The ASVAB, or the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is an official United States military made test used to determine if an individual is eligible for the military, and what jobs best suit them. The test is completely free, and is offered in most high schools starting junior year. The test does more than simply score an individual based on IQ; it also takes into account multiple cognitive abilities and skills. The test can also tell the taker what job in general can be best suited for them, not just jobs in the United States military.
Someone who is interested in joining the United States Military, whether it be the Army, Air Force, Navy, etc. must take the ASVAB test. Subjects on the ASVAB test range from verbal skills, such as word knowledge and reading comprehension, to mathematics, to general science and technical skills, such as issues dealing with electronics and automotive, to spatial and mechanical skills. These subjects are not just learned in school, but general day to day life, which is done on purpose; again, the test isn’t meant to measure your IQ or how book smart you are, but instead, what field in the military generally suits you best.
With this test, there’s no “passing” or “failing” like a traditional test, the test taker just has to reach a certain score (0-100) to be considered for the United States Military. Generally, the minimum score to entire the lowest ranks of the United States Military is 30, but the average score between test takers is a 50. Above average is 60+, and will land you more competitive roles, while test takers in the 70+ range are considered for the best jobs that the United States Military has to offer.
The ASVAB test is not just for those interested in the United States Military, but it is open for any student to take, and is quite helpful with guiding a student towards different career paths. Because the ASVAB test doesn’t focus on just IQ, the students wide range of skills can be funneled together to uniquely, and accurately, form a list of career paths best suited for the individual. Not to mention, again, that the test is completely free! So, basically, you get a free list of job opportunities based on all your tested skills, not just what is taught to you in school.
Unfortunately, the deadline to sign up for the ASVAB test this year at Hernando High School has past, but don’t you worry! Around this time next year, the sign ups will begin again, or, for further details, you can always get in contact with our local military recruiters. To do so, you may fill out a request form on the specific branches website, or call/go to the US Army Recruiting Office in Southaven, MS (the closet nearby).
