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Inside the ASVAB Sections: Master All ASVAB Test Parts

Sarah Nguyen

Created at June 9, 2025

The ASVAB sections lay the foundation for your military future, assessing your skills across critical ASVAB test subjects that directly impact your career options. Long before you step into basic training, the test highlights your strengths in areas like word knowledge, math, and mechanical reasoning. Each part is connected to real-world roles, specialized training, and advancement paths. We’ll break down all ASVAB test parts and subjects in this guide, helping you understand how they influence your opportunities and get one step closer to your ideal MOS.

Sections of the ASVAB test

The ASVAB test is composed of ten subtests that evaluate your skills across a variety of subjects. These ASVAB test parts are used to calculate ASVAB scores (both the AFQT score and ASVAB line scores) for job placement. These sections vary based on different test versions. Here’s a quick overview of the subtests, followed by a closer look at each section:

Subtest	CAT-ASVAB (Questions -Time)	P&P-ASVAB (Questions -Time)	Main Areas
General Science (GS)	15 questions – 12 min	25 questions – 11 min	Life, physical, earth & space sciences
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)	15 questions – 55 min	30 questions – 36 min	Word problems, percentages, logic
Word Knowledge (WK)	15 questions – 9 min	35 questions – 11 min	Vocabulary, synonyms
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)	10 questions – 27 min	15 questions – 13 min	Reading main ideas, inference
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)	15 questions – 31 min	25 questions – 24 min	Algebra, geometry, math rules
Electronics Information (EI)	15 questions – 10 min	20 questions – 9 min	Ohm’s Law, circuits, electronics basics
Auto Information (AI)	10 questions – 7 min	25 questions – 11 min*	Auto systems, parts, and functions
Shop Information (SI)	10 questions – 6 min	25 questions – 11 min*	Tools, workshop safety, materials
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)	15 questions – 22 min	25 questions – 19 min	Mechanical systems, levers, pulleys, gears
Assembling Objects (AO)	15 questions – 18 min	25 questions – 15 min	Visual puzzles, spatial reasoning

Note*: Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) are combined into one section called Auto & Shop Information during the Paper-and-Pencil (P&P) test, with a total of 25 questions in 11 minutes.

The following provides a detailed overview of each test section presented in the table above, offering a clearer understanding of the content and requirements of each component.

General Science (GS)

The General Science (GS) section of the CAT-ASVAB consists of 15 questions with a time limit of 10 minutes. The paper-and-pencil (P&P) version has 25 questions, and you will have 11 minutes to complete it.

This subject covers a variety of subtopics, including:

Earth Science: Covers topics such as weather, climate, rock layers, the water cycle, and natural phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes.
Ecology: Focuses on the relationships between organisms and their environments, including ecosystems and food chains.
Nutrition & Health: Includes knowledge of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and how the human body maintains health.
Cellular Biology: Covers the structure and function of cells, including DNA, mitochondria, and cell reproduction.
Human Body Systems: Focuses on organs and systems such as the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.
Physical Science: Involves basic principles of physics and chemistry, including states of matter, energy, motion, and atomic structure.

This ASVAB subject covers subjects such as life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Sample questions might include: “What organ is responsible for pumping blood?”, “What is Ohm’s Law?” or “Which layer of the Earth is molten?”

The General Science subtest contributes to the General Technical (GT) and Skilled Technical (ST) line scores. The format of questions is multiple-choice.

To prepare well, it’s helpful to review basic biology, chemistry, and physics concepts from high school. Since the ASVAB section covers a broad range of scientific topics, refreshing your fundamental knowledge will improve accuracy and speed in answering questions. Take the General Science Practice Test to test your science knowledge.

Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)

The Arithmetic Reasoning section of the CAT-ASVAB includes 15 questions with a time limit of 55 minutes. In the paper-and-pencil (P&P) version, it includes 30 questions to be completed within 36 minutes.

This ASVAB test part focuses on solving word problems involving basic math operations. Subtopics in this section include:

Fractions: Understanding, comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.
Statistics: Includes mean, median, mode, and basic data interpretation.
Distance, Rate & Time: Problems that involve calculating speed, distance, or time.
Math Operations: Applying addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in real-life scenarios.
Percentages: Finding percentage values, increases, decreases, and discounts.
Geometry: Working with shapes, perimeter, area, and volume.
Number Properties: Covers odd/even, prime/composite, and factors/multiples.
Equations: Solving basic algebraic equations and formulas.

Sample questions might include: If a car travels 60 miles in 2 hours, what is its average speed?, What is 25% of 200?, or How much interest is earned on $100 at 5% for 1 year?

Arithmetic Reasoning contributes to the AFQT, Clerical (CL), General Technical (GT), and Skilled Technical (ST) line scores. The format involves word-based math problems.

To excel, practice solving real-world math problems quickly and accurately, focusing on ratios, percentages, and speed/distance problems.

Sharpen your problem-solving skills with our Arithmetic Reasoning Practice Test. Ready to get started?

Word Knowledge (WK)

The Word Knowledge section consists of 15 questions on the CAT-ASVAB with a 9-minute time limit, and 35 questions on the P&P-ASVAB with an 11-minute time limit. It evaluates your understanding of vocabulary and synonyms. It includes subtopics such as:

Contextualized Questions: Determining the meaning of a word based on the surrounding text.
Synonym-Based Questions: Identifying the word that means the same or nearly the same.

Sample questions might include: Choose the word closest in meaning to “obstinate”, or What is the definition of “benevolent”?

The Word Knowledge subtest contributes to the AFQT, Verbal Expression (VE), and Clerical (CL) line scores. It is multiple-choice.

Building a strong vocabulary through reading and flashcards will boost your performance in this ASVAB test section.

Improve your test-day vocabulary with a focused Word Knowledge Practice Test.

Paragraph Comprehension (PC)

In the CAT-ASVAB, the Paragraph Comprehension section has 10 questions with a time limit of 27 minutes. The P&P-ASVAB version includes 15 questions with a 13-minute time limit. This ASVAB subject measures your ability to understand written passages. Subtopics include:

Main Idea: Identifying the primary message or purpose of a passage.
Wider Implications: Drawing conclusions and making inferences.
Word Meaning in Context: Figuring out the meaning of a word based on how it’s used in the passage.
Finding Information: Locating specific facts or details.

Sample questions might ask: What is the main idea of the passage?, What can be inferred about the author’s opinion?, or Which detail supports the conclusion?

Paragraph Comprehension counts toward the AFQT, Verbal Expression (VE), and Clerical (CL) line scores. The format involves reading a passage and answering multiple-choice questions.

Skimming for structure and identifying key points will help improve your speed and comprehension.

Ready to decode dense passages? Tackle our Paragraph Comprehension Practice Test today.

Mathematics Knowledge (MK)

The Mathematics Knowledge section of the CAT-ASVAB consists of 15 questions with a 23-minute time limit. The P&P-ASVAB version has 25 questions to be completed in 24 minutes.

This ASVAB test section covers high school-level algebra and geometry. Subtopics include:

Algebra: Solving equations, simplifying expressions, and working with variables.
Geometry: Calculating area & volume, and working with shapes and theorems.

Sample questions include: Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 13, What is the area of a triangle with base 6 and height 4?, or Simplify exponents such as 3².

Mathematics Knowledge contributes to AFQT, General Technical (GT), and Skilled Technical (ST) line scores. The format is multiple-choice math problems.

Knowing key formulas and practicing mental math will help you answer efficiently.

Now, brush up on your math skills with our free Mathematics Knowledge Practice Test.

Electronics Information (EI)

This section of the CAT-ASVAB features 15 questions with a time limit of 10 minutes. The P&P-ASVAB includes 20 questions to be completed in 9 minutes. This ASVAB part evaluates your understanding of electrical circuits and systems. Subtopics include:

Electricity: Understanding current, voltage, resistance, and Ohm’s Law.
Electrical System: Identifying components like capacitors, resistors, and circuits.

Sample questions could be: What does Ohm’s Law state?, How does a resistor affect current flow?, or Identify a symbol for a capacitor.

Electronics Information contributes to Electronics (EL) and Skilled Technical (ST) line scores. It uses multiple-choice questions, sometimes with diagrams.

Familiarity with basic electrical concepts and components is essential. Time to power up your skills! Tackle the ASVAB Electronics Information Practice Test and sharpen your understanding.

Auto Information (AI)

The Auto Information section includes 10 questions on the CAT-ASVAB with a time limit of 7 minutes. The P&P version has 25 questions to be completed in 11 minutes.

This ASVAB subject evaluates your knowledge of automotive components and systems. Subtopics include:

Engines: Function of engine parts and combustion process.
Ignition Systems: How spark plugs, batteries, and ignition coils work.
Transmissions & Brakes: How vehicles shift gears and stop.

Sample questions might be asked: What is the function of a carburetor?, How does the ignition system work?, or Which part transfers power from the engine to the wheels?

The Auto Information subtest contributes to the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) line score. The format is multiple-choice and focuses on identifying and understanding automotive parts and functions.

To prepare strategically, review basic car systems such as engines, fuel systems, transmissions, and brakes.

Let’s tune up your skills! Take the Auto & Shop Information Practice Test and get one step closer to your goal.

Shop Information (SI)

The CAT-ASVAB version has 10 questions with a 6-minute time limit, while the P&P-ASVAB contains 25 questions to be answered in 11 minutes.

This ASVAB test part measures your understanding of tools, materials, and basic shop practices. Subtopics include:

Tools: Identifying hand tools and their purposes.
Workshop Practices: Best practices for cutting, assembling, and measuring.
Safety Protocols: Equipment use and personal protection.

Sample questions might include: Which tool is used to measure torque?, What safety equipment is essential in a workshop? Or how should wood be cut to avoid splintering?

The Shop Information subtest also contributes to the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) line score, like the Auto Information subtest. It is a multiple-choice test, testing your familiarity with common tools, workshop safety, and repair methods. To succeed, review tools, workshop procedures, and safety protocols.

Mechanical Comprehension (MC)

In the CAT-ASVAB, this section consists of 15 questions with a time limit of 22 minutes. The P&P-ASVAB version includes 25 questions to be answered in 19 minutes.

This test measures your understanding of mechanical principles. Subtopics include:

Machines: Understanding levers, pulleys, and gears.
Fundamentals of Mechanics: Principles like force, pressure, motion, and energy.

Sample questions might include: How does a pulley system work?, What happens to force when gear sizes change?, or Explain the principle of leverage.

Mechanical Comprehension contributes to the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) line score. It involves multiple-choice questions often with diagrams.

Thinking visually and applying everyday mechanical concepts is key. Want to master gears, levers, and pulleys? Start with our Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test.

Assembling Objects (AO)

This section includes 15 questions in the CAT-ASVAB, which must be completed in 17 minutes. The P&P-ASVAB version has 25 questions with a 15-minute time limit.

This ASVAB section evaluates spatial ability and visualizes how parts fit together. Subtopics include:

Connection Items: Matching and aligning parts.
Puzzle Items: Completing images and identifying rotations.

Sample questions might ask: Which shape fits into this 3D figure?, How does this object look when rotated?, or Which option completes the pattern?

It contributes to the Skilled Technical (ST) line score. The format consists of spatial puzzles and image-based questions. Practicing with puzzles and 3D visualization exercises will improve your performance. Let’s wrap up with the Assembling Objects Practice Test and see where you stand!

Final thoughts

Knowing the sections of the ASVAB test and the specific ASVAB subjects helps you prepare effectively. Each part of the ASVAB tests different skills, so understanding all ASVAB categories and ASVAB topics is key to doing well. Whether taking the CAT or P&P version, reviewing every ASVAB test section improves your confidence and scores. Focus on each ASVAB part individually to cover all areas. Mastering these ASVAB test parts opens more military job opportunities. Use this guide to know what to expect and prepare smartly for success.