9 areas
Nine subtests covering math, verbal, science, mechanical, electronics and spatial reasoning.
Aptitude Assessment
The ASVAB
Before you join the National Guard you'll take the ASVAB, a standardized test designed to identify your strengths. The result helps us find the role where you're most likely to succeed. Think of it less as a test and more as a conversation about what you're already good at.
3.5 hours
Approximate total testing time broken into nine timed sections covering verbal, quantitative, technical and spatial reasoning.
14,000 locations
Over 14,000 Military Entrance Testing Stations operate across the country, a convenient option for most civilians.
WHAT'S ON THE TEST
NINE AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
The ASVAB measures your knowledge across nine subject areas, from reading and reasoning to mechanics and electronics. Your scores combine to point toward the Military Occupational Specialties where you're best positioned to succeed.
General Science (Knowledge)
Life, earth, space and physical sciences.
Arithmetic Reasoning (Reasoning)
Solving basic math and word problems.
Word Knowledge (Verbal)
Grasping the meaning of words through synonyms.
Paragraph Comprehension (Verbal)
Understanding and interpreting written material.
Mathematics (Quantitative)
Math concepts and their real-world applications.
Electronics (Technical)
Electrical current, circuits, devices and systems.
Auto & Shop (Technical)
Car maintenance and repair plus wood and metal shop.
Mechanical (Technical)
Mechanical devices, structural support and material properties.
Assembling Objects (Spatial)
Determining how parts fit together to form an object.
TEST FORMAT
Timed. Structured. Manageable.
The ASVAB is timed and takes about three and a half hours from start to finish. Each section has its own time limit and you'll work through sections one at a time.
It's a good idea to practice in advance — both to get familiar with the pacing and to identify any areas you'd like to sharpen before test day. A little prep goes a long way.
WHERE YOU'LL TEST
TEST LOCATION OPTIONS
Most applicants test at one of three location types. Your local recruiter can confirm the closest option and help schedule your appointment.
option a
At Your School
Many high schools and colleges administer the ASVAB onsite. Ask your counselor whether your school participates in the testing program.
option b
At a METS Location
Over 14,000 Military Entrance Testing Stations operate across the country — typically the most convenient option for civilians.
Option C
At a MEPS Center
A Military Entrance Processing Station runs the full induction process — including the ASVAB — in one location in one visit.
PRACTICE BEFOREHAND
WALK IN PREPARED. WALK OUT CONFIDENT.
Practicing in advance familiarizes you with the format, builds your pacing and pinpoints the areas where a little extra study will move your score the most. Free practice resources are available online.