So, if an individual has an AFQT score of 50, then his/her AFQT "raw score" is better than 50 percent of the individuals who took the test in the above mentioned study.
AFQT Categories
For enlistment purposes, AFQT Scores are divided into the following categories:
Category I - 93-100
Category II - 65-92
Category IIIA - 50-64
Category IIIB - 31-49
Category IVA - 21-30
Category IVB - 16-20
Category IVC - 10-15
Category V - 0-9
In the early 90s, Congress passed a law stating that no Category V recruits could be accepted for enlistment in any of the military services, and no more than 20 percent of accessions could be in Category IV. Additionally, Congress required that any Category IV accessions had to be high school diploma graduates (no GEDs).
However, the military services have even stricter standards for enlistment. See our ASVAB Minimum Score Chart for minimum AFQT scores required to join each of the military services.
ASVAB "Norms" Updated
The last time ASVAB percentile scores were developed was in 1980. That means, folks taking the ASVAB today have their percentile scores computed based on the group who took the test 24 years ago. However, effective July 1, 2004, DoD has "re-normed" the ASVAB, which results in different overall scores for those taking the ASVAB after July 1. For details, see our article, The ASVAB has Just Gotten a Little Harder.
The ASVAB Test
The ASVAB contains nine separately timed sub-tests:
- General Science (GS) - 25 questions with an 11 minute time-limit.
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) - 30 questions with a 36 minute time-limit.
- Word Knowledge (WK) - 35 questions with an 11 minute time-limit.
- Paragraph Comprehension (PC) - 15 questions with a 13 minute time-limit.
- Auto & Shop (AS) - 25 questions with an 11 minute time-limit.
- Mathematics Knowledge (MK) - 25 questions with a 24 minute time-limit.
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC) - 25 questions with a 19 minute time-limit.
- Electronics Information (EI) - 20 questions with a 9 minute time-limit.
- Assembling Objects (AS) - 16 questions with a 9 minute time-limit.
See our ASVAB Sample Questions page for samples of questions you'll find on each area of the ASVAB.
Pre-Qualification Tests
Recruiters now have access to a special computer program that gives a mini-ASVAB test in their office. This computerized test only asks questions in the four ASVAB sub-test areas which are used to determine the overall ASVAB Score (AFQT Score). Most people find that this "mini-test" gives a pretty good indication of how well they will score on the actual ASVAB Test.
Studying for the ASVAB
The ASVAB test isn't designed to be difficult. In fact, most of the sub-tests ask questions that are on a high-school level. It is possible to study to increase your ASVAB scores. The ASVAB scores are determined from your current knowledge in the nine sub-test areas. You can increase your score by increasing your knowledge, i.e., going to the library and studying high school level text books in those particular areas.
There are several ASVAB Study Guides available on the market, including my own book, ASVAB for Dummies.
A word of caution about ASVAB Study Guides. They are great tools to use to give yourself "self-tests" to determine which subject areas you should study up on. However, I've seen too many people waste time and money by purchasing an ASVAB Study Guide, then spend hours trying to memorize the questions and answers in the Study Guide. The ASVAB test is highly-controlled. I can guarantee you that no author of an ASVAB Study Guide has access to the actual questions asked on the ASVAB. At most, the ASVAB Study Guide can show you similar questions.
The proper way to use any ASVAB Study Guide is to use the practice tests included to "self-test," to determine which areas of the ASVAB you need to study more. Then, use other resources (such as high school or college text books) to study up on the subject.
