ASVAB Question Categories
The ASVAB consists of nine (or ten, depending on how they are counted) question categories/subtests. The tables below display the number of questions per category and time limit for the paper and computerized version. Below the table is an explanation of the different question categories. As you can see, in the paper version Auto Information and Shop Information is combined to make one subtest.
Computerized version
Question category
Number of questions
Time Limit (Minutes)
General Science(GS)
16
8
Word Knowledge(WK)
16
39
Paragraph Comprehension(PC)
16
8
Arithmetic Reasoning(AR)
11
22
Mathematical Knowledge(MK)
16
20
Electronics Information(EI)
16
8
Auto Information(AI)
11
7
Shop Information(SI)
11
6
Mechanical Comprehension(MC)
16
20
Assembling Objects(AO)
16
16
Total
145
154
Paper Version
Question category
Number of questions
Time Limit (Minutes)
General Science(GS)
25
11
Word Knowledge(WK)
30
36
Paragraph Comprehension(PC)
35
11
Arithmetic Reasoning(AR)
15
13
Mathematical Knowledge(MK)
25
24
Electronics Information(EI)
20
9
Auto and Shop Information(AS)
25
11
Mechanical Comprehension(MC)
25
19
Assembling Objects(AO)
25
15
Total
225
149
General Science
Questions concerning general high school-level science. Among other areas, expect questions in biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy.
Word Knowledge
Test to determine the broadness of your vocabulary. Identify the correct meaning of a word presented in context and identify the best synonym for a given word.
Paragraph Comprehension
Obtain information from written passages. You are to read a passage of text and answer questions regarding the meaning of this text.
Arithmetic Reasoning
Solve mathematic problems mostly given verbally. You are not allowed to use a calculator.
Mathematical Knowledge
Your knowledge about general mathematical rules and principles are tested. Subjects include but are not limited to: quadratic equations, exponents, surface area, volume area, and order of operation.
Electronics Information
Questions regarding basic electricity and electronics.
Auto Information
Questions about principles of automobile technology.
Shop Information
Your knowledge of tools and shop terminology and practices is determined.
Mechanical Comprehension
Knowledge of mechanical and physical principles.
Assembling Objects
A test to measure your ability to comprehend spatial relationships.