The First Step Toward Your Military Career
It is an honor to serve your country. As you've researched potential careers in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps, you've likely seen one of the requirements to enlist is a standardized test called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It is an important first step to starting a successful career in the military.
The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense (DoD). This 225-question exam covers a multitude of subjects, including general science, mathematics knowledge, reading comprehension, mechanical comprehension, and more. The test is divided into two distinct parts: the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), which determines whether you have the basic skills necessary to join the military, and then the ASVAB category scores, which help the military match your knowledge and skills to particular career options. That means your overall results on the ASVAB will let the DoD know if you are a good fit for a career in the military – as well as give them important insights into which service branch might be best for you and even what particular job you'd be best at once you finish basic training.
If you've spoken with a military recruiter, they've no doubt expressed just how important the ASVAB is to your enlistment – and recommended that you start preparing for the test now. It's no wonder: the higher you score on the ASVAB, the more options and choices you'll have about what you can do in the service. If you qualify for higher-level jobs, they may come with special pay or bonus opportunities.
Given that the ASVAB is the first obstacle you'll have to clear before entering any branch of the United States military, it is imperative that you understand the timelines and prerequisites to take the test. You should also understand your retest options in case you don't do as well as you'd like.
Timelines for ASVAB
The ASVAB is administered at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) all over the country. There are 65 MEPS locations in total across the United States and Puerto Rico. Your local recruiter can tell you which location is closest to you. Your high school, if it has an Armed Services Career Exploration Program on-site, may also administer the test.
If you are looking to enlist straight out of high school, military recruiters suggest you take the test during the fall or spring semester of your senior year. If you are already out of high school, ask your recruiter to provide advice on the best time to take the test.
Historically, the ASVAB was offered as a paper and pencil test – and your testing site may still administer the test in that way. Many MEPS and MET sites, however, now offer a computer-administered version of the test known as the CAT-ASVAB. The CAT stands for computerized adaptive testing. This version of the test uses your answers to previous questions to determine what questions you get next – it ensures that each applicant gets questions tailored to his or her ability level. The first question in any subtest is of average difficulty. If you answer this question correctly, the test will then give you a question of similar difficulty or greater difficulty. If you get the first question wrong, however, the test will then adapt to ask somewhat easier questions. Because this test is adaptive, it does not have as many questions as the paper and pencil test – it can determine what you do and do not know with fewer answers.
It is important to understand, however, that you will have to undergo some basic vetting before you will be allowed to take the test. A recruiter will ask questions about your marital status, health, drug use, and arrest record. They will also want to look at your academic record – and will probably schedule you for a physical medical exam to ensure you are qualified to enlist. Please note that it is vital that you answer any and all questions posed by your recruited as openly and honestly as possible. Not doing so might prohibit you from being scheduled for your test.
ASVAB Subtests and Timing
Like other standardized tests, the ASVAB measures your aptitude in verbal, math, science, technical, and spatial skills. Each of these domains is important – and strengths in one area may make you a strong candidate for specific military jobs.
The ASVAB also has ten specific subtests. They include:
- General Science: Questions that measure your knowledge of the physical and biological sciences (11 minutes for 25 questions on the paper test/15 minutes for 10 questions on the computer-based test).
- Arithmetic Reasoning: Questions that examine your ability to solve word problems in arithmetic (36 minutes for 30 questions on the paper test;55 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
- Word Knowledge: This test asks test-takers to select the correct meanings of words when presented in content, as well as identify the best synonym for different words (11 minutes for 35 questions on the paper test/9 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
- Paragraph Comprehension: This is the reading comprehension portion of the test – it measures your ability to obtain information from written passages (13 minutes for 15 questions on the paper test/27 minutes for 10 questions on the computer-based test).
- Mathematics Knowledge: This section goes beyond basic arithmetic and queries your knowledge of high school math principles (24 minutes for 25 questions on the paper test/23 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
- Electronics Information: This subtest measures your knowledge of electricity and electronics (9 minutes for 20 questions on the paper test/10 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
- Auto and Shop Information: These questions will delve into automobile technology, shop terminology, and common shop practices (11 minutes for 25 questions on the paper test/13 minutes for 20 questions on the computer-based test).
- Mechanical Comprehension: This portion of the test covers mechanical and physical principles (19 minutes for 25 questions on the paper test/22 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
- Assembling Objects: This subtest measures your ability to put things together – and determine how an object will look based on its pieces (15 minutes for 25 questions on the paper test/17 minutes for 15 questions on the computer-based test).
What to Expect On Your Test Date
You should plan to arrive at your scheduled MEPS or military entrance test (MET) site early. Because these facilities are often located within federal government office buildings, or even military installations or reserve centers, you should leave ample time to get through security, find parking, and then locate your exact testing location. Your military recruiter should provide you with detailed directions before your test date. If you have not received this information, contact your recruiter a few days before the test to ask for it.
Arriving early is important. If you are even a few minutes late, you will not be permitted to take the test. You will have to reschedule for another date.
Once you arrive at the MET site, you will have to present the test administrators with a valid form of identification. This means an up-to-date (not expired) state driver's license or United States passport. If you do not have these documents, please talk to your recruiter about what other forms of identification may be appropriate.
You do not need to bring any other items with you. Your testing site will provide Number 2 pencils, scratch paper, and all test materials. You should also note that calculators are not permitted – and while you can bring your smartphone to MEPS or your testing site, it should be placed in a secure storage area while you are taking the test. If you are caught with the phone during the test, you will be asked to leave, and your test will not be scored.
Retaking the ASVAB
You can take the ASVAB as many times as you like – however, there are strict procedures in place for when you can take it.
If you did not pass the test the first time you took it – or if you'd like to earn a higher score to be considered for a specific military job – you can retake the test. You must, however, wait one full calendar month before you can do so. If you need to take the test a second time, you must wait an additional calendar month. After two tries, however, you must wait six calendar months before retaking the ASVAB. That's why it's so important to prepare for the test in advance – so you can get the score you want in as few tries as possible.
Cheating and ASVAB Waivers
Cheating on the ASVAB is taken very seriously. If you are suspected of academic dishonesty during your test, your test will be immediately invalidated. You will also have to wait six months to schedule a retest date. It's a bad way to start your career in the military – and if you are unjustly accused of academic dishonesty during the ASVAB, it's something you want to deal with immediately, so it does not interfere with your future enlistment.
It is also possible, in some circumstances, to apply for an ASVAB waiver. If you are keen on a particular job in the Armed Forces and your ASVAB score is not quite high enough to meet the requirements for it, you can ask for the score requirement to be waived. This process starts with your recruiter. But it's important to note that the process can be lengthy as it travels up the chain of command – and there is no guarantee that your waiver will be approved. Much of it depends on the service branch's specific needs.
If You Have Issues with the ASVAB
The United States Military has exacting standards for new recruits. It is imperative that you prepare for the ASVAB – and follow the recruiting process to be considered for enlistment.
This test is challenging for many – as are the enlistment requirements for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. But they should be – while a career in the military is rewarding, it is also challenging. You want to be sure you are primed to succeed.
If you have difficulty achieving a high score on the ASVAB, or if your military recruiter will not schedule you for the test, you may be frustrated. If you've been unjustly accused of cheating, you are likely angry – and worried that you will not be able to enlist on your planned timeline. These are all situations where retaining an experienced education lawyer can help you move through the red tape – and get you closer to your goals.
If you were unavoidably late for your test – or if your test was interrupted by a fire drill or some other issue – you may not have to wait the full calendar month to schedule your next retest date. If you were accused of academic dishonesty – but can provide evidence those allegations were false – you can also avoid the six-month delay until a new test date. Having an advocate in your corner who understands the ASVAB process, as well as how to best manage appeals, waivers, and conduct issues, can help you gather the evidence, forms, and other information required to help you get things sorted out.
You've worked hard to get to this point. You've worked with a recruiter. You've taken practice exams. Perhaps you've even paid out of pocket for an ASVAB tutor. There are many policies and procedures in place that govern military recruitment and your ability to take the ASVAB. That said, it is not always clear how, where, and when they will be applied. When you retain attorney-advisor Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team, you have a champion in your corner that can advocate on your behalf, communicate with recruiters, and help you find a path forward that will help you move closer to achieving your military career dreams. Call 888-535-3686 today.
