MEPS ASVAB Administration and Purpose 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which four ASVAB subtests are combined to calculate the AFQT score?
- Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension (Correct answer)
- General Science, Electronics Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Auto Information
- Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Word Knowledge, Electronics Information
- Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects, Paragraph Comprehension
Correct answer: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension
The AFQT is calculated from Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), Word Knowledge (WK), and Paragraph Comprehension (PC).
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of ASVAB composite (line) scores beyond the AFQT?
- To rank recruits against each other for promotion
- To determine which military occupational specialties (MOS/ratings) a recruit qualifies for (Correct answer)
- To measure physical fitness potential
- To assign security clearance levels
Correct answer: To determine which military occupational specialties (MOS/ratings) a recruit qualifies for
Composite scores group specific subtests to predict aptitude for particular job fields, determining which MOS, ratings, or AFSCs a recruit may qualify for.
Question 3: The computerized version of the ASVAB administered at MEPS is known by what acronym?
- DASVAB
- CAT-ASVAB (Correct answer)
- eCASVAB
- TASVAB
Correct answer: CAT-ASVAB
The CAT-ASVAB (Computerized Adaptive Testing ASVAB) is the version administered at MEPS, adapting question difficulty based on responses.
Question 4: How does the CAT-ASVAB differ from the paper-and-pencil ASVAB in terms of question delivery?
- It has more subtests than the paper version
- Questions adjust in difficulty based on the test-taker's previous answers (Correct answer)
- It covers fewer subject areas to save time
- Scores are reported immediately as letter grades
Correct answer: Questions adjust in difficulty based on the test-taker's previous answers
The CAT-ASVAB uses adaptive testing, presenting harder questions after correct answers and easier ones after incorrect answers, providing accurate scores with fewer items.
Question 5: What reference population was used to establish the national norms for current ASVAB percentile scores?
- All active-duty military members from 2000–2004
- A nationally representative sample of 18–23-year-olds tested in 1997 (Correct answer)
- High school seniors who took the SAT in 2010
- MEPS applicants from fiscal year 2015
Correct answer: A nationally representative sample of 18–23-year-olds tested in 1997
Current ASVAB norms are based on a 1997 nationally representative sample of 18–23-year-olds, establishing the percentile comparison baseline.
Question 6: Which military branch has the highest minimum AFQT score requirement for enlistment without a high school diploma waiver?
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force / Space Force (Correct answer)
- Marine Corps
Correct answer: Air Force / Space Force
The Air Force (and Space Force) typically requires the highest minimum AFQT score, generally set at 36 or above, with strict standards for GED holders.
Question 7: A recruit receives an ASVAB score report listing subtests in standard scores. What does a standard score of 50 indicate?
- The recruit answered exactly half the questions correctly
- The recruit performed at the mean of the reference group (Correct answer)
- The recruit's score falls in the bottom 50th percentile
- The recruit passed the minimum threshold for all military branches
Correct answer: The recruit performed at the mean of the reference group
ASVAB standard scores have a mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10, so a score of 50 equals the average performance of the reference group.
MEPS ASVAB Administration and Purpose 3
Which four ASVAB subtests are combined to calculate the AFQT score?