ASVAB was first introduced in the 1960’s as a military test. ASVAB does not aim at measuring the intelligence level of the candidates. Rather the main purpose of the test is to assess a particular aptitude in the candidates as being capable to serve in some specific departments. The test comprises eight to ten different modules; i.e. general science, mathematics knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, mechanical comprehension, electronics information vocabulary, paragraph comprehension etc. The acronym ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. The test is administered by the Department of Defense and has been developed under the Career Exploration Programme.


ASVAB is popular all over the world as an authentic multiple aptitude test battery. The test leads to careers of diversified nature into military as well as civilian department. Since its very inception as an aptitude test, ASVAB has been under constant changes to make the test more comprehensive and systematic. In the United States, ASVAB is organized at high schools or at Military Entrance Processing Stations called MEPS. In the rural areas, the test is maintained by the Mobile Examining Team Site abbreviated as METS. Usually the ASVAB test candidates are high schools students from 10th to 12th grades. The post-secondary school students also appear in ASVAB.


ASVAB is a three-hour long test which offers 200 queries. The modules included in the test inquire the candidates about high school levels of studies. For example, the segment based on General Science assesses the candidates’ fundamental knowledge about physical and biological sciences. Likewise Paragraph Comprehension section evaluates the candidates’ ability to understand a written text and answer the queries based on the that text. Once you take the test, you are informed with the results in detail. All the modules are scored individually and the score sheet also throws light on the causes of good or bad score in the test. Success in ASVAB does not offer service in military or any other civilian department. Your success makes you eligible for applying various career opportunities. But it is notable that the ASVAB score is valid for two years only. If you apply for job after two years of passing ASVAB, you will have to repeat the test for a fresh score.


ASVAB score does not declare you in the traditional ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ connotations. Instead the result is announced in different grades which exhibit the aptitude levels of the candidates. Moreover the ASVAB results do not have any relation with the school grades and therefore do not affect them.

For the guidance of the aspirants of ASVAB, there are many useful study books available in the market. Likewise there are a number of online programmes and software also available on the internet which can ensure your maximum score in the test. This study material, both in bookish and software format contain many sample practice tests to get you familiar with the original test as well as sharpen your knowledge. Some organizations offer to measure your study level with the help of specially designed practice tests against nominal charges. There are free online preparation sources also available online which help you ensure excellent results in ASVAB.