One of the most frequently asked questions about the ASVAB test is whether you can use a calculator during the test. The answer is simple, you cannot bring a calculator to the ASVAB test. Many people have asked why these devices are not allowed to the test.
And it’s simple: most of the questions in the ASVAB test are general math operations, which can be easily solved without the help of a calculator.
The ASVAB test is comprised of mathematics focused problems. The reason calculators are not allowed into the test is because they want to test your ability to tackle the problem, and not how well you can use a calculator.
This allows the recruiters to test your ability to solve mathematics problems and how well you can perform relative to other examinees. Using a calculator would not allow for that aspect to be tested.
In addition, if the test takers were to be allowed to use calculators on the ASVAB test, it would be a very unfair competition which would not yield the intended results. This is because some of the examinees would use higher quality, programmed calculators than others.
This would require the ASVAB test administrators to either provide calculators for the test takers or declare a common model. Supplying calculators for the population of examinees in the country is not an easy task.
Another thing is that most of the positions you are applying for in the army will require you to be out in the field. While in the field, getting access to a calculator would be difficult, hence you would be required to rely on general knowledge.
Again, the situation in the field might not be peaceful, and hence you would not have the time to use the calculator. Hence for you to be able to develop quick problem solving skills, you need to avoid using calculators. This is the main reason the test administrators don’t allow the use of these devices during the ASVAB test.
Also the test is meant to test all your problem solving skills and is not meant to be that easy. The recruiters want to see how you react when faced with a challenging situation, and how you can get the perfect solution.
Because the test administrators do not allow calculators during the test, they may provide paper for you to do your calculation. You can also be allowed to bring in a scratch paper, where you can work your mathematics problems. Therefore, if you are planning to take the ASVAB test, consider carrying a scratch paper handy.
Do not worry about the writing materials, the test administrators will provide two pencils. These test are marked using computers and they provide pencils to avoid the scenario of strange writing materials. You can bring your own writing materials if you are planning to take any sample test before the real ASVAB test.
Since you will not be allowed to use a calculator during the ASVAB test, it is good to practice without the help of one. You can use the calculator to help you solve the math problem, but it would be of no aid during the main test.
Practice makes perfect and it’s the only way out if you are planning to do well in solving math problems in the ASVAB test. Mathematics is not very hard and, if you want to pass the test, you should familiarize yourself with basic math operations.
Before you start solving any problems, analyze the question and know what is being asked. That is all the ASVAB math test requires, not the help of a calculator. The test questions are taken like controlled testing material and if you think logically and work out the problems wisely you will succeed.
CONCLUSION
You now know that calculators are not allowed into the ASVAB test. If you are so in love with the device and too lazy to work out problems manually, in this case you have no other option.
Practice! Practice! That’s all that matters for ASVAB. You can consider spending time working out mathematics problems without the help of a calculator. Time yourself as you practice and you will find the ASVAB real test to be very easy.