When you apply to join as an enlisted Airman, you will take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. High school seniors or graduates must achieve a minimum score of 31 AFQT (overall score), and GED holders must achieve a 50 AFQT.
To prepare, you should take a solid core of courses in mathematics, science and English in high school (and/or college). Academic preparation will help your performance on the Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge and General Science subtests. Technical courses will also help with performance on the Auto Information, Shop Information, Electronics Information and Mechanical Comprehension subtests.
To more specifically prepare for the test, familiarize yourself with the format and content by examining sample questions available on our ASVAB page and the official ASVAB site. It is highly recommended you prepare in advance. Once you take your initial ASVAB, you must wait one calendar month to retake the test and an additional calendar month to retest a second time. After that, the required wait to retake the test extends to six calendar months.
Before you join the Air Force as an Officer, you must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT). This test is similar to the SAT, with a multiple choice format, and covers topics ranging from verbal and math skills to pilot and navigation aptitude for those interested in flying.
Because the AFOQT is a test of your general knowledge in a large number of subject areas, there is no “best way” to study for it. To prepare for the test, familiarize yourself with the format and style of the questions using our practice pamphlet. Taking the provided practice tests will give you an idea of what the real test will be like, although most items in the AFOQT will prove to be more difficult.
Scores are reported as percentiles ranging from 1 to 99 and the Air Force has established minimum AFOQT standards. Contact your recruiter to find out the specifics on how competitive your particular scores will be in the selection process.