What Is the ASVAB? Complete Guide to the Military Entrance Test
Whether you typed "ASVAN," "ASFAB," or another variation, this guide covers everything you need to know about the ASVAB — the test that determines your eligibility and job options for U.S. military service.
Written by Marcus Rodriguez
Education Content Specialist | Former Military Recruiter Assistant
Quick Clarification
There is no test called "ASVAN." The correct name is ASVAB, which stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This is a common misspelling, so don't worry — you're in the right place to learn about the military entrance exam.
1What Is the ASVAB?
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). It serves two primary purposes:
Enlistment Eligibility
Your AFQT score determines whether you qualify to enlist in the military. Each branch has minimum score requirements.
Job Qualification
Your line scores determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or ratings you qualify for within each branch.
The ASVAB is not a pass/fail test in the traditional sense. Instead, your scores are compared to a reference group to generate percentile rankings. A score of 50 means you performed better than 50% of the reference population.
2Who Takes the ASVAB?
The ASVAB is taken by anyone considering enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces, including:
- Military Recruits — Required for enlistment in Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- High School Students — Many schools offer the ASVAB as a career exploration tool
- National Guard & Reserve Candidates — Same test requirements as active duty
Over one million people take the ASVAB each year, making it one of the most widely administered aptitude tests in the world.
3The 9 ASVAB Subtests
The ASVAB consists of nine individually timed subtests covering different academic and vocational areas:
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Word problems requiring mathematical reasoning
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
Algebra, geometry, and math concepts
Word Knowledge (WK)
Vocabulary and word meanings
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Reading comprehension and analysis
General Science (GS)
Physical and biological sciences
Electronics Information (EI)
Electrical concepts and circuits
Auto & Shop Information (AS)
Automotive and shop knowledge
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Mechanical and physical principles
Assembling Objects (AO)
Spatial reasoning and visualization skills
The Four AFQT Subtests
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score is calculated from four subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. This score determines your basic eligibility to enlist.
4How ASVAB Scoring Works
ASVAB scores are reported in two main ways:
AFQT Score (1-99)
A percentile score that determines enlistment eligibility. Calculated from AR, MK, WK, and PC.
Line Scores
Composite scores combining different subtests. Used to determine job qualification.
5Minimum AFQT Scores by Branch
Each military branch sets its own minimum AFQT score for enlistment. These are the current requirements for high school diploma holders:
| Branch | Minimum AFQT | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 31 | Lowest minimum requirement |
| Navy | 31 | 35 for some programs |
| Marine Corps | 32 | Highly competitive |
| Air Force | 36 | Most competitive branch |
| Space Force | 36 | Same as Air Force |
| Coast Guard | 40 | Highest minimum |
Important Note
While these are minimum scores for enlistment eligibility, most desirable jobs require significantly higher line scores. Aim for the highest score possible to maximize your career options.
6How to Prepare for the ASVAB
Proper preparation can significantly improve your ASVAB scores. Here are proven strategies:
Take Practice Tests
Start with a diagnostic test to identify your weak areas, then practice regularly with timed questions to build speed and confidence.
Focus on AFQT Subjects
Prioritize Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension since these determine your eligibility.
Build Vocabulary Daily
Learn 10-15 new words each day. Focus on prefixes, suffixes, and root words to decode unfamiliar terms on the test.
Review Math Fundamentals
Brush up on algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and basic geometry. Practice without a calculator since none is allowed on the test.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Now that you know the ASVAB isn't called "ASVAN," it's time to prepare. Try our free practice tests covering all nine subtests.
Start Your Military Career Journey
Whether you searched for "ASVAN," "ASFAB," or just need ASVAB help, we've got you covered with free practice tests and study resources.