ASVAB

Speak with your counselor if you are interested in taking the ASVAB

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-choice test that helps and your recruiter identify which jobs in the military will be best for you. The ASVAB tests the following areas:

  • General Science (GS) - measures knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science

  • Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) - measures ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems

  • Word Knowledge (WK) - measures ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms

  • Paragraph Comprehension (PC) - measures ability to obtain information from written material

  • Mathematics Knowledge (MK) - measures knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications

  • Electronics Information (EI) - measures knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices and electronic systems

  • Auto and Shop Information (AS)- measures knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices (this is two separate sections on the computerized version AI & SI)

  • Mechanical Comprehension (MC)- measures knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support and properties of materials

  • Assembling Objects (AO)- measures ability with spatial relationships


One of the important scores from the test is the AFQT score. This score determines if you are qualified to enlist in a specific branch. The AFQT score calculated from the following sections: paragraph knowledge, word knowledge, mathematics knowledge, and arithmetic reasoning.


Each branch has a different minimum AFQT score. Currently the scores are:

  • Army - 31

  • Navy- 35

  • Air Force - 36

  • Marines: 31

  • Coast Guard: 45


Depending on what you want to do in the military, there are minimum scores you need to make on specific sections of the ASVAB.

This link contains a lot of information related to joining the military: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/joining-the-military-4161855


ASVAB Study Links: