Written by Marcus Rodriguez
Education Writer | Former Helper to a Military Recruiter
1CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper ASVAB
How many questions are on the ASVAB? It depends on which test you take. Most people today take the CAT-ASVAB (Computerized Adaptive Test). You take it at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). It has fewer questions. It gets harder or easier to match your level.
CAT-ASVAB
- 145 total questions
- Taken at MEPS on a computer
- Questions get harder or easier based on your answers
- You can't go back to earlier questions
- About 1.5 hours of test time
Paper ASVAB
- 225 total questions
- Taken at MET sites or schools
- Same questions for everyone
- You can go back and change answers in the same part
- About 3 hours of test time
Why the Difference?
The CAT-ASVAB needs fewer questions because it is adaptive. That means it changes as you go. Get a question right, and the next one is harder. Get it wrong, and the next one is easier. This lets the test find your level with fewer questions.
2Questions in Each Subtest (Full Table)
The ASVAB has nine subtests. Each one has its own timer. Here is how many questions each part has on both tests:
| Subtest | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 16 | 35 | What words mean |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 11 | 15 | Reading and understanding |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 16 | 30 | Math word problems |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 16 | 25 | Algebra & geometry |
| General Science (GS) | 16 | 25 | Life & physical science |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 16 | 20 | How electricity works |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 11 | 25 | Cars & shop tools |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 | 25 | How machines work |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 16 | 25 | Picturing shapes |
| TOTAL | 145 | 225 |
A Note on Auto & Shop Information
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) are two separate subtests. Each has 11 questions. But you get one score for both. The paper test puts them together in one part with 25 questions.
3Time Limits for Each Part
Each ASVAB subtest has its own time limit. Here is how much time you get for each part. You can also see about how long you get per question:
| Subtest | CAT Time | Paper Time | ~Seconds per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Knowledge | 8 min | 11 min | ~30 sec |
| Paragraph Comprehension | 22 min | 13 min | ~52-120 sec |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 39 min | 36 min | ~72-146 sec |
| Mathematics Knowledge | 20 min | 24 min | ~58-75 sec |
| General Science | 8 min | 11 min | ~26-30 sec |
| Electronics Information | 8 min | 9 min | ~27-30 sec |
| Auto & Shop Information | 7 min (each) | 11 min | ~26-38 sec |
| Mechanical Comprehension | 20 min | 19 min | ~46-75 sec |
| Assembling Objects | 16 min | 15 min | ~36-60 sec |
| TOTAL TEST TIME | ~154 min | ~149 min |
Tip for Using Your Time
Arithmetic Reasoning gives you the most time per question (~2 minutes). Its word problems need more reading and math. Word Knowledge and General Science go fastest, at about 30 seconds per question. Practice with timed tests to find a good pace.
4AFQT: The Questions That Matter Most
Only four subtests decide if you can join the military. Together they make your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score:
AFQT Questions by Subtest
Total AFQT Questions: 59 questions (CAT-ASVAB)
These 59 questions decide if you can join
Your AFQT score is a percentile from 1-99. It shows what percent of test takers you did better than. It comes from these four subtests. Each branch has a lowest score it will take:
31
Army / Navy
32
Marines
36
Air Force / Space Force
5How Questions Affect Your Score
Learn how the ASVAB is scored. It helps you choose what to study and how to take the test.
CAT-ASVAB Scoring
- Hard questions are worth more than easy ones
- Your first answers matter most for how hard the next questions get
- You don't lose points for wrong answers
- You must answer each question to go on
Paper ASVAB Scoring
- Every question is worth the same
- Your number right is turned into a final score
- You don't lose points for wrong answers
- You can skip questions and come back
Main Point: Answer Every Question
You don't lose points for wrong answers on either test. So never leave a question blank. If you are running out of time, make your best guess. Even a wild guess has a 25% chance of being right.
6Tips to Answer Every Question
Practice with a Timer
Get used to the pace. You have about 30 seconds for a word question. You have about 2 minutes for a math problem. Knowing this helps you use your time well.
Don't Get Stuck
If a question takes too long, make your best guess and move on. On the paper test, mark it and come back if you have time.
Cross Out Wrong Answers
Not sure of the answer? Cross out one or two wrong choices first. That raises your chance of a right guess from 25% to 33% or 50%.
Study the AFQT Parts First
59 of the 145 questions decide if you can join. Learn Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension first.
Take the Full Test in Practice
Take full-length practice tests to build your stamina. Answering 145 questions over 2.5 hours can wear you out.
Ready to start practicing?
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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