator on the test. Although there are many math related questions on the test, you should be able to solve them without the use of a calculator.
How often can I take the ASVAB?
After you take your first test, you must wait a calendar month before you retake the test. You can take the test another time after another calendar month, but after that, you must wait a six-month period before taking it again.
How much does it cost to take the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is always offered for free. Any time you may need to retake the test, it will always be offered to you free of charge.
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Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Hi! I’m Shawn Chun and I’m so grateful that you’re here.
Civil servants are some of the hardest working, most generous people I know. I have been passionate about all types of civil service career paths for years now and enjoy sharing everything I continue to learn about them.
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