Written by Marcus Rodriguez
Education Content Specialist | Former Military Recruiter Assistant
1CAT-ASVAB vs. Paper ASVAB
The number of questions on the ASVAB depends on which version you take. Most recruits today take the CAT-ASVAB (Computerized Adaptive Test) at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), which has fewer questions but adapts to your ability level.
CAT-ASVAB
- 145 total questions
- Taken at MEPS on computer
- Adaptive: difficulty adjusts to your answers
- Can't go back to previous questions
- About 1.5 hours of testing time
Paper ASVAB
- 225 total questions
- Taken at MET sites or schools
- Same difficulty for all test-takers
- Can review and change answers within a section
- About 3 hours of testing time
Why the Difference?
The CAT-ASVAB needs fewer questions because it's adaptive. If you answer correctly, the next question gets harder. If you answer incorrectly, it gets easier. This allows the test to accurately measure your ability with fewer questions.
2Questions by Subtest (Complete Table)
The ASVAB consists of nine separately timed subtests. Here's exactly how many questions are on each section for both versions:
| Subtest | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 16 | 35 | Vocabulary |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 11 | 15 | Reading comprehension |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 16 | 30 | Math word problems |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 16 | 25 | Algebra & geometry |
| General Science (GS) | 16 | 25 | Life & physical sciences |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 16 | 20 | Electrical concepts |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 11 | 25 | Automotive & shop |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 | 25 | Mechanical principles |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 16 | 25 | Spatial reasoning |
| TOTAL | 145 | 225 |
Note on Auto & Shop Information
On the CAT-ASVAB, Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) are tested as separate subtests with 11 questions each, but they're combined into a single score. The paper version combines them into one 25-question section.
3Time Limits for Each Section
Each ASVAB subtest has its own time limit. Here's how much time you get per section and approximately how long you have per question:
| Subtest | CAT Time | Paper Time | ~Seconds/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 |
Time Management Tip
Arithmetic Reasoning gives you the most time per question (~2 minutes) because the word problems require more reading and calculation. Word Knowledge and General Science move fastest at about 30 seconds per question. Practice with timed tests to build your pacing.
4AFQT: The Questions That Matter Most
Of all the ASVAB questions, the ones that determine your military eligibility come from just four subtests. These make up your AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score:
AFQT Question Breakdown
Total AFQT Questions: 59 questions (CAT-ASVAB)
These 59 questions determine your enlistment eligibility
Your AFQT score is a percentile from 1-99 calculated from these four subtests. Each branch has minimum requirements:
31
Army / Navy
32
Marines
36
Air Force / Space Force
5How Questions Affect Your Score
Understanding how the ASVAB is scored can help you prioritize your study time and test-taking strategy.
CAT-ASVAB Scoring
- Harder questions are worth more than easier ones
- Early questions have more impact on difficulty level
- No penalty for wrong answers
- Must answer every question to proceed
Paper ASVAB Scoring
- All questions worth equal points
- Raw score converted to scaled score
- No penalty for wrong answers
- Can skip and return to questions
Key Takeaway: Answer Every Question
Since there's no penalty for wrong answers on either version, never leave a question blank. If you're running out of time, make educated guesses. Even random guessing gives you a 25% chance of getting it right.
6Tips for Answering All Questions
Practice Timed Tests
Get comfortable with the pace. Knowing you have about 30 seconds for vocabulary questions but 2 minutes for math problems helps you manage your time.
Don't Get Stuck
If a question is taking too long, make your best guess and move on. On the paper test, mark it to revisit if time allows.
Use Process of Elimination
Even if you're unsure, eliminating one or two wrong answers improves your odds significantly—from 25% to 33% or 50%.
Focus on AFQT Sections First (in Prep)
59 of the 145 questions determine your eligibility. Master Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension first.
Take the Full Test in Practice
Build stamina by taking full-length practice tests. 145 questions over 2.5 hours requires mental endurance.
Ready to Start Practicing?
Take our free ASVAB practice tests to prepare for your military entrance exam. Get detailed explanations and track your progress.