ASVAB Sample Questions

ASVAB/ SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS

(Source: Department of Defense ASVAB 18119 Student and Parent Guide)
The ASVAB and CAT-ASVAB subtests will look a lot like other tests you have taken. All test responses are multiple choice; the only difference will be how you record your test answers. For the ASVAB, you will use a pencil and paper; the CAT-ASVAB will be entered into a computer format. The following are actual examples from the Department of Defense ASVAB 18119 Student and Parent Guide.

General Science
The General Science subtest consists of test questions that encompass both physical and biological sciences.

DOD Example:

A magnet will attract:

A. water
B. a flower
C. a cloth rag
D. a nail

(D is the correct answer.)

Arithmetic Reasoning
The Arithmetic Reasoning subtest consists of problems, similar to those below.

DOD Example:

If 12 workers are needed to run 4 machines, how many workers are needed to run 20 machines?

A. 20
B. 48
C. 60
D. 80

(C is the correct answer.)

Word Knowledge

The Word Knowledge test is designed to measure your understanding of the meanings of words. The test consists of underlined words. From the four choices, select the word or phrase meaning most nearly the same as the underlined word.

DOD Example:

Small most nearly means:

A. sturdy

B. round
C. cheap
D. little

(D is the correct answer.)

Paragraph Comprehension

The Paragraph Comprehension subtest consists of test questions that measure the ability to obtain information from written passages. In this section, you will find one or more paragraphs of reading material followed by incomplete statements or questions. Read each paragraph and select one of the lettered choices that best completes the statement or answers the question.

DOD Example:

From a building designer’s standpoint, three things that make a home livable are the client, the building site, and the amount of money the client has to spend. According to this statement, to make a home livable:

A. the prospective piece of land makes little difference.
B. it can be built on any piece of land.

C. the design must fit the owner’s income and site.
D. the design must fit the designer’s income.

(C is the correct answer.)

Numerical Operations

The Numerical Operations subtest consists of simple mathematical computations. This is a speed test, so work as fast as you can to determine your answers without making mistakes.

DOD Example:

3 x 4=

A. I
B. 7
C. 12
D. 14

(C is the correct answer.)

Coding Speed

The Coding Speed subtest contains questions that test how quickly and accurately you can find a number in a table. At the top of each section is a number table or “key.” The key is a group of words with a code number for each word. Each item in the test is a word taken from the key at the top of that page. From among the possible answers listed for each item, find the one that is the correct code number for that word. This is a speed test, so work as fast as you can to determine your answers without making mistakes.

DOD Example:

Key

(The correct answers are IC, 2A, 3E, 4A, 513.)

Auto and Shop Information

The Auto and Shop Information subtest has test questions about automobiles, shop practices, and the use of tools.

DOD Example:
A chisel is used for:

A. prying
B. cutting
C. twisting
D. grinding

(B is the correct answer.)

Mathematics Knowledge

The Mathematics Knowledge subtest contains problems designed to measure general mathematical knowledge. Included are questions on algebra and geometry.

DOD Example:

If 50 percent of X = 66, then X

A. 33
B. 66
C. 99
D. 132

(D is the correct answer.)

Electronics Information
The Electronics Information subtest consists of test questions dealing with electricity, radio principles, and electronics.

DOD Example:

What does the abbreviation AC stand for?

A. additional charge
B. alternating coil
C. alternating current
D. ampere current

(C is the correct answer.)

Mechanical Comprehension

The Mechanical Comprehension subtest contains test questions designed to measure your understanding of mechanical principles. Many test questions use drawings to illustrate specific principles.