How many questions are on the ASVAB?
The computer version (CAT-ASVAB) has 135 scored questions across 10 subtests. Its time limits add up to 197 minutes, but most people finish in about 2 hours. The paper version has 225 questions across 9 subtests in 149 minutes. On the computer test you may also get unscored tryout questions in 2 to 4 subtests, with extra time for them.
Which version you take decides the count. Most applicants take the CAT-ASVAB on a computer at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). It is adaptive: each answer sets the difficulty of the next question, so it needs fewer questions to measure you. The paper version gives everyone the same set, so it needs more questions per subtest.
On the computer test you cannot skip a question or go back to change an answer. You may read 145 questions elsewhere. The official ASVAB table lists 135 scored questions. Any extra ones you see are tryout questions that do not count toward your score.
Only four subtests make up your AFQT score, the number that decides whether you can enlist: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension. On the computer version that is 55 scored questions. The other subtests feed the line scores used to qualify you for specific jobs.
| Subtest | CAT-ASVAB (computer) | Paper version |
|---|---|---|
| General Science | 15 questions, 12 min | 25 questions, 11 min |
| Arithmetic Reasoning | 15 questions, 55 min | 30 questions, 36 min |
| Word Knowledge | 15 questions, 9 min | 35 questions, 11 min |
| Paragraph Comprehension | 10 questions, 27 min | 15 questions, 13 min |
| Mathematics Knowledge | 15 questions, 31 min | 25 questions, 24 min |
| Electronics Information | 15 questions, 10 min | 20 questions, 9 min |
| Auto and Shop Information | Two subtests: 10 questions, 7 min and 10 questions, 6 min | 25 questions, 11 min |
| Mechanical Comprehension | 15 questions, 22 min | 25 questions, 19 min |
| Assembling Objects | 15 questions, 18 min | 25 questions, 15 min |
| Total | 135 questions, 197 min (without tryout questions) | 225 questions, 149 min |
- 1Ask your recruiter which version you will take and which AFQT score and line scores your target jobs need.
- 2Take one timed practice test to see where you stand on the four AFQT subtests.
- 3Practice your pacing per subtest. Paragraph Comprehension gives you 27 minutes for 10 questions, but Word Knowledge only 9 minutes for 15, so vocabulary has to be fast recall.
- 4Work math word problems by hand every day. Calculators are not allowed on the ASVAB.
- 5On the computer test, keep reading and answering properly when time runs short. The CAT-ASVAB penalizes unfinished subtests, and a run of random guesses at the end can cost you more. On the paper test, blanks count as wrong, so guess.
- 6Take a full timed practice test in the last week to check your pacing.