ASVAB Math Preparation

Math is weighed heavily on the ASVAB.

The ASVAB is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery that you will take prior to entering any branch of the armed forces. This test will help place you in one of many specialty areas and the higher your score, the better job you may qualify for. The math portion of the ASVAB is extremely important and it's a great idea to prepare for it in advance.

High School Classes You Will Need

The ASVAB doesn't contain calculus, and it's completely possible to get 100% on the math portion of the test with knowledge of beginning algebra. Algebra 1 or beginners algebra is typically taught during your freshman or sophomore year of high school. You can take algebra 2 or intermediate algebra in your junior or senior year, which is great preparation for the ASVAB. If you get A's and B's in these algebra classes you should have no problem.

Scheduling Your ASVAB

Depending on where you live, you may be able to take the ASVAB at different times. You will first need to talk to a military recruiter and they will have you take a practice test. This practice test will give you a good idea of your weak areas and you can use these results to set up a schedule to prepare for the actual ASVAB.

Different Types of Math on the ASVAB

The ASVAB math portion isn't just about algebra. You will have many questions that involve fractions, measurements, problem solving, and a few "think outside the box" questions. You will get the infamous question about two trains leaving two stations at different speeds and you will be expected to multiply and divide fractions. The best way to prepare for these questions is to practice with different variables. The timed sections in the ASVAB are: arithmetic reasoning which is 30 questions in 36 minutes and mathematics knowledge which is 25 questions in 24 minutes.

Different Types of ASVAB Test

There are two significant ASVAB tests. There is the paper version and the computerized version. If you live in a large city, you will probably take the computerized version or CAT-ASVAB. This is usually given at a MEPS or Military Entrance Processing Station, but is sometimes given in mobile testing stations that travel to various schools and events. Most states in the US use the computerized version. The paper version of the ASVAB can be taken in rural areas and in some high schools and as long as you get a high score, this test will be used for placement in the military. If you score higher than average on the ASVAB, you may have the opportunity to take a specialized test. This will change depending on the branch of armed services you are going into but can lead to very high pay, bonuses, and rank increases.

Weight of the Math Tests on the ASVAB

There are a total of 200 questions on the ASVAB and there are 55 math questions. The math tests on the ASVAB are extremely important components that make up 50% of your AFQT or Armed Forces Qualification Test score. The AFQT is comprised of arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, word knowledge and paragraph comprehension. The minimum AFQT score to enlist in the Army, Navy, or Marines is around 30 (it changes depending on current personnel need). The minimum AFQT score for the Air Force is 50.

References

• ASVABprogram.com: The ASVAB Test
• Military.com: ASVAB

Resources

• ASVAB Official Site: Preparing for the ASVAB
• Study Guide Zone: ASVAB Math