How to study for the ASVAB

Know what each subtest asks

The computer test has ten subtests and the paper test nine, from Word Knowledge (picking the best synonym) to Assembling Objects (how parts look once they’re put together). Our subtests page lists each one with the official description, the number of questions and the time limit.

Try a few official sample questions in every subtest before you plan your study time. It shows quickly which ones need the most work.

What to study first

Your AFQT decides whether you can enlist at all, so points there matter most. Arithmetic Reasoning gets the longest time limit on the computer test, 55 minutes for 15 questions, and you work every problem by hand.

Then look up the jobs you want. Each one needs certain line scores, built from other subtests. If you want a mechanical job, for example, spend time on Mechanical Comprehension and Auto and Shop.

The official advice

• Prepare well before test day. A solid base in high school math, English and science helps most.
• Learn what each subtest covers and try the sample questions.
• Find out if you’ll take the computer or paper version.
• On the computer test you can’t go back, and wrong answers near the end of a subtest are penalized, so answer properly rather than guessing at random.
• On paper, if you run out of time, it helps to fill in guesses.
• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

Books and PDFs

Commercial guides such as ASVAB For Dummies cover every subtest with full practice tests. Be careful with free “official ASVAB PDF” downloads from other sites. The official sample questions are on officialasvab.com, and the official site holds the rights to them.

In the Army, a low score doesn’t have to end things. With an AFQT of 21 or more, the Future Soldier Preparatory Course teaches the ASVAB subjects for up to 90 days and lets you retest.