ASVAB study guide
What is on each of the ten subtests, which four decide whether you can enlist, and how to use a practice bank to study.
The ten subtests, in order
GS · General Science
Facts and principles from the physical and life sciences.
AR · Arithmetic Reasoning · feeds the AFQT
Word problems that ask you to apply arithmetic to a real situation.
WK · Word Knowledge · feeds the AFQT
The meaning of words, and the words that mean the same thing.
PC · Paragraph Comprehension · feeds the AFQT
Reading a short passage and answering what it actually says.
MK · Mathematics Knowledge · feeds the AFQT
The rules and procedures of high-school mathematics.
EI · Electronics Information
How electrical and electronic components and circuits work.
AI · Auto Information
How cars work, and how their systems are maintained.
SI · Shop Information
Tools, materials and the practices of a workshop.
MC · Mechanical Comprehension
How simple machines and mechanical systems behave.
AO · Assembling Objects
How shapes connect and fit together in space.
Which four decide, and which six decide what you can do
Four subtests — Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension — combine into the AFQT, the percentile that determines whether someone may enlist at all. The other six feed service-specific line scores, which determine which jobs someone qualifies for.
If you are short on time, the four AFQT subtests are the ones to prioritise.
How to use the banks here
Practice untimed until the concepts are solid, then timed. The point of untimed practice is to learn the concepts; the point of timed practice is to get used to working under the limit. Do not time yourself before you know the material.
Every question here is free, with the correct answer and a one-line explanation. The study sheet — the worked method for what you missed — is behind a single optional gate.
What to do about a subtest you keep missing
Look at the concepts behind the misses rather than the individual questions. Three misses that are all one gap read as one gap. The study sheet groups your missed items by concept so you can see whether it is really one gap or several.
How far ahead to start
That depends on where you are and how much time you have, and it is not something a practice site can tell you. What is clear is that spaced practice over several weeks beats cramming, and that the four AFQT subtests are the ones to prioritise.
ASVAB® is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Defense. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Department of Defense, USMEPCOM, or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Every practice question on this site was written for this site. None are taken from any official ASVAB test form.
Common questions
- How should I use a practice bank?
- Practice untimed until the concepts are solid, then timed. The point of untimed practice is to learn the concepts; the point of timed practice is to get used to working under the limit. Do not time yourself before you know the material.
- What should I do about a subtest I keep missing?
- Look at the concepts behind the misses rather than the individual questions. Three misses that are all one gap read as one gap. The study sheet groups your missed items by concept so you can see whether it is really one gap or several.
- How far ahead should I start studying?
- That depends on where you are and how much time you have, and it is not something a practice site can tell you. What is clear is that spaced practice over several weeks beats cramming, and that the four AFQT subtests are the ones to prioritise.
- Is this an official study guide?
- No. This is an original guide written for this site, not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.