How to Calculate ASVAB Score: A Comprehensive Guide
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test used by the United States military to assess the aptitude and potential of recruits. One of the most important aspects of the ASVAB is understanding how to calculate your score. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to calculate your ASVAB score, helping you better understand your results and how they can impact your military career.
Understanding the ASVAB Format
Before diving into the calculation process, it’s essential to understand the ASVAB format. The test consists of nine subtests, which are grouped into four main categories: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Word Knowledge (WK), Paragraph Comprehension (PC), and Mathematics Knowledge (MK). These categories are further divided into subtests, with a total of 10 sections. Your score is calculated based on the number of correct answers in each subtest.
Scoring Method
The ASVAB scoring method is designed to provide an accurate assessment of your abilities. Here’s how it works:
1. Raw Score: Your raw score is the number of questions you answered correctly in each subtest. For example, if you answered 40 out of 50 questions correctly in the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest, your raw score would be 40.
2. Standard Score: The raw score is then converted to a standard score, which is a measure of how you performed relative to the national norm group. Standard scores range from 20 to 99, with a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. To calculate your standard score, you’ll need to use the following formula:
Standard Score = 10 (Raw Score – Mean) / Standard Deviation
Using the example above, your standard score for the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest would be:
Standard Score = 10 (40 – 50) / 10 = -10
3. Percentile Score: Your percentile score indicates the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you in the same subtest. For example, if you have a percentile score of 80 in the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest, it means you scored better than 80% of the test-takers.
4. AFQT Score: The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score is a composite score that combines the results of four subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. Your AFQT score is calculated using the following formula:
AFQT Score = 2 AR + 2 WK + 2 PC + MK
Your AFQT score is crucial, as it determines your eligibility for certain military jobs and programs.
Calculating Your ASVAB Score
To calculate your ASVAB score, follow these steps:
1. Obtain your raw scores for each subtest.
2. Convert your raw scores to standard scores using the formula mentioned earlier.
3. Calculate your percentile scores for each subtest.
4. Compute your AFQT score using the AFQT formula.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to calculate your ASVAB score accurately and understand how it can influence your military career. Remember that a high ASVAB score can open doors to better opportunities and benefits within the military.
