How long is the ASVAB?
The computer ASVAB (CAT-ASVAB) takes about 2 hours on average, according to the official ASVAB program. Its 10 subtest time limits add up to 197 minutes, but almost everyone finishes each subtest early. The paper version takes 3 to 4 hours including instructions, with 149 minutes of testing. The online PiCAT takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Most applicants take the CAT-ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a MET site. You work at your own pace: when you finish a subtest, you move straight on to the next one without waiting for the rest of the room. The screen shows how much time and how many questions you have left in each subtest, and your scores are ready right after the session.
Your time can go up because of tryout questions. These are new, unscored questions that show up in 2 to 4 of the subtests, and each of those subtests then gets a longer limit. Arithmetic Reasoning, for example, goes from 55 to 113 minutes when it carries tryout questions. That is why two people can sit for quite different lengths of time.
The PiCAT is an unproctored version you take online with an access code from a recruiter. It has no time limit per subtest and no tryout questions, and you must finish within 48 hours of starting. If your scores qualify, you then take a 25 to 30 minute Verification Test at a MEPS or MET site. The paper version runs at only a few MET sites, and everyone moves from subtest to subtest together, which is why it takes longer.
| Subtest | Time limit | With tryout questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 12 min | 25 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 55 min | 113 min |
| Word Knowledge | 9 min | 18 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension | 27 min | 75 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge | 31 min | 65 min |
| Electronics Information | 10 min | 21 min |
| Auto Information | 7 min | 18 min |
| Shop Information | 6 min | 17 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension | 22 min | 42 min |
| Assembling Objects | 18 min | 38 min |
| Total | 197 min | Tryouts come in only 2 to 4 subtests |
- 1Ask your recruiter whether you will take the CAT-ASVAB at MEPS or a MET site, the paper version or the PiCAT.
- 2For the CAT-ASVAB, plan on about 2 hours of testing plus check-in and instructions.
- 3Take a full timed practice test once to see how long all 10 subtests take you.
- 4Practice the math subtests on a timer: Arithmetic Reasoning (55 minutes) and Mathematics Knowledge (31 minutes) have the longest limits.
- 5Keep an eye on the timer in each subtest instead of rushing the whole test.
- 6For the PiCAT, block 2 to 3 quiet hours in one go, since no subtest clock paces you.