ASVAB Introduction
ASVAB is a multiple aptitude test battery widely used in the world to assess strengths, weaknesses and capability of a person for future success in certain civilian and military fields. ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is a MCQs test and is conducted by United States Military Entrance Processing Command. There are usually three different formats of ASVAB:
- Computer Adaptive Test i.e. CAT-ASVAB
- Military Entrance Test site ASVAB i.e. MET site ASVAB
- Student ASVAB
CAT-ASVAB is a computer adaptive test and is conducted by Military Entrance processing stations using an automated test administration system. The candidate can get questions on computer screens and responses are recorded and scores are produced using an automated system.
The MET ASVAB is conducted at a remote examination test site. This test is especially for military recruitment purposes. MET test sites are located in different cities. The candidate has to appear on particular test centre to attempt the test. The candidates can appear in this test with the help of a recruiter.
Student ASVAB is a general purpose test used for career exploration by high school or college students to assess their strengths and weaknesses for selecting a particular career.
Test Objectives
ASVAB test objectives are given below:
- Assessment of the level of knowledge and logic of a candidate and time management skills
- Assessment of strengths and weaknesses of a person to help choice of a profession.
- Find out career interests of the teenage college students to help them choose particular field without waste of time and effort.
- Recruitment in different army fields depending upon candidate's capabilities.
Test Format information
The detailed test format for ASVAB is given below:
1. CAT ASVAB
The CAT ASVAB is usually an hour and half long and comprises of 10 different subtests. In computer adaptive testing usually questions are determined on run time depending upon the candidate response to meet the pace. The test has to be attempted within a time limit. One can move to next sub test if the test is completed before end time.
The CAT subtests include following nine sections: General Science, Arithmetic reasoning, Word Knowledge, paragraph comprehension, Mathematics knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information and Mechanical comprehension.
2. MET Site ASVAB
MET site ASVAB includes eight different test sections. The candidate is provided with a question paper and answer sheet to answer the questions. Candidate has to sit in the test centre until the time limit is reached.
The test sections of MET site ASVAB are as mentioned below: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word knowledge, Paragraph comprehension, Mathematics knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension.
3. Student ASVAB
Student ASVAB is conducted for college students to find out their interests to select a future profession. The test sections of MET site ASVAB are as mentioned below: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word knowledge, Paragraph comprehension, Mathematics knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, and Mechanical Comprehension.
ASVAB Scores
CAT ASVAB test scores are determined using formulas based on both question difficulty level and correctness of answer. MET site ASVAB scores are sent back to Military Entrance processing stations and later provided to the candidates in sealed envelopes. The Student ASVAB scores are forwarded to respective colleges and counselors of the students who can help student identify their future profession.
The ASVAB scores are calculated based on the results of the subtest results of different sections. One the of important score is Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) which is calculated on the basis of results of Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Verbal Composite( Word Knowledge plus paragraph comprehension scores) *2. The AFQT value determines your suitability of particular army branch. E.g. for Army your required AFQT is 31, for navy the value is 35 etc. The highest possible parentage for AFQT is 99.
Test Validity
CAT ASVAB scores are valid for two years.
Goals and Benefits
ASVAB is a good criteria to measure future potential of a respective candidate for a certain field. Students who appear in ASVAB can do better career choice. ASVAB is a military recruitment tool by US Department of defense to assess a candidate's general learning ability and professional aptitude so that its performance in different fields can be predicted. ASVAB scores also help High school teen agers with their best suited career path choices in army or civilian fields.
