Written by Kevin Liu
Test Prep Specialist | Former Education Consultant
1Ways to Do ASVAB Prep
There is no one "best" way to get ready for the ASVAB. The right way depends on what you know now, how much time you have, what you can spend, and how you learn best. Here is a quick look at the four main ways:
| Way | Cost | Best For | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Books | $15-40 | People who push themselves | Study when you want |
| Online Courses | $0-200 | People who learn by seeing or hearing | Set lessons |
| Private Tutor | $30-100/hr | People who need extra help | Set times |
| Self-Study | Free-$50 | People who want to spend less | Study any time |
Most people who do well use a mix of ways. For example, you might use free online practice tests to see where you are. You might use a study book to review. And you might get a tutor for your weakest subjects.
2Study Books: Good Points, Bad Points & Best Picks
ASVAB study books are still one of the most popular ways to get ready. They cover everything for a fair price. You can study at your own speed.
Good Points
- • Everything in one place
- • Study anywhere, no internet needed
- • Pay one time ($15-40)
- • Practice tests come with it
- • You can highlight and take notes
- • No monthly plan to cancel
Bad Points
- • You have to push yourself
- • No one gives you tips just for you
- • Can get out of date
- • Does not change to match your skill
- • May not fit the way you learn
- • Easy to skip the hard parts
Popular ASVAB Study Books
ASVAB For Dummies
Good if you are just starting. Clear and simple, with practice tests. ~$20-25
Kaplan ASVAB Prep Plus
Covers a lot, with online extras. 6 practice tests. ~$25-30
Barron's ASVAB
Goes deep on each topic. Good if you want to study everything well. ~$18-22
Best For:
People who push themselves, like to read, and can stick to a study plan. Great as your main study tool or as extra help next to online practice.
3Online Courses & Apps
Online ASVAB prep has grown a lot in the last few years. You can find free practice tests. You can also find full video courses that change to match your skill.
Good Points
- • Hands-on and fun
- • See right away if your answer is right
- • Track your progress over time
- • Videos that explain answers
- • Gets harder or easier to match you (some sites)
- • Works on your phone so you can study anywhere
Bad Points
- • You need the internet
- • Some are good and some are not
- • Monthly costs can add up
- • Your eyes may get tired from screens
- • Phones and computers can distract you
- • Some free ones do not have much in them
Types of Online ASVAB Prep
Free Practice Test Sites
Basic question sets and practice tests. Good for seeing where you are and light practice. Cost: Free
Free Sites with Paid Extras
Some parts are free. You pay for more, like answer notes and progress tracking. Cost: Free-$50/mo
Full Video Courses
Full lessons with practice. Best if you are starting from zero. Cost: $50-200
Mobile Apps
Flashcards, quick quizzes, and practice anywhere. Use them next to other ways. Cost: Free-$10/mo
Best For:
People who learn by seeing or hearing and want hands-on practice. You see right away if you are right. Great for finding weak spots and seeing how you grow.
4Private Tutors
A tutor who works just with you is the most personal way to study. It also costs the most. It helps most if some subjects are hard for you or you need a much higher score.
Good Points
- • Lessons made just for you
- • Get answers to your questions right away
- • Someone keeps you on track
- • Works on your own weak spots
- • Goes at your speed
- • Can help if tests make you nervous
Bad Points
- • Costs the most ($30-100/hr)
- • Finding a time can be hard
- • Some tutors are better than others
- • You may lean on them too much
- • Fewer hours than studying on your own
- • Good tutors can be hard to find
Kinds of Tutors & Costs
In-Person Local Tutors
Lessons face to face
Online Tutoring Sites
Video chat with checked tutors
Test Prep Companies
High-end help that promises results
Peer/Student Tutors
College students and people who just left the military
Best For:
People who are far below their goal score, find some subjects hard, or have trouble studying on their own. It is worth the money if you need a much higher score fast.
5Studying on Your Own with Free Help
Studying on your own with free help costs the least. If you push yourself and use good tools, you can get ready without spending much money.
Good Points
- • Free or very cheap
- • Study when and how you want
- • Go at your own speed
- • Lots of good free help out there
- • Helps you learn to push yourself
- • You can mix many kinds of help
Bad Points
- • You have to push yourself a lot
- • No set lesson plan
- • No one to guide you
- • You may miss key topics
- • Some free help is good and some is not
- • Easy to put it off
Free ASVAB Study Help
Best For:
People who want to spend less, can push themselves, and did well in school. It works best with a study plan you make for yourself.
6How Long to Study Based on Where You Start
How long you need to get ready depends on where you start. Take a practice test first to see where you are. Then use these guides:
High Starter (AFQT 60+)
Did well in school
How Long
2-4 weeks
Best Way
Study on your own + practice tests
What to Work On
How the test looks, weak subjects, time
Mid Starter (AFQT 40-59)
Did okay in school
How Long
4-8 weeks
Best Way
Study book + online practice
What to Work On
AFQT subjects, review of each topic
Low Starter (AFQT below 40)
Needs to get a lot better
How Long
8-12+ weeks
Best Way
Full course or a tutor + books
What to Work On
Basic skills, all AFQT parts
Top Tip
Do not skip the first practice test. Knowing your starting score helps you set goals you can reach. It also shows how hard you need to study. You can raise your AFQT by 10 points in 4-6 weeks if you study each day.
7How to Pick Your Way to Study
Answer these questions to find the best way for you:
How Much Can You Spend?
$0-20: Study on your own with free help + library books
$20-50: Study book + free online practice tests
$50-150: Online course or book + a paid practice site
$150+: A tutor for weak spots + full study tools
How Do You Learn Best?
Reading/writing: Study books are your best bet
Seeing or hearing: Video courses and online sites
Hands-on practice: Practice test sites that explain answers
Talking it through: A tutor or study groups
How Much Time Do You Have?
Less than 2 weeks: Lots of practice tests + review only weak spots
2-4 weeks: Study on your own with focus, or a short online course
1-2 months: Full prep with any way you like
3+ months: Study everything well, and think about mixing ways
How Well Do You Push Yourself?
A lot: Studying on your own works great; any way will work
Some: Online courses with set lessons that track your progress
Not much: A tutor or study groups at set times to keep you on track
The Best Mix for Most People:
- 1.Take a free practice test to see where you start
- 2.Use a study book to review every topic ($20-30)
- 3.Practice often with online tests to check answers and time
- 4.Only get a tutor for subjects that stay hard for you
Ready to Do Great on the ASVAB?
Start with a free quiz. It has 10 questions. You see why each answer is right. When you want more, Pro opens all 52 tests, 5 timed practice exams and 34 math lessons.
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