ASVAB subtests: questions, time and what each measures
The paper ASVAB has nine subtests (225 questions, 149 minutes of timed work). The computer version, the CAT-ASVAB, lists ten because Auto Information and Shop Information are separate, and it takes about two hours.
Last updated · Published by Certloom Learning · Every number is copied from the official What to Expect page, checked 2026-11-12.
What are the ASVAB subtests?
The official page groups them into Verbal, Math, Science/Technical and Spatial domains (Official ASVAB: What to Expect (checked 2026-11-12)).
| Subtest | Domain | Official description |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | Science/Technical | Knowledge of physical and biological sciences |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | Math | Ability to solve arithmetic word problems |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | Verbal | Select the correct meaning of words in context and the best synonym |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | Verbal | Ability to obtain information from written passages |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | Math | Knowledge of high school mathematics principles |
| Electronics Information (EI) | Science/Technical | Knowledge of electricity and electronics |
| Auto Information (AI) | Science/Technical | Knowledge of automobile technology |
| Shop Information (SI) | Science/Technical | Knowledge of tools and shop terminology and practices |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | Science/Technical | Knowledge of mechanical and physical principles |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | Spatial | Determine how an object will look when its parts are put together |
How many questions and how much time on the CAT-ASVAB?
| Subtest | Scored questions | Possible tryout questions | Minutes without tryout | Minutes with tryout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 15 | 15 | 12 | 25 |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 15 | 15 | 55 | 113 |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 15 | 15 | 9 | 18 |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 10 | 15 | 27 | 75 |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 15 | 15 | 31 | 65 |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 15 | 15 | 10 | 21 |
| Auto Information (AI) | 10 | 15 | 7 | 18 |
| Shop Information (SI) | 10 | 15 | 6 | 17 |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 15 | 15 | 22 | 42 |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 15 | 15 | 18 | 38 |
Tryout questions are unscored. The proctored CAT-ASVAB takes about 2 hours on average (Official ASVAB: What to Expect).
How many questions and how much time on paper?
| Subtest | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 25 | 11 |
| Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 30 | 36 |
| Word Knowledge (WK) | 35 | 11 |
| Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 15 | 13 |
| Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 25 | 24 |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 20 | 9 |
| Auto & Shop Information (AS) | 25 | 11 |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 25 | 19 |
| Assembling Objects (AO) | 25 | 15 |
| Total | 225 | 149 |
The full paper session, including instructions, takes 3 to 4 hours (Official ASVAB: What to Expect).
Which four subtests make up the AFQT?
Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (Official ASVAB: Understanding ASVAB Scores). See the AFQT score explained.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a calculator?
No (official page).
What should I bring?
Valid identification; late applicants are turned away (Official ASVAB: What to Expect).