So you’re about to take the ASVAB and you want to do really well. To make sure that you nail the exam, we have put together a last-minute ASVAB exam technique guide with our best ASVAB test tips.
1. Get a good nights sleep
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep before the exam so that you’ll have a clear head and give yourself the best chance of getting good results.
2. Know where you’re going
Make sure to arrive at the exam hall well before the exam. You do not need the unnecessary stress of getting delayed in traffic or not being able to find the exam location.
If possible, visit the location in advance so that you can concentrate on your exam on the day.
3. Ask Questions
Follow the instructions of the invigilators. If you are uncertain of anything, do not be afraid to ask questions. They are there to help you.
4. Know which exam format you’re taking
As you probably know, the ASVAB can be taken in a pencil or computer format. The format you are taking will depend on the location of your exam. Each of these exams requires a different strategy and has different rules.
ASVAB Test Tips for the Pen and Paper (P&P) ASVAB
- You can skip questions and return to them with the P&P exam. If you find a question particularly difficult, skip it and come back to it at the end.
- · If you run out of time, guess the remainder of the questions.
- Make sure you completely erase incorrect answers and only mark one answer.
- Throughout the exam, make sure that you are answering the correct question. Unfortunately, there are always a handful of people who get to the end of the exam and realize they skipped a question and have been filling the wrong answers.
ASVAB Test Tips for the Computer (CAT) ASVAB
- Once you have answered a question, you are not allowed to return to that question again. Make sure that you answer it correctly.
- · The computer-based test uses adaptive testing. This means that if you answer a question correctly then the next question is more difficult. If you answer a question incorrectly then the next question is easier. Just answer the question and don’t worry if it seems more difficult or
easier.
5. Read the questions
Once you sit down to take the exam, read and listen to the instructions carefully. These will differ depending on the type of exam.
With the CAT ASVAB for example, the keyboard will have only a few keys that you need to use. Pressing an invalid key may disqualify your results and you may have to return another day to resit the exam.
6. Guess
Since points are not deducted for incorrect answers – guess, but make an educational guess.
When taking a P&P format test, read through the questions, first, and then answer the ones that are easiest for you, first. If there is time remaining for the tougher questions, you should guess.
With the CAT-ASVAB you only get one question at a time, so you can’t leave the tougher questions to guess at the end.
ASVAB Test Tips on how to guess with the best chance of success:
- · Eliminate answers that are obviously wrong.
- · If you can’t eliminate any answers, then always guess the same letter. Statistically, this will increase the probability of guessing correctly.
7. Time
You should know how long to spend on each question before going into the exam. Bring a watch with you and make sure that you do not spend too much time on any individual question.
If there is time remaining at the end of the exam review your answers. You will not be allowed leave a P&P ASVAB until everyone has finished.
8. Focus on your own Exam
Don’t waste any time and energy looking to see what others are doing. People often get worried that others have 5 questions answered while you are finishing your second. Eyes down and stick to your strategy. You want your complete focus and attention on your exam.
9. Don’t look back
Once you finish a question, just concentrate on the next one. This is easier to do with the CAT-ASVAB because you can’t return to a question that you have answered. Don’t waste any time wondering if it was right or wrong – your attention will be better spent trying to get this one correct.
10. Don’t Stress
You can re-sit the ASVAB if you don’t get the score that you need. Although it’s better to get it done the first time, it is not the end of the world if something goes wrong on the day.
Everyone will think the worst after the exam. Like one recruit said, “I took my ASVAB a few weeks ago and was freaking out. I didn’t even want to open my scores till my recruiter made me open it, I was surprised on how well I did. ” Use the nervous energy and adrenaline to your advantage.
Have you taken the ASVAB before? What are some of your ASVAB test tips? Leave them in the comments below.
