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ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

Practice bank
244 Qs
Real exam
225 Qs
Time limit
154 min
Passing
Varies by service branch and job specialty (AFQT score and individual subtest scores are used).

Exam blueprint

General Science (GS)
10%
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
20%
Word Knowledge (WK)
15%
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
15%
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
15%
Electronics Information (EI)
10%
Auto and Shop Information (AS)
5%
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
10%

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Untimed · instant feedback · 4 practice tests of 90 questions

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4 timed tests · 225 questions each · 154 min · pass 31% · 244 questions in the bank

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ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) practice test questions

Sample questions from the 244-question bank, with answers and explanations.

All questions
  1. 1. Which of the following describes the process by which a star generates energy?

    General Science (GS)

    • A. Chemical combustion of hydrogen and helium.
    • B. Gravitational collapse leading to heat generation.
    • C. Nuclear fission of heavy elements.
    • D. Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium.
    Show answer

    D. Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium.

    Stars generate vast amounts of energy through nuclear fusion in their cores. Specifically, hydrogen nuclei fuse to form helium nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy according to E=mc².

  2. 2. A military analyst is tracking troop movements. If a unit starts at point A (-4, 3) and moves 6 units to the right and 8 units down, what are the new coordinates of the unit's position?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. (2, -5)
    • B. (-10, -5)
    • C. (-10, 11)
    • D. (2, 11)
    Show answer

    A. (2, -5)

    Moving 6 units to the right means adding 6 to the x-coordinate: -4 + 6 = 2. Moving 8 units down means subtracting 8 from the y-coordinate: 3 - 8 = -5. So, the new coordinates are (2, -5).

  3. 3. The ancient ruins were in a state of <b>dilapidation</b>, with crumbling walls and overgrown foliage.

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Restoration
    • B. Construction
    • C. Preservation
    • D. Decay
    Show answer

    D. Decay

    Dilapidation refers to the state or process of falling into decay or disrepair. The description 'crumbling walls and overgrown foliage' clearly indicates a state of 'decay'.

  4. 4. A satellite orbits Earth at an altitude where gravitational force is 1/4th of what it is on the surface. If an object weighs 100 N on Earth's surface, what would its weight be at this altitude?

    General Science (GS)

    • A. 100 N
    • B. 50 N
    • C. 400 N
    • D. 25 N
    Show answer

    D. 25 N

    Weight is a measure of the gravitational force acting on an object (Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration). If the gravitational force is 1/4th, then the weight will also be 1/4th of its surface weight. So, 100 N × (1/4) = 25 N.

  5. 5. A pilot must exercise <b>prudence</b> when making critical decisions during adverse weather conditions.

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Haste
    • B. Recklessness
    • C. Circumspection
    • D. Impulsiveness
    Show answer

    C. Circumspection

    Prudence means acting with or showing care and thought for the future. In a pilot's context during adverse weather, this requires careful consideration and caution. 'Circumspection' means the quality of being wary and unwilling to take risks, which is an excellent synonym for the required careful thought and caution.

  6. 6. A medical specialist is preparing a saline solution. If they need to prepare 2.5 liters of a solution and each liter requires 9 grams of salt, how much salt is needed in total?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 27.5 grams
    • B. 22.5 grams
    • C. 20.5 grams
    • D. 25 grams
    Show answer

    B. 22.5 grams

    To find the total amount of salt needed, multiply the amount of solution (2.5 liters) by the amount of salt per liter (9 grams/liter). So, 2.5 * 9 = 22.5 grams.

  7. 7. A soldier is setting up a field communication antenna. A 25-foot cable runs from the top of a 20-foot mast to an anchor point on the ground. How far from the base of the mast is the anchor point, assuming the mast is perpendicular to the ground?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 18 feet
    • B. 15 feet
    • C. 13 feet
    • D. 10 feet
    Show answer

    B. 15 feet

    This forms a right-angled triangle. The cable is the hypotenuse (c=25), the mast is one leg (a=20), and the distance to the anchor is the other leg (b). Using the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²): 20² + b² = 25² => 400 + b² = 625 => b² = 625 - 400 => b² = 225 => b = √225 = 15 feet.

  8. 8. An artillery observer calculates the range to a target. If the target is 8 kilometers away and the shell travels at an average speed of 400 meters per second, how long will it take for the shell to reach the target?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 40 seconds
    • B. 80 seconds
    • C. 10 seconds
    • D. 20 seconds
    Show answer

    D. 20 seconds

    First, convert kilometers to meters: 8 km * 1000 m/km = 8000 m. Then, use the formula time = distance / speed. So, 8000 m / 400 m/s = 20 seconds.

  9. 9. A cargo plane is loaded with 12 crates, each weighing 1/3 of a ton. If the plane also carries a vehicle weighing 2 and 1/2 tons, what is the total weight of the cargo in tons?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 7 and 1/2 tons
    • B. 4 and 1/2 tons
    • C. 6 and 1/2 tons
    • D. 8 and 1/2 tons
    Show answer

    C. 6 and 1/2 tons

    First, calculate the total weight of the crates: 12 crates * (1/3 ton/crate) = 4 tons. Then, add the weight of the vehicle: 4 tons + 2 and 1/2 tons = 6 and 1/2 tons.

  10. 10. The scientist was known for his <b>fastidious</b> attention to detail, meticulously recording every observation in his lab notebook. What does 'fastidious' describe?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Careless
    • B. Meticulous
    • C. Hasty
    • D. Indifferent
    Show answer

    B. Meticulous

    The phrase 'meticulously recording every observation' directly illustrates the scientist's extreme care and attention to detail. 'Fastidious' means very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail, making 'meticulous' the perfect synonym.

  11. 11. A convoy of vehicles is traveling at an average speed of 45 miles per hour. If they need to cover a distance of 315 miles, how many hours will the journey take?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 9 hours
    • B. 8 hours
    • C. 6 hours
    • D. 7 hours
    Show answer

    D. 7 hours

    Using the formula Time = Distance / Speed, we have Time = 315 miles / 45 mph = 7 hours.

  12. 12. The ancient text contained several <b>esoteric</b> passages that only scholars with specialized knowledge could decipher. What does 'esoteric' mean?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Widely understood
    • B. Easily translated
    • C. Commonly known
    • D. Intended for a select few
    Show answer

    D. Intended for a select few

    The phrase 'only scholars with specialized knowledge could decipher' clearly indicates that the passages were not for everyone. 'Esoteric' means intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, making 'intended for a select few' the correct answer.

  13. 13. A military convoy consists of 20 vehicles. If 35% of the vehicles are armored personnel carriers (APCs) and the rest are supply trucks, how many supply trucks are in the convoy?

    Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)

    • A. 7
    • B. 15
    • C. 13
    • D. 10
    Show answer

    C. 13

    First, find the number of APCs: 35% of 20 = 0.35 * 20 = 7 APCs. Then, subtract the number of APCs from the total number of vehicles to find the number of supply trucks: 20 - 7 = 13 supply trucks.

  14. 14. Which word is an antonym for <b>insipid</b>?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. flavorless
    • B. exciting
    • C. dull
    • D. bland
    Show answer

    B. exciting

    Insipid means lacking flavor, vigor, or interest. Therefore, 'exciting' (causing great enthusiasm and eagerness) is the most fitting antonym, as it represents the opposite of lacking interest.

  15. 15. Which word is an antonym for <b>mercurial</b>?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. capricious
    • B. stable
    • C. fickle
    • D. volatile
    Show answer

    B. stable

    The word 'mercurial' describes someone prone to sudden and unpredictable changes of mood or mind. Therefore, 'stable,' meaning not likely to change, is its antonym.

  16. 16. A technician is setting up an electromagnet. To increase the strength of the magnetic field, which of the following actions would be most effective?

    General Science (GS)

    • A. Use a non-magnetic core material.
    • B. Increase the resistance of the wire.
    • C. Increase the current flowing through the coil.
    • D. Decrease the number of turns in the coil.
    Show answer

    C. Increase the current flowing through the coil.

    The strength of an electromagnet is directly proportional to the current flowing through its coil and the number of turns in the coil. Increasing the current will therefore make the magnetic field stronger.

  17. 17. A biologist observed a <b>plethora</b> of species in the newly discovered rainforest. What does 'plethora' mean in this context?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Variety
    • B. Abundance
    • C. Scarcity
    • D. Absence
    Show answer

    B. Abundance

    The context of a 'newly discovered rainforest' suggests a rich and diverse environment, making 'abundance' the most fitting meaning for 'plethora', which means an excess or overabundance.

  18. 18. A technician found the old machinery to be quite <b>obsolete</b>, requiring a complete upgrade.

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Functional
    • B. Modern
    • C. Outdated
    • D. Efficient
    Show answer

    C. Outdated

    Obsolete means no longer produced or used; out of date. The context of 'requiring a complete upgrade' supports this meaning, making 'outdated' the correct synonym.

  19. 19. A historian noted that the ancient civilization thrived due to its <b>sagacious</b> leaders. What does 'sagacious' mean?

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Authoritarian
    • B. Wise
    • C. Corrupt
    • D. Foolish
    Show answer

    B. Wise

    The context of a 'thriving' civilization strongly implies positive qualities in its leaders. 'Sagacious' means having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment, which is synonymous with 'wise'.

  20. 20. A construction crew is pouring concrete. If 3 workers can pour a foundation in 8 hours, how many hours will it take 4 workers to pour the same foundation, assuming they work at the same rate?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 10.67 hours
    • B. 5 hours
    • C. 6 hours
    • D. 7 hours
    Show answer

    C. 6 hours

    This is an inverse proportion problem. The total 'work units' are 3 workers * 8 hours = 24 worker-hours. With 4 workers, it will take 24 worker-hours / 4 workers = 6 hours.

  21. 21. The ancient philosopher's arguments were so <b>recondite</b> that only a handful of his most dedicated students could grasp them.

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Obscure
    • B. Common
    • C. Clear
    • D. Simple
    Show answer

    A. Obscure

    Recondite means (of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse. The context 'only a handful of his most dedicated students could grasp them' indicates difficulty and obscurity. 'Obscure' is a direct synonym.

  22. 22. The ancient philosopher's arguments were so <b>insidious</b> that they gradually undermined the established beliefs of his time.

    Word Knowledge (WK)

    • A. Subtle
    • B. Harmless
    • C. Overt
    • D. Beneficial
    Show answer

    A. Subtle

    Insidious means proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects. The key here is 'gradually undermined'. 'Subtle' (so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe) captures the gradual and not immediately obvious nature of the arguments' impact, making it the best synonym.

  23. 23. Which of the following is the primary product of photosynthesis?

    General Science (GS)

    • A. Water
    • B. Carbon Dioxide
    • C. Oxygen
    • D. Glucose
    Show answer

    D. Glucose

    Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. The primary products of this process are glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.

  24. 24. A military base needs to order new fencing for a rectangular storage yard. The yard is 150 feet long and 75 feet wide. If fencing is sold in rolls of 50 feet, how many rolls must be purchased to enclose the entire yard?

    Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

    • A. 7 rolls
    • B. 8 rolls
    • C. 9 rolls
    • D. 6 rolls
    Show answer

    C. 9 rolls

    First, calculate the perimeter of the yard: 2 * (150 feet + 75 feet) = 2 * 225 feet = 450 feet. Then, divide the total perimeter by the length per roll: 450 feet / 50 feet/roll = 9 rolls.

  25. 25. Which of the following is the primary function of red blood cells in the human body?

    General Science (GS)

    • A. Transporting oxygen to tissues
    • B. Clotting blood to stop bleeding
    • C. Fighting off infections
    • D. Producing antibodies
    Show answer

    A. Transporting oxygen to tissues

    Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen in the lungs and releases it to the body's tissues, making oxygen transport their primary function.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) flashcards

Tap a card to flip it. 234 flashcards in the full deck.

  • Stellar Energy Generation

    Flip card

    The mechanism by which stars produce light and heat, sustaining themselves against gravitational collapse.

    • Occurs in the star's core.
    • Primarily nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium.
    • Releases immense amounts of energy.
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  • Coordinate Plane Translation

    Flip card

    Translation on a coordinate plane involves shifting a point or figure horizontally and/or vertically without rotation or reflection. This changes its coordinates.

    • Moving right: add to x-coordinate.
    • Moving left: subtract from x-coordinate.
    • Moving up: add to y-coordinate.
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  • Dilapidation

    Flip card

    The state or process of falling into decay or disrepair.

    • Often applies to buildings or structures.
    • Implies neglect and structural deterioration.
    • Results from age, weather, or lack of maintenance.
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  • Weight and Gravitational Force

    Flip card

    Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, and it changes with the strength of the gravitational field.

    • Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration (g).
    • Gravitational force decreases with distance from the center of a planet.
    • Mass is an intrinsic property and remains constant.
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  • Prudence

    Flip card

    The quality of being prudent; cautiousness; acting with or showing care and thought for the future.

    • Involves wisdom and good judgment.
    • Often refers to avoiding risks or bad outcomes.
    • Essential in critical or uncertain situations.
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  • Simple Multiplication

    Flip card

    A basic arithmetic operation used to find the product of two numbers.

    • Often used for 'per unit' calculations.
    • Can involve decimals.
    • Represents repeated addition.
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  • Pythagorean Theorem (Finding a Leg)

    Flip card

    In a right-angled triangle, if the hypotenuse and one leg are known, the other leg can be found using the Pythagorean theorem by rearranging the formula.

    • Formula: a² + b² = c² (where c is hypotenuse).
    • To find a leg: a² = c² - b² or b² = c² - a².
    • Ensure correct identification of hypotenuse and legs.
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  • Time, Distance, Speed Relation

    Flip card

    The relationship between time, distance, and speed is fundamental in physics and everyday calculations. Distance is the product of speed and time.

    • Distance = Speed × Time
    • Speed = Distance / Time
    • Time = Distance / Speed
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  • Adding Mixed Numbers and Fractions

    Flip card

    To add mixed numbers and fractions, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions or add the whole numbers and fractions separately, finding a common denominator for the fractional parts.

    • Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions for easier multiplication/division.
    • Find a common denominator to add or subtract fractions.
    • Simplify the final fraction if possible.
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  • Fastidious

    Flip card

    Very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail.

    • Can also imply being difficult to please due to high standards.
    • Often associated with perfectionism or extreme neatness.
    • Synonyms: meticulous, scrupulous, punctilious, painstaking.
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  • Distance, Rate, Time (Solving for Time)

    Flip card

    Calculating the duration of travel given a distance and a constant speed.

    • Formula is Time = Distance / Rate (Speed).
    • Ensure units are consistent (e.g., miles and mph).
    • A rearrangement of the DRT formula (D=RT).
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  • Esoteric

    Flip card

    Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

    • Often implies something mysterious or secret to outsiders.
    • Contrasts with 'exoteric' (understood by the general public).
    • Synonyms: obscure, arcane, recondite, abstruse.
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  • Percentage Word Problems

    Flip card

    Problems that involve calculating a specific percentage of a given number, or finding a number based on a percentage.

    • Convert percentages to decimals (e.g., 35% = 0.35) for calculations.
    • To find 'X% of Y', calculate (X/100) * Y.
    • Often involves multiple steps, such as finding a part and then the remainder.
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  • Insipid

    Flip card

    Lacking flavor; dull or uninteresting.

    • Can describe food, conversations, or art.
    • Implies a lack of stimulating qualities.
    • Often associated with mediocrity.
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  • Mercurial

    Flip card

    Subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

    • Often used to describe a person's temperament.
    • Refers to the Roman god Mercury, known for his swiftness and unpredictability.
    • Implies instability and changeability.
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  • Electromagnet Strength

    Flip card

    The magnitude of the magnetic field produced by an electromagnet, which can be controlled by several factors.

    • Directly proportional to current.
    • Directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil.
    • Stronger with a ferromagnetic core.
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  • Plethora

    Flip card

    A large or excessive amount of something.

    • Often implies more than is necessary or desirable, but can also just mean a large quantity.
    • Derived from Greek for 'fullness'.
    • Synonyms: excess, surplus, profusion, abundance.
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  • Obsolete

    Flip card

    No longer produced or used; out of date.

    • Often refers to technology, methods, or practices.
    • Implies replacement or retirement due to newer alternatives.
    • Can become obsolete due to advancements or lack of demand.
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  • Sagacious

    Flip card

    Having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd.

    • Implies deep understanding and practical wisdom.
    • Often associated with age and experience.
    • Synonyms: astute, discerning, judicious.
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  • Inverse Proportion

    Flip card

    A relationship where an increase in one quantity results in a proportional decrease in another, such that their product remains constant.

    • Quantity1 × Quantity2 = Constant.
    • Often involves workers and time, or speed and time.
    • If workers increase, time decreases.
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  • Recondite

    Flip card

    (Of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse.

    • Implies a high level of complexity or specialization.
    • Often used for academic or intellectual topics.
    • Suggests difficulty in understanding for most people.
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  • Insidious

    Flip card

    Proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with harmful effects.

    • Implies something harmful that is not immediately apparent.
    • Often used for diseases, threats, or ideas.
    • Suggests treachery or cunning.
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  • Photosynthesis

    Flip card

    The process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, stored in organic compounds like glucose.

    • Uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
    • Produces glucose and oxygen.
    • Occurs primarily in chloroplasts.
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  • Perimeter of a Rectangle

    Flip card

    The perimeter of a rectangle is the total distance around its boundary. It is calculated by adding the lengths of all four sides.

    • Formula: P = 2 * (length + width)
    • Units of perimeter are linear (e.g., feet, meters).
    • Used for fencing, framing, or outlining rectangular areas.
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