The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is used by armed forces to determine your level of understanding in certain subjects. All the major branches of the military including the Air Force, Marines, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard use this test.
The ASVAB is a common core test that tests you on basic academic and scientific concepts. This is not an intelligence test – this is a test designed to rate your understanding of basic academic and scientific concepts.
It is very important to score high on the ASVAB because your score will determine what careers are available to you. Scoring very high on your ASVAB can get you into the branch of your choice, with the job you desire.
The ASVAB comes in two different versions: on paper and on a computer (known as the Computer Adaptive Test or CAT-ASVAB). Both tests are similar and cover the same general information.
You are only allowed a pencil and a piece of scrap paper during your test. This means no calculators allowed during the mathematics portions of the test. You are going to want to spend some time refreshing your memory on some key subjects.
This is what the ASVAB will test you on.
- Arithmetic Reasoning
- General Science
- Mathematics Knowledge
- Mechanical Comprehension
- Paragraph Comprehension
- Auto and Shop Information
- Vocabulary Knowledge
- Electronics Information
- Assembling Objects
Each of these sections is allotted a certain time frame. Once the time is up you are unable to go back and change your answers.
This means you need to be well studied on the material you will be facing. If you find a question to be too difficult, you may need to skip it, so you can finish with your entire test completed.
There are many ASVAB testing guides available on the market today. The best ones such as Asvaber, give you numerous tools to help you succeed.
One of the biggest advantages of these ASVAB help sites are the practice tests that are included. This can help you become familiar with the time frame and exact nature of the questions you will be answering. Research videos and practice questions can improve your overall ASVAB score.
Scoring high on the ASVAB will determine what military careers you qualify for, in the Army and Marines; your job is referred to as your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). In the Air Force, jobs go by a slightly different code, AFSC (Air Force Specialty Code).
The Coast Guard and Navy call their jobs ratings or rate for short. The ASVAB scoring can be broken down into categories:
Category I
You scored in the top 93 – 100%. This outstanding score gives you free reign when choosing what branch or career to pursue.
Category II
You scored 65-92%. You can still qualify for most military jobs with very few exceptions.
Category III A
You scored 50-64%. You are still above the average and can still choose from a plethora of military jobs. You may not qualify for intelligence positions at this level.
Category III B
You scored 31-49%. You still have many jobs to choose from, most candidates will receive this average score. You qualify for enrollment but your positions are going to be limited.
Category IV A
You scored 21-30%. This is below average. You will need to retake the test to join the military.
Each of these branches has minimum qualifications. Your score must meet or surpass these minimum requirements, to be offered a position in the Armed Forces.
The Coast Guard has the highest minimum ASVAB score of 40, the Air Force requires a minimum score of 36, while the Navy requires an applicant to score at or above 35. To join the Marines, you must score at least 32, and the Army and the National Guard require a minimum score of 31.
It is common for Air Force recruiters not to process applicants until they score 50 or higher. The Air Force also requires a high school diploma. The Coast Guard, Navy, and Marines all require you to have your high school diploma to enroll. This can be waived in certain scenarios, but is very rare.
The Army and National Guard’s enlistment processes are much more relaxed, allowing applicants to apply with only a GED.
No matter what branch of the military you chose, you should try to score as high as possible on the ASVAB. That high ASVAB score has the power to send you straight to officer’s school. Don’t slack on your studying.
Use study tools like Asvaber to get an edge on the competition. Websites like these provide practice tests, to help you get familiar with the questions and periods you will be tested in. Be sure to study hard and jump-start your military career.
