Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Read More: ASVAB Test Explained
Who takes this test?
The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test, which is given at more than 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Defense Department (DoD).
The ASVAB helps the DoD not just determine whether you are a good fit to join the service, but also which service branch you might be best for and even what military jobs you can hold after you finish basic training or boot camp. The better your ASVAB score, the broader your options.
You can start preparing now by taking our ASVAB practice tests (click or tap on the test links in the header above). These tests will give you an idea of how you'll score and identify areas for improvement. Then, use our suggested resources and ASVAB study guides to learn how to prepare for the ASVAB test.
ASVAB Test for Army
After you take the ASVAB, the Army translates your results into 10 calculations known as "Army line scores." The line scores help the service know which Army jobs, or military occupational specialties (MOSs), you qualify for.
They are broken down into clerical; combat; electronics; field artillery; general maintenance; general technical; mechanical maintenance; operators and food; surveillance and communications; and skilled technical. Read More: ASVAB Scores and Army Jobs
ASVAB Test for Navy
Each Navy job is given a code known as a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC). Every NEC has different ASVAB score requirements. Read More: ASVAB Scores and Navy Jobs
ASVAB Test for Marines
Each Marine Corps job is given a code known as a military occupational specialty (MOS). Every MOS has different ASVAB score requirements.
After you take the ASVAB, the Marine Corps translates your results into five calculations known as "Marine Corps line scores." These help the Marine Corps know which jobs, MOSs, you qualify for. They are broken down into clerical, electronics, general technical, mechanical maintenance and skilled technical. Read More: ASVAB Scores and Marine Corps Jobs
ASVAB Test for Air Force
Jobs in the Air Force are called Air Force specialty codes (AFSCs). To find what jobs you qualify for, the Air Force breaks down your ASVAB subtest scores into groups known as qualification areas.
Those subtests are general science (GS), arithmetic reasoning (AR), word knowledge (WK), paragraph comprehension (PC), mathematics knowledge (MK), electronics Information (EI), auto and shop information (AS), and mechanical comprehension (MC). Read More: ASVAB Scores and Air Force Jobs
How are the results used?
The ASVAB helps the DoD determine whether you are a good fit to join the service.
The test results also suggest which service branch might be best for you, and even what military jobs you could hold after you finish basic training or boot camp.
The better your ASVAB score, the more options you have. A very high score can give you a wide array of job options, some of which might come with special pay and bonuses. That means it's a good idea to study for the ASVAB and do your best to score well.
You don't just want to take the ASVAB. You also want to get a good ASVAB score that can help open doors to a wealth of military opportunities.
"There are two types of ASVAB scores," according to the U.S. Army. "First, your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score determines whether you're eligible to join, and you'll need to score at least 31 to enlist. Second, your ASVAB category scores, called line scores, determine job opportunities based on your knowledge and skills in these 10 different areas."