How to Pass the ASVAB

Academic Tutor

Last Updated: May 6, 2021 References

If you're considering a future with the military, the first big step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a series of multiple choice tests designed to measure your mental aptitude and determine whether you should be able to enlist. The tests also determine what branch of service you're eligible for and what job opportunities you should have. To prepare, study, take practice tests, and approach the test mindfully. To get more information about the ASVAB and how you can take it, visit your school’s guidance counselor or contact a local military recruiter.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Studying for the ASVAB

1
Learn about the ASVAB test areas. The ASVAB is broken down into different areas of expertise based on aptitudes that are integral to military service. For more information about each section, speak to a military recruiter or request an informational brochure. These descriptions will offer better insight into how you should study for the exam.^{[1]
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- There are 9 subject areas tested by the ASVAB. Four of them are academic in nature and count towards an AFQT score, and 5 of them are to determine military occupational specialties.^{[2]
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  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
- Your AFQT score must be at least 31 to qualify for admission.^{[3]
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  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
- Contact a military recruiter by visiting the U.S. Army website at https://www.goarmy.com/locate-a-recruiter.html. You can also request an information pack from the U.S. army by filling out your contact information at https://my.goarmy.com/info/form/GetBrcFormRedirectByUrl.action?url=/info/send1.
2
Set aside time for reading. Set up a study plan for the ASVAB by breaking down your work into sections. Devote a good deal of study time to reading, which will help you prepare for test areas that test your comprehension skills. These ASVAB test areas include:^{[4]
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- Word Knowledge: questions about the basic meaning and context of words, tested through your use of synonyms.
- Paragraph Comprehension: questions that will test your understanding of written material.
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3
Schedule time to practice problem solving. Schedule study time that will be devoted to science, math, and reasoning problems. Take the time to work through sample problems and hone your calculation skills. This practice will help you tackle ASVAB test areas such as:^{[5]
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- Arithmetic Reasoning: basic arithmetic questions, presented in the form of word problems.
- Mathematics Knowledge: questions that will measure your grasp of mathematical applications and concepts.
- General Science: a combination of life science, physical science, and earth and space science questions.
4
Devote time to hands on studying. Some sections of the ASVAB require a more practical, hands on method of studying in addition to reading about them. If possible, actually engage in or observe the activities that you will be tested on (e.g., wood working, auto repairs.) If this isn’t an option, look for relevant instructional videos to offer you a visual representation of ASVAB tests areas that include:^{[6]
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- Electronics Information: questions that will test your knowledge of electronic systems, devices, electrical current, and circuits.
- Auto and Shop Information: questions about auto maintenance and repair, as well as questions related to wood and metal shop work.
- Mechanical Comprehension: questions about the principles of mechanical devices, as well as their structure and materials.
- Assembling Objects: questions that test your knowledge of spatial relationships.
5
Look up sample ASVAB questions. To get a better sense of what will be asked of you on the ASVAB, search online for sample questions. THE ASVAB is given in multiple choice format, with four possible answers for each question. Visit the ASVAB testing program website at http://official-asvab.com/samples_app.htm to access test questions.
- To study for the ASVAB, purchase a test prep book and take online practice exams.^{[7]
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  Ted Coopersmith, MBA
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
6
Take a pre-ASVAB. If you're worried about failing the ASVAB, take a pre-ASVAB to gauge your performance. Your scores on these practice tests will not count, but will give you a sense of what areas of knowledge you should work on. You can take a pre-ASVAB with a military recruiter, or access one online to take on your own.^{[8]
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Focus your studying. Once you take the practice test, concentrate your studying on the areas you didn’t perform as well in. In addition, you should study for the area of specialization that interests you most to further your chances of developing a career in that sector. Devote time and energy to studying to ensure your success.^{[9]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Taking the Test Efficiently

1
Show up feeling healthy and well-rested. To improve your performance on the ASVAB, get at least six hours of sleep the night before. Getting less rest than that will hinder your concentration and other cognitive skills, which will adversely affect your test results. Eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before taking the test to prevent the distraction of hunger or low blood sugar.^{[10]
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Follow instructions carefully. At the start of the exam, the test administrator will provide general instructions for how to complete the test. Listen carefully and do not start the test until the administrator says to do so. The ASVAB is divided into subtests that will be given in specific, timed intervals, so it is important to follow the test administrator's directions throughout the exam.^{[11]
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- The ASVAB will take between three and four hours to complete.
3
Answer the questions you know in each subtest first. Make the most efficient use of your time by answering the questions that you know in each section first. Once you are done, go back and review the unanswered questions afterwards. You can adjust answers in the subtest you are working on until the test administrator instructs you to move to the next subtest.^{[12]
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- Once you have moved on to a new subtest, you can no longer review answers in the subtests you have already completed.
4
Use process of elimination. To tackle questions that you are unsure about, use the process of elimination. Start by ruling out any answers you know to be incorrect. From there, do your best to make an educated guess to answer the question.^{[13]
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- Points are not deducted for wrong answers on the ASVAB, so make sure to answer all the questions that you can.

Expert Q&A

Question

What's the best way to study for the ASVAB?

Ted Coopersmith, MBA
Academic Tutor
Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.

Ted Coopersmith, MBA

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Start by studying a test prep book for the ASVAB test. Then, take online practice tests to assess your knowledge.
Question

What is the ASVAB?

Ted Coopersmith, MBA
Academic Tutor
Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.

Ted Coopersmith, MBA

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

The ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. There are 9 subject areas tested by the ASVAB—5 of them are to determine military occupational specialties, and 4 of them are academic in nature and count towards your AFQT score. Your AFQT score must be at least 31 to qualify for admission.
Question

How long should I study for the ASVAB?

Community Answer

Study until you feel that you are ready to take the real test. Study first, test yourself, and if you feel that you did well, then contact your recruiter to let him know you improved on your score and you feel ready to take the real test.