ASVAB Curriculum

Overview

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the gateway to all U.S. military enlistment. This curriculum prepares test-takers across all nine subtests, with priority sequencing that protects AFQT performance — the score that determines enlistment eligibility — before developing line score competencies that determine job qualification.

Total Chapters: 5 Total Sections: 19 content files + 2 reference files Recommended Study Duration: 4–8 weeks depending on starting baseline Target Audience: Prospective military recruits, ASVAB retakers, high school students entering JROTC

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AFQT Priority Framework

The AFQT formula:

AFQT = AR + MK + 2(VE) where VE = WK + PC

Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension each count twice. Study sequence follows AFQT weight:

| Priority | Subtest | AFQT Weight | Study First | |----------|---------|------------|-------------| | 1 | Word Knowledge (WK) | 2× (via VE) | Yes | | 2 | Paragraph Comprehension (PC) | 2× (via VE) | Yes | | 3 | Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) | 1× | Yes | | 4 | Mathematics Knowledge (MK) | 1× | Yes | | 5+ | GS, EI, MC, AI, SI, AO | Line scores only | After AFQT secured |

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Chapter 1 — Introduction

Purpose: Understand the ASVAB scoring system before studying any content. Time spent here multiplies efficiency of all subsequent study.

| Section | File | Topics | |---------|------|--------| | 1.1 | About the ASVAB | Test structure, CAT vs. P&P, adaptive scoring | | 1.2 | AFQT Scoring | AFQT formula, percentile categories, branch minimums | | 1.3 | Line Scores and MOS | All branch composites, GT score, job qualification | | 1.4 | How to Use This Guide | Study sequence, time allocation, three-layer model |

Key Concepts:

• AFQT = AR + MK + 2(VE); VE = WK + PC
• CAT-ASVAB is adaptive — early questions matter more
• Line scores (not AFQT) determine which jobs you qualify for
• Branch minimums range from 31 (Army) to 50 (Space Force)

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Chapter 2 — Verbal Domain

Purpose: Build the vocabulary foundation and reading strategy that drive both AFQT performance (WK + PC are doubled) and the GT line score.

| Section | File | Topics | |---------|------|--------| | 2.1 | Word Knowledge Basics | Prefixes, roots, suffixes; two WK question formats | | 2.2 | Word Knowledge Practice | Extended vocabulary practice; decoding unfamiliar words | | 2.3 | Paragraph Comprehension Basics | Five question types; question-first reading strategy | | 2.4 | Paragraph Comprehension Practice | Multi-passage practice across science, history, military topics |

Key Concepts:

• WK: Memorize 60+ roots and 30+ prefixes to decode unfamiliar words
• WK: 30 seconds per question — use word-part breakdown within 20 seconds
• PC: Read the question before the passage — always
• PC: Answer based only on what the passage states; outside knowledge is always wrong

AFQT Impact: Highest of all chapters — WK and PC are doubled in the AFQT formula.

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Chapter 3 — Mathematics Domain

Purpose: Cover both AFQT math subtests (AR and MK) completely, with emphasis on the most frequently tested topics and no-calculator arithmetic techniques.

| Section | File | Topics | |---------|------|--------| | 3.1 | Number Operations | PEMDAS, fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents | | 3.2 | Word Problems | AR problem types; D=RT, percent, ratio, work rate, interest | | 3.3 | Algebra | Linear/quadratic equations, inequalities, FOIL, factoring | | 3.4 | Geometry | Area, perimeter, volume, angles, Pythagorean theorem | | 3.5 | Math Test Strategies | No-calculator techniques; AR vs. MK tactics; answer plugging |

Key Concepts:

• AR: Set up the equation before calculating; always show work on paper
• MK: Algebra is ~40% of questions — highest single priority
• Pythagorean triples (3-4-5, 5-12-13) — recognize and use instantly
• No penalty for guessing — always answer every question

AFQT Impact: High — AR and MK together account for two of the four AFQT components.

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Chapter 4 — Science and Technical Domain

Purpose: Develop competency in the three subtests that drive technical line scores: General Science (GS), Electronics Information (EI), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC).

| Section | File | Topics | |---------|------|--------| | 4.1 | Life Science | Cells, body systems, ecology, genetics | | 4.2 | Physical Science | Newton's laws, energy, thermodynamics, waves, chemistry basics | | 4.3 | Electronics Fundamentals | Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, components | | 4.4 | Mechanical Principles | Simple machines, levers, pulleys, gears, work, hydraulics | | 4.5 | Applied Science Questions | Scenario-based practice across all science/technical topics |

Key Concepts:

• GS: ~50% life science, ~50% physical science; 30 seconds per question
• EI: Ohm's Law (V=IR), series vs. parallel behavior — tested on almost every exam
• MC: Mechanical advantage and force-distance trade-off for all simple machines
• Applied questions: Identify the domain → name the principle → apply the formula

Line Score Impact: GS, EI, MC collectively appear in EL, GM, MM, ST (Army) and E/M composites (Air Force).

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Chapter 5 — Technical Skills Domain

Purpose: Cover the three remaining line score subtests: Auto Information (AI), Shop Information (SI), and Assembling Objects (AO).

| Section | File | Topics | |---------|------|--------| | 5.1 | Automotive Basics | Four-stroke cycle, engine components, ignition, fuel, cooling | | 5.2 | Automotive Systems | Transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust | | 5.3 | Shop Tools and Practices | Measuring tools, hand tools, fasteners, drilling, joints | | 5.4 | Shop Safety and Materials | PPE, fire classes, wood/metal types, finishing processes | | 5.5 | Assembling Objects | Format types, mental rotation rules, elimination strategy |

Key Concepts:

• AI: Four-stroke cycle order — Intake, Compression, Power, Exhaust ("Suck, Sque