Army Personnel Testing (APT) Exam — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of current does a battery produce?
- Pulsed current
- Alternating current (AC)
- Static current
- Direct current (DC) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Direct current (DC)
Batteries produce direct current (DC), which flows in one constant direction.
Question 2: A regulation states: 'Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) are the backbone of the Army and are responsible for the training and welfare of their soldiers.' What does this passage suggest about NCOs?
- NCOs only focus on administrative duties
- NCOs have no role in training
- NCOs are responsible for both training and soldier welfare (Correct answer)
- NCOs outrank all commissioned officers
Correct answer: NCOs are responsible for both training and soldier welfare
The passage explicitly states NCOs are responsible for training and welfare of soldiers.
Question 3: Two blocks are connected by a rope over a frictionless pulley. If block A weighs 50 lbs and block B weighs 30 lbs, which direction will they move?
- Block A will move up
- They will oscillate equally
- Block B will move up (Correct answer)
- They will remain stationary
Correct answer: Block B will move up
The heavier block A will pull down, causing block B to move upward.
Question 4: What does 'contemporaneous' mean?
- Occurring at some future point in time
- Existing or occurring at the same period of time (Correct answer)
- Occurring repeatedly over a long history
- Taking place at infrequent intervals
Correct answer: Existing or occurring at the same period of time
'Contemporaneous' means existing or happening at the same time as something else.
Question 5: The US Army is a branch of which executive department?
- Department of State
- Department of Justice
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Defense (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Department of Defense
The US Army operates under the Department of Defense (DoD), along with the other military branches.
Question 6: A unit of 120 soldiers is split into squads of 8. How many squads are formed?
- 12
- 16
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 14
Correct answer: 15
120 ÷ 8 = 15 squads.
Question 7: What does the term 'AWOL' mean?
- Army Work Order Limit
- Acting Without Orders and Leadership
- Absent Without Leave (Correct answer)
- Authorized Withdrawal of Leave
Correct answer: Absent Without Leave
AWOL means Absent Without Leave — when a soldier leaves their post or fails to report without authorization.
Question 8: A soldier walks 3 miles North, then 4 miles East. How far is she from her starting point?
- 7 miles
- 5 miles (Correct answer)
- 6 miles
- 8 miles
Correct answer: 5 miles
Using the Pythagorean theorem: √(3² + 4²) = √(9 + 16) = √25 = 5 miles.
Question 9: Facing West, you turn 90 degrees counterclockwise. Which direction are you facing?
- West
- North
- East
- South (Correct answer)
Correct answer: South
Facing West and turning counterclockwise 90 degrees results in facing South.
Question 10: Which layer of the atmosphere is closest to Earth's surface?
- Troposphere (Correct answer)
- Stratosphere
- Thermosphere
- Mesosphere
Correct answer: Troposphere
The troposphere is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs and most air is found.
Question 11: A memo reads: 'All requests for leave must be submitted no later than 72 hours prior to the requested start date.' How many hours in advance must leave be requested?
- 24 hours
- 48 hours
- 96 hours
- 72 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 72 hours
The memo clearly states leave requests must be submitted 72 hours prior to the start date.
Question 12: What is the chemical symbol for water?
- OH2
- WA
- HO
- H2O (Correct answer)
Correct answer: H2O
Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, giving it the chemical formula H2O.
Question 13: Which planet is closest to the Sun?
- Earth
- Mercury (Correct answer)
- Venus
- Mars
Correct answer: Mercury
Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun in our solar system.
Question 14: A regulation reads: 'Soldiers are prohibited from wearing headphones while in formation.' What does the word 'prohibited' mean?
- Not permitted (Correct answer)
- Allowed under certain conditions
- Encouraged
- Recommended
Correct answer: Not permitted
'Prohibited' means not allowed or forbidden.
Question 15: A soldier travels 240 miles in 4 hours. What is the average speed in miles per hour?
- 50 mph
- 55 mph
- 65 mph
- 60 mph (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 60 mph
Average speed = total distance ÷ total time = 240 ÷ 4 = 60 mph.
Question 16: What is the purpose of a fuse in an electrical circuit?
- Regulate battery charge
- Prevent excess current from damaging the circuit (Correct answer)
- Boost voltage output
- Measure electrical resistance
Correct answer: Prevent excess current from damaging the circuit
A fuse contains a wire that melts and breaks the circuit when current exceeds a safe level, protecting equipment.
Question 17: How many edges does a cube have?
- 8
- 10
- 14
- 12 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 12
A cube has 12 edges: 4 on the top face, 4 on the bottom face, and 4 connecting them vertically.
Question 18: What does a thermostat primarily control?
- Temperature (Correct answer)
- Electrical current
- Water pressure
- Fuel flow
Correct answer: Temperature
A thermostat is a device that senses and regulates temperature in heating or cooling systems.
Question 19: A soldier is assigned to a role that requires extensive listening comprehension in a foreign language. Which part of the DLPT will be most critical for them?
- Reading comprehension
- Writing proficiency
- Speaking proficiency
- Listening comprehension (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Listening comprehension
If a soldier's role requires extensive listening comprehension in a foreign language, then the listening section of the DLPT will be the most critical for them. This part of the test directly assesses a soldier's ability to understand spoken foreign language, which is essential for tasks like monitoring communications, interpreting conversations, or understanding verbal instructions.
Question 20: In the Army's NATO phonetic alphabet, what word represents the letter 'A'?
- Able
- Arrow
- Alpha (Correct answer)
- Apple
Correct answer: Alpha
In the NATO phonetic alphabet used by the Army, 'A' is represented by 'Alpha'.
Question 21: A soldier wants to qualify for a specialized technical role that requires a high General Technical (GT) score. What is one effective way for them to prepare for and improve this score?
- Study math and verbal reasoning skills (Correct answer)
- Focus on physical training
- Practice foreign language skills
- Take more leadership courses
Correct answer: Study math and verbal reasoning skills
The General Technical (GT) score is derived from specific sections of the ASVAB, primarily focusing on arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. Therefore, to improve a GT score, a soldier should concentrate on enhancing their foundational math and verbal reasoning abilities through dedicated study and practice, as these skills are directly assessed.
Question 22: Which simple machine is a wedge most similar to in function?
- Inclined plane (Correct answer)
- Pulley
- Wheel and axle
- Lever
Correct answer: Inclined plane
A wedge is essentially a double inclined plane — it converts force applied to its blunt end into splitting force.
Question 23: Which test is specifically designed for soldiers who wish to become Army pilots?
- OPI
- SIFT (Correct answer)
- AFCT
- DLPT
Correct answer: SIFT
The Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) is a specialized aptitude test specifically designed for soldiers aspiring to become Army pilots. It assesses various skills crucial for aviation, such as spatial awareness, mechanical comprehension, and aviation information, making it the essential qualification test for flight training.
Question 24: Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to 'cowardice':
- Uncertainty under pressure
- Fear in the face of danger
- Timidity and hesitation
- Valor and bravery (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Valor and bravery
'Cowardice' means a lack of courage, while 'valor' means great bravery, especially in combat, making them antonyms.
Question 25: If a triangle has angles of 90° and 45°, what is the measure of the third angle?
- 45° (Correct answer)
- 30°
- 90°
- 60°
Correct answer: 45°
The sum of angles in a triangle is 180°; 180° − 90° − 45° = 45°.
Question 26: Which of the following languages would most likely require a soldier to take the DLPT for assignment in a linguist role?
- English
- French
- Arabic (Correct answer)
- Spanish
Correct answer: Arabic
The DLPT is administered for a wide range of foreign languages, particularly those deemed critical to national security or military operations. While common languages like Spanish and French are tested, Arabic is consistently identified as a critical language for which the Army actively seeks and tests proficiency for linguist roles due to its strategic importance.
Question 27: Which Army branch is primarily responsible for bridging and construction support?
- Infantry
- Field Artillery
- Corps of Engineers (Correct answer)
- Military Police
Correct answer: Corps of Engineers
The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for construction, engineering, and bridging operations.
Question 28: A truck can carry 2.5 tons of cargo. How many trips are needed to transport 15 tons?
- 4 trips
- 5 trips
- 6 trips (Correct answer)
- 7 trips
Correct answer: 6 trips
15 ÷ 2.5 = 6 trips.
Question 29: What is the main function of a circuit breaker?
- Store electrical energy
- Convert AC to DC
- Protect circuits from overload by interrupting current flow (Correct answer)
- Increase voltage in a circuit
Correct answer: Protect circuits from overload by interrupting current flow
A circuit breaker automatically interrupts electrical flow when it detects an overload, protecting equipment and wiring.
Question 30: What does the acronym 'UCMJ' stand for in the US Army?
- Uniform Code of Military Justice (Correct answer)
- United Corps Military Judiciary
- Unified Combat Mission Jurisdiction
- Uniform Command and Mission Judgment
Correct answer: Uniform Code of Military Justice
UCMJ stands for Uniform Code of Military Justice, the legal code that governs US military personnel.
Question 31: If a military base uses 1,200 gallons of fuel per week, how many gallons are used in 30 days?
- 4,800 gallons
- 5,100 gallons (Correct answer)
- 6,000 gallons
- 3,600 gallons
Correct answer: 5,100 gallons
30 days = 4.286 weeks; 1,200 × (30/7) ≈ 5,142 ≈ 5,100 gallons (30 days ÷ 7 days × 1,200 = 5,142.86, closest answer is 5,100).
Question 32: A supply depot has 3,500 rations. If 875 rations are distributed each day, how many days will the supply last?
- 4 days (Correct answer)
- 3 days
- 5 days
- 6 days
Correct answer: 4 days
3,500 ÷ 875 = 4 days.
Question 33: If the ratio of officers to enlisted soldiers in a battalion is 1:9 and there are 450 enlisted soldiers, how many officers are there?
- 50 (Correct answer)
- 45
- 55
- 40
Correct answer: 50
Ratio 1:9 means for every 9 enlisted there is 1 officer; 450 ÷ 9 = 50 officers.
Question 34: Which tool is used to measure the inside diameter of a cylinder?
- Calipers
- Torque wrench
- Bore gauge (Correct answer)
- Micrometer
Correct answer: Bore gauge
A bore gauge is specifically designed to measure the internal diameter of cylinders and bores.
Question 35: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: The soldier's _____ response to the ambush saved several lives.
- careless
- sluggish
- hesitant
- prompt (Correct answer)
Correct answer: prompt
A 'prompt' response means quick and without delay, which would be the most effective action in an emergency ambush situation.
Question 36: A square piece of paper is folded in half diagonally and then cut once through the middle. How many pieces of paper result when unfolded?
- 3 pieces (Correct answer)
- 5 pieces
- 2 pieces
- 4 pieces
Correct answer: 3 pieces
Folding diagonally and cutting through the middle produces 3 separate pieces when unfolded.
Question 37: What is the highest enlisted rank in the US Army?
- Command Sergeant Major
- First Sergeant
- Sergeant Major of the Army (Correct answer)
- Sergeant Major
Correct answer: Sergeant Major of the Army
The Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) is the highest enlisted rank and serves as advisor to the Army Chief of Staff.
Question 38: Which type of lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load?
- Third-class lever
- Fourth-class lever
- Second-class lever
- First-class lever (Correct answer)
Correct answer: First-class lever
A first-class lever has the fulcrum positioned between the effort force and the load (e.g., a seesaw).
Question 39: If you are facing North and turn 180 degrees clockwise, which direction are you now facing?
- East
- North
- South (Correct answer)
- West
Correct answer: South
A 180-degree turn from North (in any direction) results in facing South.
Question 40: Solve for x: 4x − 8 = 20
- x = 7 (Correct answer)
- x = 5
- x = 8
- x = 6
Correct answer: x = 7
4x = 28; x = 7.
Question 41: A map scale is 1 inch = 50 miles. If two bases are 7 inches apart on the map, what is the actual distance?
- 325 miles
- 350 miles (Correct answer)
- 300 miles
- 375 miles
Correct answer: 350 miles
7 inches × 50 miles/inch = 350 miles.
Question 42: An Army publication states: 'Soldiers must be proficient in both individual and collective tasks to accomplish the unit's mission.' The word 'proficient' most nearly means:
- Interested
- Competent and skilled (Correct answer)
- Aware of
- Partially trained
Correct answer: Competent and skilled
'Proficient' means having a high level of competence or skill in a task.
Question 43: If you tighten a bolt clockwise, in which direction do you turn to loosen it?
- Counterclockwise (Correct answer)
- The direction does not matter
- Downward
- Clockwise
Correct answer: Counterclockwise
Most standard fasteners follow the 'righty-tighty, lefty-loosey' rule — counterclockwise loosens them.
Question 44: On a military map, you are at grid reference A. The target is directly East. Which direction do you move to reach it?
- Right on the map (Correct answer)
- Left on the map
- Down the map
- Up the map
Correct answer: Right on the map
On standard military maps, East is always to the right side of the map.
Question 45: Select the word most similar in meaning to 'cognizant':
- Completely unaware
- Ignorant of relevant facts
- Aware and informed (Correct answer)
- Confused and disoriented
Correct answer: Aware and informed
'Cognizant' means having knowledge or awareness of a situation, which matches 'aware and informed.'
Question 46: What does 'diligent' most nearly mean?
- Being overly cautious to the point of inaction
- Lazy and prone to avoiding tasks
- Acting impulsively without planning
- Showing steady and earnest effort (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Showing steady and earnest effort
'Diligent' describes someone who shows careful and persistent effort in carrying out tasks or duties.
Question 47: What is the primary purpose of the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) in the Army?
- To test leadership abilities
- To assess physical fitness
- To measure foreign language proficiency
- To evaluate basic academic skills (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To evaluate basic academic skills
The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is a standardized assessment designed to measure an individual's proficiency in core academic areas such as reading, mathematics, and language. In the Army, its primary purpose is to ensure soldiers possess the fundamental educational skills required for various training programs and career paths, evaluating their basic academic skills.
Question 48: A rectangular box measures 4 ft × 3 ft × 2 ft. What is its volume?
- 18 cubic feet
- 24 cubic feet (Correct answer)
- 20 cubic feet
- 26 cubic feet
Correct answer: 24 cubic feet
Volume = length × width × height = 4 × 3 × 2 = 24 cubic feet.
Question 49: Which gas makes up the largest percentage of Earth's atmosphere?
- Oxygen
- Carbon dioxide
- Nitrogen (Correct answer)
- Argon
Correct answer: Nitrogen
Nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of Earth's atmosphere, making it the most abundant gas.
Question 50: You are at Point X, facing East. You turn left 90 degrees. Which direction are you now facing?
- North (Correct answer)
- South
- East
- West
Correct answer: North
Facing East and turning left (counterclockwise) 90 degrees results in facing North.
Question 51: Which word best completes the analogy: COVERT is to OVERT as CONCEALED is to ___?
- Underground
- Visible (Correct answer)
- Hidden
- Secret
Correct answer: Visible
'Covert' (hidden/secret) is the antonym of 'overt' (open/observable), mirroring the relationship between 'concealed' and 'visible.'
Question 52: A cube has 6 faces. If each face is a different color, how many faces can you see at one time from a single viewpoint?
- 1
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 4
- 2
Correct answer: 3
From a single viewpoint of a cube, a maximum of 3 faces are visible at once (a corner view).
Question 53: A vehicle engine has low oil pressure. What is the MOST likely cause?
- A dirty air filter
- Worn brake pads
- Excess coolant
- Low oil level or a leak (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Low oil level or a leak
Low oil pressure is most commonly caused by insufficient oil level or a leak in the lubrication system.
Question 54: What does 'ASVAB' stand for?
- Army Special Vocational Aptitude Battery
- Army Standard Vocational Assessment Battery
- Armed Soldier Vocational Aptitude Benchmark
- Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
ASVAB stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a test used for military enlistment eligibility.
Question 55: What does 'ETS' stand for in Army service?
- Expiration of Term of Service (Correct answer)
- Emergency Transfer Status
- Enlisted Training Standard
- Extended Training Schedule
Correct answer: Expiration of Term of Service
ETS stands for Expiration of Term of Service — the date a soldier's active duty enlistment contract ends.
Question 56: A convoy covers 560 miles over two days, traveling 280 miles the first day. What fraction of the total distance is traveled on the second day?
- 1/4
- 2/3
- 1/2 (Correct answer)
- 1/3
Correct answer: 1/2
Second day = 560 − 280 = 280 miles; fraction = 280/560 = 1/2.
Question 57: What is the primary purpose of the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)?
- To evaluate a soldier's proficiency in a foreign language (Correct answer)
- To assess a soldier's physical fitness
- To measure a soldier's technical skills
- To test a soldier's general knowledge
Correct answer: To evaluate a soldier's proficiency in a foreign language
The Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is a standardized assessment specifically designed to measure a soldier's ability to understand and use a foreign language. Its primary purpose is to evaluate a soldier's proficiency in listening and reading comprehension, which is crucial for linguist roles and other language-dependent assignments within the military.
Question 58: What is 35% of 600?
- 180
- 225
- 210 (Correct answer)
- 195
Correct answer: 210
35% of 600 = 0.35 × 600 = 210.
Question 59: What is the purpose of a torque wrench?
- To remove stripped screws
- To drill pilot holes
- To measure and apply a specific tightening force (Correct answer)
- To cut bolts
Correct answer: To measure and apply a specific tightening force
A torque wrench measures and applies a precise amount of rotational force (torque) to fasteners.
Question 60: What is a common reason a soldier might take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)?
- To assess basic academic skills for career advancement (Correct answer)
- To improve their physical fitness
- To prepare for advanced flight training
- To qualify for a linguist position
Correct answer: To assess basic academic skills for career advancement
The Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) is used by the Army to evaluate a soldier's fundamental academic abilities in reading, math, and language. This assessment helps ensure soldiers have the necessary foundational skills to succeed in advanced training, specialized roles, and overall career progression within the military, making it crucial for career advancement.
Question 61: If ammunition costs $12 per box and the Army orders 2,500 boxes, what is the total cost?
- $28,000
- $30,000 (Correct answer)
- $29,500
- $31,500
Correct answer: $30,000
2,500 × $12 = $30,000.
Question 62: A passage explains: 'Preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) extend equipment life and ensure operational readiness.' According to this passage, what is ONE benefit of PMCS?
- Extending the life of equipment (Correct answer)
- Eliminating the need for new equipment purchases
- Simplifying maintenance schedules
- Reducing equipment costs through early disposal
Correct answer: Extending the life of equipment
The passage explicitly states that PMCS extends equipment life and ensures operational readiness.
Question 63: Which word is most nearly OPPOSITE in meaning to 'verbose'?
- Concise (Correct answer)
- Talkative
- Wordy
- Eloquent
Correct answer: Concise
'Verbose' means using more words than necessary, so 'concise,' meaning brief and clear, is the correct antonym.
Question 64: A document reads: 'The chain of command ensures that orders are passed from superior to subordinate in an orderly manner.' The word 'subordinate' in this context means:
- A civilian contractor
- A soldier of lower rank (Correct answer)
- A soldier of equal rank
- A soldier of higher rank
Correct answer: A soldier of lower rank
A subordinate is someone who is lower in rank or authority within a hierarchy.
Question 65: What does it mean when a vehicle's temperature gauge is in the red zone?
- The fuel level is low
- The engine is overheating (Correct answer)
- The battery is charging
- The engine is cold
Correct answer: The engine is overheating
A temperature gauge in the red zone indicates the engine is overheating and could be damaged if not addressed.
Question 66: What does 'ambiguous' mean?
- Extremely large in scale
- Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
- Clear and definite in meaning
- Hostile and confrontational
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
'Ambiguous' describes something that has more than one possible meaning or is unclear, leaving room for multiple interpretations.
Question 67: How can a strong performance on the TABE benefit a soldier’s career?
- It may lead to opportunities for advanced education and training (Correct answer)
- It increases their physical fitness score
- It ensures automatic promotion to a higher rank
- It qualifies them for additional combat training
Correct answer: It may lead to opportunities for advanced education and training
A strong performance on the TABE demonstrates a soldier's solid academic foundation. This can qualify them for more advanced Army education programs, specialized technical training, or even civilian education opportunities. Ultimately, excelling on the TABE opens doors for career progression and increased responsibilities within the military by proving their readiness for further learning.
Question 68: If a map scale is 1:50,000, what does 1 centimeter on the map represent in real life?
- 1,000 meters
- 50,000 meters
- 5,000 meters
- 500 meters (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 500 meters
1:50,000 scale means 1 cm = 50,000 cm = 500 meters in real life.
Question 69: Water flows through a pipe that narrows from 4 inches to 2 inches in diameter. What happens to the water's speed?
- It stays the same
- It decreases
- It stops
- It increases (Correct answer)
Correct answer: It increases
According to the continuity principle, fluid speeds up when flowing through a narrower pipe to maintain constant flow rate.
Question 70: A manual states: 'Fatigue degrades cognitive performance, decision-making, and situational awareness.' Which ability is NOT listed as being harmed by fatigue?
- Physical strength (Correct answer)
- Situational awareness
- Cognitive performance
- Decision-making
Correct answer: Physical strength
The passage mentions cognitive performance, decision-making, and situational awareness — physical strength is not listed.
Question 71: Which 3D shape has exactly 5 faces?
- Cube
- Tetrahedron
- Triangular prism
- Rectangular pyramid (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Rectangular pyramid
A rectangular (square) pyramid has 4 triangular faces and 1 rectangular base = 5 faces total.
Question 72: If gear A has 20 teeth and gear B has 10 teeth, and gear A rotates at 100 RPM, how fast does gear B rotate?
- 100 RPM
- 50 RPM
- 200 RPM (Correct answer)
- 150 RPM
Correct answer: 200 RPM
When meshed gears have a 2:1 tooth ratio, the smaller gear spins twice as fast; 100 × (20/10) = 200 RPM.
Question 73: A soldier uses a ramp to load a 600-pound crate into a truck. If the ramp is 12 feet long and the truck bed is 3 feet high, what is the mechanical advantage?
- 6
- 2
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 4
Mechanical advantage of a ramp = length ÷ height = 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
Question 74: Army Regulation 670-1 governs the standards of dress and appearance for soldiers. According to this context, what is the PRIMARY purpose of AR 670-1?
- To regulate uniform and grooming standards (Correct answer)
- To outline promotion criteria
- To set physical fitness standards
- To define code of conduct in combat
Correct answer: To regulate uniform and grooming standards
AR 670-1 primarily establishes uniform and grooming standards for Army soldiers.
Question 75: You start at a base camp and walk: 2 miles East, 2 miles North, 2 miles West, 2 miles South. Where are you relative to the base camp?
- 4 miles away
- Back at base camp (Correct answer)
- 2 miles East
- 2 miles North
Correct answer: Back at base camp
Equal distances East/West and North/South cancel out, returning you to the original starting point.
Question 76: Which material is the BEST electrical conductor?
- Copper (Correct answer)
- Wood
- Plastic
- Rubber
Correct answer: Copper
Copper is an excellent electrical conductor and is widely used in wiring for this reason.
Question 77: If 15% of 200 soldiers passed an advanced fitness test, how many soldiers passed?
- 20
- 30 (Correct answer)
- 25
- 35
Correct answer: 30
15% of 200 = 0.15 × 200 = 30 soldiers.
Question 78: A soldier interested in an intelligence role should focus on improving which section of the ASVAB?
- Word Knowledge (WK)
- General Science (GS)
- Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) (Correct answer)
- Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Correct answer: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Intelligence roles in the Army demand strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including the ability to interpret data and make logical deductions. The Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) section of the ASVAB directly assesses these mathematical and logical problem-solving skills, which are critical for success in intelligence-related Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Question 79: What is the Army's motto?
- Semper Paratus
- Semper Fidelis
- This We'll Defend (Correct answer)
- Honor, Courage, Commitment
Correct answer: This We'll Defend
'This We'll Defend' is the official motto of the United States Army, dating back to 1778.
Question 80: A training document reads: 'All soldiers must adhere to safety protocols to prevent unnecessary casualties.' The word 'adhere' most nearly means:
- Report
- Follow closely (Correct answer)
- Revise
- Ignore
Correct answer: Follow closely
'Adhere' means to follow or stick closely to rules or standards.
Question 81: How can achieving a high score on the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) impact a soldier's career?
- It is necessary for all combat roles
- It qualifies them for flight training
- It increases their eligibility for language pay (Correct answer)
- It allows them to bypass basic training
Correct answer: It increases their eligibility for language pay
The Army incentivizes foreign language proficiency, especially in critical languages, through special pay. Achieving a high score on the DLPT directly demonstrates a soldier's valuable language skills, making them eligible for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP), which is a significant career benefit and recognition of their specialized abilities.
Question 82: Which word is most similar in meaning to 'brevity'?
- Complexity
- Conciseness (Correct answer)
- Longevity
- Verbosity
Correct answer: Conciseness
'Brevity' means the quality of being brief or concise, so 'conciseness' is the best synonym.
Question 83: What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
- 186,000 miles per second (Correct answer)
- 186,000 miles per hour
- 300,000 miles per hour
- 300,000 feet per second
Correct answer: 186,000 miles per second
Light travels at approximately 186,000 miles per second (about 300,000 kilometers per second) in a vacuum.
Question 84: What is the boiling point of water at sea level in Fahrenheit?
- 212°F (Correct answer)
- 200°F
- 180°F
- 220°F
Correct answer: 212°F
Water boils at 212°F (100°C) at standard sea-level atmospheric pressure.
Question 85: A spring is compressed and then released. What type of energy is released?
- Thermal energy
- Chemical energy
- Nuclear energy
- Elastic potential energy (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Elastic potential energy
A compressed spring stores elastic potential energy, which is released as kinetic energy when released.
Question 86: A recruiter needs to interview 48 candidates. If she can interview 6 per day, in how many days will she finish?
- 8 days (Correct answer)
- 7 days
- 6 days
- 9 days
Correct answer: 8 days
48 ÷ 6 = 8 days.
Question 87: What does 'formidable' most nearly mean?
- Inspiring respect due to impressive strength (Correct answer)
- Easily overcome or defeated
- Weak and ineffective
- Friendly and approachable
Correct answer: Inspiring respect due to impressive strength
'Formidable' describes something that inspires fear or admiration due to its impressive power or capability.
Question 88: Newton's First Law of Motion states that an object at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by what?
- Gravity alone
- Magnetic fields only
- An unbalanced external force (Correct answer)
- Temperature change
Correct answer: An unbalanced external force
Newton's First Law (inertia) states an object stays at rest or in motion unless an unbalanced external force acts on it.
Question 89: Why might a soldier be required to take the TABE before enrolling in certain Army training programs?
- To ensure they meet the physical requirements
- To determine their potential for leadership roles
- To assess whether they possess the necessary academic skills (Correct answer)
- To verify their eligibility for language bonuses
Correct answer: To assess whether they possess the necessary academic skills
Army training programs, especially those for specialized or technical roles, often require a certain level of foundational academic proficiency. The TABE is administered to ensure soldiers have the prerequisite reading, math, and language skills to comprehend course material, follow instructions, and successfully complete the training, thereby assessing necessary academic skills.
Question 90: A pulley system with 4 pulleys requires an effort force to lift a 400-pound load. Approximately how much effort is needed?
- 100 lbs (Correct answer)
- 400 lbs
- 50 lbs
- 200 lbs
Correct answer: 100 lbs
A 4-pulley system provides a mechanical advantage of 4, reducing required effort to 400 ÷ 4 = 100 lbs.
Question 91: Which word is most nearly the same in meaning as 'arduous'?
- Joyful and pleasant
- Brief and short
- Simple and easy
- Strenuous and demanding (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Strenuous and demanding
'Arduous' means requiring great effort or involving considerable hardship, which matches 'strenuous and demanding.'
Question 92: A soldier completes a 5-mile run in 40 minutes. How many minutes per mile is his pace?
- 7.5 min/mile
- 8.5 min/mile
- 8 min/mile (Correct answer)
- 7 min/mile
Correct answer: 8 min/mile
Pace = total time ÷ distance = 40 ÷ 5 = 8 minutes per mile.
Question 93: A soldier earns $2,400 per month. If 20% is withheld for taxes and benefits, what is the take-home pay?
- $2,000
- $1,880
- $1,920 (Correct answer)
- $1,760
Correct answer: $1,920
20% withheld = $480; take-home = $2,400 − $480 = $1,920.
Question 94: What does 'MOS' stand for in Army terminology?
- Military Occupational Specialty (Correct answer)
- Maneuver Operations Section
- Military Operations Support
- Mission Objective Statement
Correct answer: Military Occupational Specialty
MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty, which is the job classification system used by the Army.
Question 95: What does 'SITREP' stand for in Army communications?
- Situation Report (Correct answer)
- Strategic Integration Report
- Security Intelligence Report
- Site Report
Correct answer: Situation Report
SITREP stands for Situation Report, a standardized military report that summarizes the current status of a unit.
Question 96: Choose the word most nearly the same in meaning as 'redundant':
- Critical and essential
- Urgently required
- Superfluous and unnecessary (Correct answer)
- Absolutely necessary
Correct answer: Superfluous and unnecessary
'Redundant' means no longer needed or serving no purpose, which closely matches 'superfluous,' meaning more than what is needed.
Question 97: A field measures 450 meters by 300 meters. What is its area in square meters?
- 100,500 m²
- 135,000 m² (Correct answer)
- 150,000 m²
- 125,000 m²
Correct answer: 135,000 m²
Area = length × width = 450 × 300 = 135,000 m².
Question 98: Which number is NOT a prime number?
- 21 (Correct answer)
- 17
- 23
- 19
Correct answer: 21
21 = 3 × 7, so it is not a prime number.
Question 99: If a military vehicle travels at 45 mph, how far will it travel in 2.5 hours?
- 100 miles
- 115 miles
- 120 miles
- 112.5 miles (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 112.5 miles
Distance = speed × time = 45 × 2.5 = 112.5 miles.
Question 100: A soldier's TABE score is below the required threshold for their desired career path. What is the most likely next step?
- They will be reassigned to a non-technical MOS
- They will be discharged from the Army
- They will need to retake the ASVAB
- They will receive targeted educational support or training (Correct answer)
Correct answer: They will receive targeted educational support or training
The Army uses the TABE to identify academic deficiencies, not to discharge soldiers. If a soldier's score is below a required threshold, the most common next step is to provide them with remedial education or training programs designed to improve their basic academic skills. This support helps them meet requirements for their desired career path and succeed in future training.
Army Personnel Testing (APT) Exam
The Army Personnel Testing (APT) Exam measures cognitive abilities and aptitudes required for military occupational specialty assignments, covering mathematics, reading comprehension, mechanical aptitude, military knowledge, general science, and spatial reasoning.
Exam Rules
- You can skip questions and return to them later
- Flag questions for review before submitting
- No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
- Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
- 10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
- Timer auto-submits when time runs out
- Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds
These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- ng.ms.gov — Test delivery, eligibility, retake policy · verified Oct 2026
- home.army.mil — Test delivery · verified Oct 2026