How to Study for the ASVAB

Taking practices tests is the single most effective way to prepare for the ASVAB. The time constraints are your number one enemy when taking the test. Practice is the best way to alleviate the pressure and get familiar with the many types of questions that you will be asked. Practice is also the best way to develop your skills in educated guessing (which is the single best way to improve your score other than outright knowledge).

Other than practice, studying for the ASVAB is just like anything else in life. You will be more successful if you plan your work and work your plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Here are the top 3 things you should focus on when putting together your plan for ASVAB success.

  • Study What Matters – The ASVAB is not “A” test, its 9 different subtest. You are not given “A” score, you are given many scores. If you are going for general enlistment, your primary focus should be on the AFQT subjects: Word Knowledge (WK), Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Paragraph Comprehension (PC) and Mathematics Knowledge (MK); the other scores are irrelevant.

    If you want to work in the Electronics Area of the Air Force, you better focus on General Science (GS) and Electronics Information (EI) in addition to the AFQT subject.

    The take away here is that you don’t have to worry about the subjects that do not matter to your enlistment or job assignment. Your scores in Auto and Shop or Assembling Objects have no bearing whatsoever in your general enlistment. Focus on the sections that matter and you will be more confident and less stressed when taking the test because you will be better prepared.
  • Learn How to Guess – we go over this in the Quick Guide portion of the FREE ASVAB PREP MINI COURSE. Regardless of your preparation, there will be a time when you have to guess. Maybe its is because the question is too hard or maybe it is because you are simply running out of time but chances are you will have to guess at some point while taking the ASVAB.

    Guessing is a skill not a talent. There is a logical process to making an educated guess and we teach process in the FREE MINI COURSE. Enter your name and email address in the box to the left to receive instant access with no strings attached.

  • Plan, Focus, Dedicate – Once you have determined which subject are important to your enlistment objectives and you have taken the practice test to find out the areas that need improvement, you are ready to study. DO NOT START STUDYING BEFORE YOU HAVE A PLAN. Your brain will absorb more of the information if you break your study sessions in to 90 minute increments. Make sure you are not too hungry but also avoid heavy meals before studying as both are a distraction. Focus on one subject at a time for multiple study sessions until you become comfortable with the subject and question format. Dedicate the proper amount of time. Put the study sessions on your calendar if necessary. Treat it just like you would any other important assignment.