The ASVAB contains between 145 and 225 questions, depending on which version you take. The computerized CAT-ASVAB has 145 questions, while the paper-and-pencil version has 225 questions. Here's a complete breakdown of what to expect.
145 Questions
Taken at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Stations)
225 Questions
Taken at schools and MET (Mobile Examination Test) sites
The CAT-ASVAB (Computer Adaptive Test) is the version most enlistees take at MEPS. It has 145 total questions spread across 10 subtests. Here's exactly how many questions are in each section:
| Subtest | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 16 | 8 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 16 | 39 min |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 16 | 8 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 11 | 22 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 16 | 20 min |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 16 | 8 min |
| Auto Information (AI) | 11 | 7 min |
| Shop Information (SI) | 11 | 6 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 | 20 min |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 16 | 16 min |
| TOTAL | 145 | 154 min |
Note: On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information and Shop Information are tested as separate subtests, but your scores are combined into a single Auto & Shop (AS) composite score.
The paper-and-pencil ASVAB (P&P-ASVAB) has significantly more questions—225 total. This version is typically given at high schools through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and at MET sites.
| Subtest | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 25 | 11 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 30 | 36 min |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 35 | 11 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 15 | 13 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 25 | 24 min |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 20 | 9 min |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 25 | 11 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 25 | 19 min |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 25 | 15 min |
| TOTAL | 225 | 149 min |
Note: On the paper ASVAB, Auto and Shop Information are combined into a single 25-question section.
You might wonder why the CAT-ASVAB has 80 fewer questions than the paper version. The answer lies in how adaptive testing works.
The computerized ASVAB adjusts question difficulty based on your answers. If you answer correctly, the next question gets harder. If you answer incorrectly, the next question gets easier.
This adaptive approach means the test can accurately measure your ability with fewer questions. Each question provides more precise information about your skill level because it's specifically chosen based on your previous responses.
The paper version gives everyone the same questions in the same order. Since it can't adapt to your ability level, it needs more questions across a wider range of difficulties to accurately assess your skills.
The extra questions help ensure that test-takers at all ability levels have enough appropriate questions to demonstrate what they know.
Despite the different question counts, both versions produce equivalent scores. The military's scoring system accounts for these differences, so a score of 50 on the CAT-ASVAB means the same thing as a 50 on the paper ASVAB.
Understanding time limits is just as important as knowing the question count. Here's how much time you have per question on average:
The CAT-ASVAB gives you more time per question because adaptive questions require more thought. The paper ASVAB has tighter time constraints per question, but includes more straightforward questions at various difficulty levels.
The version of the ASVAB you take depends on where and why you're testing:
Generally, no. Your recruiter will direct you to the appropriate testing location. However, if you took the paper ASVAB at school and want to enlist, you may need to take the CAT-ASVAB at MEPS to verify your score, depending on how recently you tested and your branch's requirements.
Whether you're facing 145 or 225 questions, these strategies will help you perform your best:
Don't think about all 145 or 225 questions at once. Focus on one subtest at a time. Each section is separately timed, so treat each as its own mini-test.
If a question is taking too long, make your best guess and move on. On the paper test, you can mark it and return if time permits. On the CAT-ASVAB, you cannot go back, so commit to your answer and continue.
There's no penalty for wrong answers on the ASVAB. If you're running out of time, guess on remaining questions rather than leaving them blank. You have at least a 25% chance of getting each one right.
The test is long, but it's designed to be completable. Take a deep breath between sections. The short breaks help you reset mentally for the next subtest.
Before test day, take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. This builds your stamina and helps you get comfortable with the question volume and time pressure.
CAT-ASVAB: 145 questions across 10 subtests, approximately 2.5 hours
Paper ASVAB: 225 questions across 9 subtests, approximately 3 hours
AFQT sections: The four subtests that determine your enlistment eligibility (AR, MK, WK, PC) contain 59 questions on the CAT-ASVAB and 105 questions on the paper version
Now that you know what to expect, start practicing with questions similar to what you'll see on test day. Our free practice tests match the real ASVAB format.
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