ASVAB

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is one of the most widely used, multiple-aptitude tests in the world, developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. Over half of all high schools nationwide administer the ASVAB test to students in grades 10, 11, and 12 (sophomores cannot use their scores for enlistment eligibility). Students may also take the test at another school or through a recruiter and may retake the test at any time.

The ASVAB consists of the following eight individual tests.

General Science
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science

Arithmetic Reasoning
A 30-item test measuring ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems

Word Knowledge
A 35-item test measuring ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms

Paragraph Comprehension
A 15-item test measuring ability to obtain information from written material

Mathematics Knowledge
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications

Electronics Information
A 20-item test measuring knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems

Auto and Shop Information
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices

Mechanical Comprehension
A 25-item test measuring knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials

Students are provided with scores on each of these individual tests and three Career Exploration Score composites: Verbal Skills, Math Skills, and Science and Technical Skills. The battery takes approximately three hours to complete and test results are returned to schools in about two weeks.

The Military uses students' ASVAB scores to identify the occupations that best suit their abilities. Junior, senior, and postsecondary school students can use their ASVAB scores for enlistment for up to two years after taking the test.

ASVAB Test Sample Questions

General Science

General Science tests the ability to answer questions on a variety of science topics drawn from courses taught in most high schools. The life science items cover botany, zoology, anatomy and physiology, and ecology. The earth and space science items are based on astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The physical science items measure force and motion mechanics, energy, fluids, atomic structure, and chemistry.

Sample test question:

1. An eclipse of the sun throws the shadow of the
A. moon on the sun.
B. moon on the earth.
C. earth on the sun.
D. earth on the moon.

Arithmetic Reasoning

Arithmetic Reasoning tests the ability to solve basic arithmetic problems encountered in everyday life. One-step and multistep word problems require addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and choosing the correct order of operations when more than one step is necessary. The items include operations with whole numbers, operations with rational numbers, ratio and proportion, interest and percentage, and measurement. Arithmetic Reasoning is one factor that helps characterize mathematics comprehension and it also assesses logical thinking.

Sample test question:

3. How many 36-passenger buses will it take to carry 144 people?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6

Word Knowledge

Word Knowledge tests the ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms-words having the same or nearly the same meaning as other words. The test is a measure of one component of reading comprehension since vocabulary is one of many factors that characterize reading comprehension.

Sample test question:

5. The wind is variable today.
A. mild
B. steady
C. shifting
D. chilling

Paragraph Comprehension

Paragraph Comprehension tests the ability to obtain information from written material. Students read different types of passages of varying lengths and respond to questions based on information presented in each passage. Concepts include identifying stated and reworded facts, determining a sequence of events, drawing conclusions, identifying main ideas, determining the author's purpose and tone, and identifying style and technique.

Sample question:

7. Twenty-five percent of all household burglaries can be attributed to unlocked windows or doors. Crime is the result of opportunity plus desire. To prevent crime, it is each individual's responsibility to:
A. provide the desire.
B. provide the opportunity.
C. prevent the desire.
D. prevent the opportunity.

Mathematics Knowledge

Mathematics Knowledge tests the ability to solve problems by applying knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications. The problems focus on concepts and algorithms, and involve number theory, numeration, algebraic operations and equations, geometry and measurement, and probability. Mathematics knowledge is one factor that characterizes mathematics comprehension; it also assesses logical thinking.

Sample test question:

9. If X + 6 = 7, then X is equal to
A. -1
B. 0
C. 1
D. 7/6

Electronics Information

Electronics Information tests understanding of electrical current, circuits, devices, and systems. Electronics Information topics include electrical circuits, electrical and electronic systems, electrical currents, electrical tools, symbols, devices, and materials.

Sample test question:

11. Which of the following has the least resistance?
A. wood
B. iron
C. rubber
D. silver

Auto and Shop Information

Auto and Shop Information tests aptitude for automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices. The test covers several areas commonly included in most high school auto and shop courses, such as automotive components, automotive systems, automotive tools, troubleshooting and repair, shop tools, building materials, and building and construction procedures.

Sample test question:

13. A car uses too much oil when which of the following parts are worn?
A. pistons
B. piston rings
C. main bearings
D. connecting rods

SAMPLE QUESTION ANSWERS

General Science: B
Arithmetic Reasoning: B
Word Knowledge: C
Paragraph Comprehension: D
Mathematics Knowledge: C
Electronics Information: D
Auto and Shop Information: B

Preparing for the ASVAB

You don't have to go through any lengthy preparation to take the ASVAB. Getting a good night's rest and arriving on time to take the test are the two most important steps. As with other tests, how hard you have studied and how much you have learned in school through the years will probably make the most difference in your results. ASVAB study guides, such as the one below, are available at bookstores including Amazon.com.

Kaplan ASVAB 2009 Edition
Kaplan's ASVAB 2009 Edition offers detailed information about the test and reviews the different subjects a potential recruit needs to know, including Word Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Mechanical Comprehension, and more.

(Sources: US Department of Defense and Amazon.com)

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