Army PiCAT: Complete Guide to the At-Home Military Entrance Test
Everything you need to know about taking the PiCAT, how it compares to the ASVAB, verification testing at MEPS, and strategies for scoring your best.
Written by James Torres
Military Careers Writer | 8 Years Army Recruiting Experience
1What Is the Army PiCAT?
The PiCAT (Pre-screening, Internet-delivered Computer Adaptive Test) is an unproctored version of the ASVAB that prospective military recruits can take from home. Introduced by the Department of Defense in 2014, the PiCAT allows candidates to complete the initial aptitude assessment on their own time before visiting a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
The test covers the same nine subject areas as the traditional ASVAB:
AFQT Components (Core)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Technical Subtests
- General Science (GS)
- Electronics Information (EI)
- Auto & Shop Information (AS)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
- Assembling Objects (AO)
Key Benefit of the PiCAT
The primary advantage of the PiCAT is convenience. You can take it from any computer with internet access, giving you time to complete it without the pressure of a testing center environment. This often results in better scores for candidates who experience test anxiety.
2PiCAT vs. ASVAB: Key Differences
While the PiCAT and ASVAB test the same knowledge and skills, there are important differences in how they're administered and what happens with your scores.
| Feature | PiCAT | ASVAB (CAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Home or any computer | MEPS or MET site |
| Proctoring | Unproctored | Proctored |
| Time Limit | Approximately 2 hours | Approximately 3 hours |
| Adaptive Testing | Yes | Yes |
| Score Validity | 30 days (must verify) | 2 years |
| Verification Required | Yes, at MEPS | No |
Important Note
Your PiCAT score is only valid for 30 days. If you don't complete the verification test at MEPS within this window, you'll need to take the full ASVAB instead.
3Who Can Take the PiCAT?
The PiCAT is available to anyone who is working with a military recruiter and considering enlistment in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. You cannot take the PiCAT on your own—it must be initiated through a recruiter.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be working with an authorized military recruiter
- Must have access to a computer with reliable internet connection
- Cannot have taken the ASVAB or PiCAT in the past 30 days
- Must be able to visit MEPS for verification within 30 days
The PiCAT is accepted by all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force. However, Army recruiters have been particularly proactive in offering this option to prospective soldiers.
4How to Take the PiCAT
The process for taking the PiCAT involves several steps, starting with your military recruiter. Here's what to expect:
Contact a Recruiter
Visit your local Army recruiting office or contact a recruiter online. Express your interest in taking the PiCAT as your initial assessment.
Receive Your Access Code
Your recruiter will provide you with a unique access code and instructions for accessing the PiCAT testing platform.
Complete the Test
Take the test from any computer with internet access. You'll have approximately 2 hours to complete all sections. You can take breaks between sections if needed.
Review Results with Recruiter
Once complete, your recruiter will receive your preliminary scores and discuss potential job options based on your performance.
Schedule Verification Test
If satisfied with your score, schedule a MEPS visit within 30 days to take the verification test and lock in your results.
Test-Taking Environment Tips
- Choose a quiet location free from distractions
- Ensure stable internet connection throughout the test
- Have scratch paper and pencil ready for math problems
- Take the test when you're well-rested and alert
5The Verification Test at MEPS
Because the PiCAT is unproctored, the military requires a verification test to confirm that you took the exam yourself and that your scores are accurate. This is a critical step in the process.
What to Expect at Verification
Duration: 25-30 minutes
The verification test is much shorter than the full ASVAB, containing approximately 30 questions.
Passing Threshold
You must score within a certain range of your PiCAT scores. The exact threshold varies, but significant discrepancies will require you to take the full ASVAB.
Proctored Environment
The verification test is administered at MEPS under controlled conditions, similar to the standard ASVAB.
What Happens If You Don't Pass Verification?
If your verification scores differ significantly from your PiCAT scores, you'll be required to take the full ASVAB at MEPS. Your PiCAT scores will be discarded, and your ASVAB scores will become your official results. This is why it's essential to take the PiCAT honestly and without outside help.
6How PiCAT Scoring Works
PiCAT scoring follows the same methodology as the ASVAB. Your results include both an AFQT score (which determines enlistment eligibility) and line scores (which determine job qualification).
AFQT Score
Your Armed Forces Qualification Test score is a percentile ranking from 1-99, calculated from four subtests: AR, MK, WK, and PC.
Line Scores
Line scores combine different subtest results to determine qualification for specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Higher line scores open up more job opportunities. For example, technical roles like 25B (Information Technology Specialist) require a minimum GT score of 95, while combat roles may have lower requirements.
7Study Tips for the PiCAT
Even though you can take the PiCAT from home, preparation is still essential. Here are proven strategies to help you score your best:
Focus on AFQT Subjects First
Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension determine your eligibility. Prioritize these areas in your study plan.
Take Practice Tests
Use practice tests to identify your weak areas and get comfortable with question formats. Time yourself to build pacing skills, even though the PiCAT is less time-pressured than the ASVAB.
Build Vocabulary Daily
Word Knowledge is one of the easiest sections to improve with consistent effort. Learn 10-15 new words daily, focusing on prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Study for Verification Too
Remember that you'll need to verify your scores at MEPS. Don't rely on outside help during the PiCAT—if you can't replicate your performance, you'll have to take the full ASVAB.
Ready to Practice?
Use our free practice questions above or explore more ASVAB practice tests to prepare for your Army PiCAT.
More Practice Tests8Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake the PiCAT if I'm not happy with my score?
You cannot retake the PiCAT itself, but you can choose to take the full ASVAB at MEPS instead of the verification test. If you do verify and want to improve, standard ASVAB retest rules apply (30-day wait for first retest, then 6 months).
How long is the PiCAT valid?
Your PiCAT scores are valid for 30 days from the date you complete the test. You must take the verification test at MEPS within this window, or your scores will expire and you'll need to take the full ASVAB.
Can I use a calculator on the PiCAT?
No, calculators are not allowed on the PiCAT, just like the ASVAB. You should practice mental math and working problems by hand. You can use scratch paper and a pencil during the test.
Is the PiCAT easier than the ASVAB?
The difficulty level is the same—questions come from the same pool. However, many test-takers find the PiCAT less stressful because they can take it in a familiar environment without time pressure. This often leads to better performance.
What if I fail the verification test?
If your verification scores don't match your PiCAT scores closely enough, you'll take the full ASVAB at MEPS that same day. Your ASVAB scores will then become your official results for enlistment purposes.
Can I take breaks during the PiCAT?
Yes, you can take breaks between sections of the PiCAT. However, once you start a section, you should complete it without interruption. The test will save your progress between sections.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Take our free ASVAB practice tests to prepare for your military entrance exam. Get detailed explanations and track your progress.