The ASVAB measures a student’s academic verbal, math, and word knowledge; general science, mechanical comprehension, auto and electronic knowledge; and coding speed.  The ASVAB is administered by test coordinators of the Honolulu MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station), through a computer-based test, free of charge.  Although the ASVAB is designed to help you choose a military occupation, it is a great way to discover your natural abilities and what civilian careers you may be good at. 

Here are a few facts about the ASVAB:

• • Taking the ASVAB is not a commitment to enlist.

  • Everyone interested in enlisting must take the ASVAB. Your score determines which branches of service and jobs you can enlist in.

  • Each enlisted occupation requires a minimum score. The score represents the skills needed to perform a particular job.

  • Minimum scores vary from service to service, and from job to job. The minimum score to be an aircraft mechanic in the Navy may be different from the minimum score for the same job in the Air Force.

  • You may take the test at a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS) or at McKinley High School. If you take the exam at MEPS, you will have to schedule this through a recruiter. Once you complete the exam the recruiter will go over your options with you.  However, if you take the exam at McKinley High School, no recruiter will see your score and try to recruit you, unless you contact them voluntarily.  Your scores are now "live" and you may proceed to discuss your options with the recruiter. If you are not satisfied with your scores, you can either retake the exam or do nothing with them (use it as a practice). Thus, no recruiter will ever pressure you to join the service.

  • You can take the ASVAB more than once, but only your most recent score is valid. Your score is good for 2 years.

  • If you want to join as an officer, you do not have to take the ASVAB. However, it is a great way to evaluate your abilities.

About the Test

It is a multiple-choice timed test and takes about three hours to complete. The test is divided into 8 sections:

General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension

Scores in each of these sections are combined into 3 Career Exploration Scores: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical. All of your scores are combined to determine your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) Score. This is the score recruiters will use to determine what jobs you can enlist in. The ASVAB Summary Results sheet displays your score in each of the above categories. It also graphs your scores to show how your abilities compare to other people your age and gender.