US Department of Defense

ASVAB

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

The aptitude battery used to qualify and classify applicants for all branches of the US military. Four of its subtests form the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) that determines enlistment eligibility, and the full battery sets which military jobs an applicant can hold.

$0About 1.5 to 3 hours depending on versionRequired to practice

What's on the exam

Current ASVAB (ten-subtest battery; four AFQT subtests)

Verbal (AFQT)

AFQT core

Word Knowledge (WK): synonyms and word meaning in context · Paragraph Comprehension (PC): obtaining information from passages · Vocabulary · Reading inference

Math (AFQT)

AFQT core

Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): arithmetic word problems · Mathematics Knowledge (MK): high-school math principles · Algebra and geometry · Ratios and percentages

Science and Technical

Classification (line scores)

General Science (GS): physical and biological sciences · Electronics Information (EI) · Auto Information (AI) · Shop Information (SI) · Mechanical Comprehension (MC)

Spatial

Classification (line scores)

Assembling Objects (AO): visualizing assembled parts · Spatial relations · Shape orientation

Frequently asked questions

How much does the ASVAB cost?

The ASVAB costs $0. No cost to the applicant; administered free through military recruiting and the DoD.

How long is the ASVAB and how many questions does it have?

Ten subtests (paper version combines Auto and Shop into one); item counts vary by version — About 1.5 to 3 hours depending on version.

What do you need to pass the ASVAB?

AFQT reported as a 1-99 percentile; minimum qualifying score varies by branch (roughly 31-36 for a high-school diploma graduate).

Can you retake the ASVAB?

After 1 calendar month for a first retest, another month for a second, then six months between further attempts.

What is the best way to study for the ASVAB?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Verbal (AFQT) AFQT core, Math (AFQT) AFQT core, Science and Technical Classification (line scores), Spatial Classification (line scores)). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.

Explore programs →

At a glance

Format: Computer-adaptive (CAT-ASVAB) at MEPS, or fixed-form paper-and-pencil at MET sites
Questions: Ten subtests (paper version combines Auto and Shop into one); item counts vary by version
Duration: About 1.5 to 3 hours depending on version
Passing: AFQT reported as a 1-99 percentile; minimum qualifying score varies by branch (roughly 31-36 for a high-school diploma graduate)
Eligibility: Prospective enlistees and participating high-school students (Career Exploration Program)
Validity / renewal: Scores generally valid for enlistment for two years
Where you take it: Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), Military Entrance Test (MET) sites, and participating schools
Retake policy: After 1 calendar month for a first retest, another month for a second, then six months between further attempts
Cost: $0 — No cost to the applicant; administered free through military recruiting and the DoD

Official sources

Official ASVAB: Subtests ↗

Fees, policies, and blueprints change — always confirm details with the official source before registering.