The ASVAB test is the gateway to a career in the United States navy, army, marines or the air force. For you to qualify for any of the above jobs you must score high marks. This article will give you an over view of this famous test in bid to get you well prepared.

The ASVAB can be taken as either the paper and pencil P&P ASVAB or the computerized CAT-ASVAB. Each of these is divided into 9 subtests, with each set to test a specific skill; the subtests have sets of questions which differ from one category to another.

The following are the subtests of the ASVAB test, what they test and the number of questions you can expect.

Assembling objects

The assembling object subtest of the ASVAB test is set to examine your ability to recognize how objects look when their parts are assembled together. This like a multiple-choice test where you are shown various parts and then asked to select the diagram which represents the assembled object.

The P&P ASVAB test has 25 questions which are to be taken within 15 minutes, while the CAT-ASVAB has 16 question in only 16 minutes.

General science

This subtest of the ASVAB examination covers units like space, earth, physical & life sciences. Science as a whole is very dynamic and vast topic and if you want to score high, focus on the basic principles. This will give you a solid foundation that will enable you to tackle any question in the real ASVAB test.

The CAT-ASVAB general science subtest has 16 questions which are taken in 8 minutes, while the paper and pencil presents 25 questions taken in 11 minutes.

Arithmetic reasoning

This subtest puts your ability to tackle arithmetic word problems into a serious test. Prepare adequately for this section of the ASVAB test and ensure you understand all the key mathematics key words and operations (brackets, division, multiplication addition and subtraction).

If you take the CAT-ASVAB you will solve 16 questions in 16 minutes, while the paper and pencil version has 30 questions in 36 minutes.

Auto and shop information

This subtest measures your knowledge of basic repair and automobiles. The shop information questions are basically metal and wood, while the auto information basically covers repair vital parts of the vehicle.

The paper and pencil has 25 questions taken in 11 minutes, while the CAT ASVAB test has two parts: the shop information has 11 questions with 6 minutes allotted, and the auto information has 11 questions in 7 minutes.

Mechanical comprehension

This subtest of the ASVAB examination is meant to test your understanding of basic mechanics and mechanical principles. The paper and pencil ASVAB version has 25 questions in 19 minutes, while the CAT-ASVAB presents 16 questions taken in 20 minutes.

Mathematical knowledge

This subtest measures your understanding of various key mathematical areas, like geometry and algebra. To take the questions of this subtest faster and easily, you need to understand all the mathematics symbols. The ASVAB math study guide can be of great help in your practice for these geometry and algebra questions.

The paper and pencil test has 25 questions taken in 24 minutes, and the CAT-ASVAB version has 16 questions which are taken in 20 minutes.

Paragraph comprehension

This the part of the test that examines your ability to interpret information presented in passage form. You are given a passage to read, then you are asked the meaning of various words as used, and interpretation of the author’s purpose. The ASVAB practice test has paragraph comprehension similar to the real ASVAB.

The paper and pencil subtest has 15 questions taken in 13 minutes, while the CAT-ASVAB has 11 questions taken in 22 minutes.

Electronics information

This test measures your knowledge of various electronic parts and equipment like batteries, resistor, current and circuits. The CAT-ASVAB test presents 16 questions taken in 8 minutes, while the P&P version has 20 questions taken in 9 minutes.

Word knowledge

This test measures your ability to understand the meaning of words when used in sentences and individually. The practice ASVAB test will help you improve on your vocabulary and general language. This test helps you to pass the real ASVAB test as well as improve your personal and career life.

The CAT-ASVAB presents 16 questions taken in 8 minutes while the paper and pencil test has 35 questions taken in 11 minutes.