Quick Answer
The ASVAB has 145 questions on the CAT-ASVAB. That is the computer test used at MEPS (the military testing center). The paper test has 225 questions. It is called the P&P-ASVAB, and some schools and MET sites use it. Both tests cover the same 9 subtests. The paper test just has more questions in each part.
145
CAT-ASVAB questions
225
Paper ASVAB questions
9
Subtests (test parts)
1Questions in Each Subtest
The ASVAB has 9 subtests. Each one checks a different skill. Here is how many questions each part has on both tests.
| Subtest | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB | CAT Time | Paper Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 15 | 25 | 10 min | 11 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)* | 15 | 30 | 55 min | 36 min |
| Word Knowledge (WK)* | 15 | 35 | 9 min | 11 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC)* | 10 | 15 | 27 min | 13 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK)* | 15 | 25 | 23 min | 24 min |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 15 | 20 | 10 min | 9 min |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 25 | 25 | 7 min | 11 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 15 | 25 | 22 min | 19 min |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 15 | 25 | 17 min | 15 min |
| Total | 145 | 225 | ~154 min | ~149 min |
A Note on Auto & Shop Information
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information and Shop Information are two separate subtests. Each has 11 questions plus 3 tryout questions. On the paper test, they are one part with 25 questions. The table above shows 25, the count for both together.
2CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper Test
You will most likely take the CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test). You take it at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). The paper test is mostly used in high schools. It is part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Some Mobile Examination Test (MET) sites use it too.
CAT-ASVAB (145 Questions)
- Gets harder or easier based on your answers
- Needs fewer questions to get a true score
- You can't go back to earlier questions
- You get your scores right away
- Used at MEPS when you sign up to join
Paper ASVAB (225 Questions)
- Same questions for everyone
- More questions in each part
- You can skip a question and come back to it in the same part
- Scores take a few days
- Used in schools and at some MET sites
Why the Computer Test Has Fewer Questions
The CAT-ASVAB is an adaptive test. That means each question depends on your last answer. Get a question right, and the next one is harder. Get it wrong, and the next one is easier. This way the test can find your level with fewer questions. The paper test needs more questions, some easy and some hard, to do the same thing.
3Time for Each Question
Know how much time you get for each question. It helps you keep a good pace. Some parts give you more time per question. That is because their problems take more steps.
| Subtest | CAT Time per Question | Paper Time per Question | What It Takes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic Reasoning | ~3.7 min | ~1.2 min | Takes the Most Time |
| Paragraph Comprehension | ~2.7 min | ~0.9 min | Lots of Reading |
| Mathematics Knowledge | ~1.5 min | ~1.0 min | Medium Pace |
| Mechanical Comprehension | ~1.5 min | ~0.8 min | Medium Pace |
| Assembling Objects | ~1.1 min | ~0.6 min | Quick Eyes |
| General Science | ~0.7 min | ~0.4 min | Quick Answers |
| Word Knowledge | ~0.6 min | ~0.3 min | Quick Answers |
| Electronics Information | ~0.7 min | ~0.5 min | Quick Answers |
| Auto & Shop | ~0.3 min | ~0.4 min | Quick Answers |
Key Tips on Pace
- Arithmetic Reasoning gives you the most time per question. Word problems take time to read, understand, and solve.
- Word Knowledge needs quick answers. Know the word, or cross out wrong choices, in 30-40 seconds.
- Practice with a timer. You may know the answers. But a slow pace can still hurt your score.
4Which Questions Count for Your AFQT Score
Your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score decides if you can join. It comes from just 4 of the 9 subtests. So these questions matter the most.
Questions That Count for the AFQT
CAT-ASVAB
Paper ASVAB
What About the Other 5 Subtests?
The other subtests are General Science, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects. They don't change your AFQT score. But they do set your "line scores." A line score mixes a few subtest scores. It decides which military jobs you can get (MOSs, ratings, AFSCs).
For example, high Mechanical Comprehension and Auto & Shop scores might get you a job fixing vehicles. A high Electronics Information score helps for tech jobs.
5Tips to Use Your Time Well
You have 145+ questions to answer, so a plan helps. Here is how to take the ASVAB the smart way.
Put AFQT Parts First
Your AFQT score comes from just 55 questions on the CAT (105 on paper). Spend most of your study time on Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. These decide if you can join at all.
Don't Get Stuck
On the CAT-ASVAB, you can't go back. So make your best pick and move on. On the paper test, skip a question if it takes too long. Come back to it later. A question you leave blank counts as wrong.
Answer Every Question
You don't lose points for guessing on the ASVAB. If you are running out of time, fill in an answer for every question left. Don't leave any blank. With four choices, a guess has a 25% chance of being right.
Practice with Full-Length Tests
When you practice, use full-length tests. Doing 5-10 questions at a time is not enough. On test day you answer 145+ questions in one sitting. That wears you out. When you are tired, you make more mistakes, most of all near the end.
Summary: How Many Questions Are on the ASVAB
CAT-ASVAB (at MEPS)
- 145 total questions
- 55 questions for AFQT
- ~154 minutes in all
- Questions get harder or easier as you go
Paper ASVAB (schools/MET)
- 225 total questions
- 105 questions for AFQT
- ~149 minutes in all
- Same questions for everyone
Both tests cover the same 9 subjects. Both give the same kind of scores. Where you test decides which one you take. You don't get to pick.