ASVAB (also see Military)

ASVAB stands for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

BRIEF SUMMARY

ASVAB stands for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.

(Added 9/18/23 Dr. Nathaniel Grandberry, Program Manager for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (ASVAB-CEP) in Indiana): There are TWO ASVAB programs; Enlistment (military) and Student (career exploration). The Enlistment (Military) ASVAB is a military program, which is administered at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEP) or at one of its satellite locations (MET site). The Student ASVAB Career Exploration Program (ASVAB-CEP), is a comprehensive career exploration program for high school students, which explore ALL occupations including the military. The ASVAB-CEP is administered in high school locations. It’s a modified test administered to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students and 1st and 2nd year college students for career exploration, at No cost No commitment. A civilian Education Specialist manages the ASVAB-CEP, which work in partnership with high schools to offer career and occupation information to students. We provide career exploration opportunities to over 512 high schools throughout Indiana and about 20 schools in Illinois. The ASVAB is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. Program components are multiple aptitude test; Career Interest Inventory; Career Exploration Tool, the OCCU-Find; and Career Planning Resources. Counselors and teachers can use the ASVAB test results as a benchmark to gage students’ performance. The career exploration components give students the opportunity to explore a variety of occupations in line with their interests and skills through assessment and structured activities. In the student ASVAB program, the scores from all eight tests are critical arears, not just the AFQT score. Keep in mind, career exploration is the primary focus in the student ASVAB program. Our occupation database explores over 1000 occupation (mostly civilian related). ASVAB scores are compiled into career exploration scores that assess skills and ability for multiple occupations of interest for students. Special note: The ASVAB result sheet give students an AFQT score which may be used for military consideration. The video listed under Resources will be advisable to watch for anyone not familiar with the reason why the ASVAB is offered in high school.

KEY POINTS

  • The ASVAB is scored in four critical areas — Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge. These scores count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you’re qualified to enlist in the U.S. military.
  • Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.
  • Scoring high on the ASVAB will require study and concentration.

RESOURCES

  • (Added 8/12/24):  THE ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM: July Newsletter – The ASVAB Career Exploration Program shared a newsletter in July with back to school resources and important deadlines. Learn more about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program and its resources here.
  • (Added 4/30/24, Dr. Grandberry, ASVAB-CEP Program Manager): Information Only: O*NET and many other tools are and have been available (FREE) through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, OCCU-Find. The OCCU-Find is accessible to any individual or student that has an access code. Students taking the ASVAB test are provided a Personal Access Code on their Result Sheet. Visit ASVAB Program at www.asvabprogram.com. The site provides (FREE) Quick links: FAFSA, Fast web, College Navigator, College Calc, and Living Wage Calculator. Provides DATA Sources: O*NET Online, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Careers in the Military, National Career Clusters Framework and CareerOne Stop. Provides Student Actives: My Educational and Career Plana, Coursework Planner, Thinking about Work Values, Seeing STEM in the Everyday and much more. So why are counselors and schools not using this Comprehensive ASVAB Career Exploration Program, it’s not just a test but a Program – FREE, No Cost and No Commitment to join ANY military service. It’s not too late to test your students. NEW: Contact me for more information about the MEPS’ ICAT Computer testing Pilot which ends May 31, 2024. Computer testing will be norm for ASVAB testing in SY 2024-2025. Thanks!
  • (Added 3/12/24, IDOE Update): Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Graduation Pathway Requirements: Pursuant to Indiana Code (IC) 20-32-4-1.5, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) established the use of the ASVAB to meet graduation pathway requirements. Beginning with the 2025 graduation cohort, HEA 1635 requires students electing to use the ASVAB as a means for meeting graduation pathway requirements to also fill out the Military Enlistment Intent Form. Students graduating in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts who have earned a qualifying ASVAB score, as determined by SBOE, prior to July 1, 2023, will be “grandfathered” in and will be able to utilize previously earned ASVAB scores without a signed Military Enlistment Intent Form to fulfill their graduation pathway requirements. Learn more here. Contact IDOE’s Student Pathways team with any questions.
  • (Added 2/1/24, Dr. Grandberry, ASVAB-CEP Program Manager): IEP Questions for the Military: NO special accommodation (SPAC) ASVAB score is valid for military consideration. Furthermore “A Letter of Intent” is of no value to an individual considering the military as a career. The new law requiring (A signed letter of intent to go into the military) if a school use the ASVAB-CEP as a graduation pathway, threaten the continuation of special accommodation testing in schools – SPAC scores are invalid for military consideration. As a reminder, there are two ASVAB program: Enlistment (for individuals interested in the military). A military recruiter can assist an individual by scheduling the person for processing through a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), the entity which determines if an individual is both physically and mentally fit to serve in the military. Student (for high school students – 10th, 11th,12th, grade students). The ASVAB-CEP is No Cost to schools and No Commitment to join the military by students taking the test. The student ASVAB-CEP is for career exploration. The AFQT score lets a student know where they stand if they have military interest. Bottom line, schools should assess its student body, starting with their sophomores (they will benefit the most from the career exploration program because they are in school the longest). Thanks, hope that is helpful!
  • (Added 10/31/23, Dr. Grandberry, ASVAB-CEP Program Manager):DOE Provided Information – HB 1635 and Enlistment Intent Form – The DOE office provided the attached information for inclusion in the newsletter: Theyincluded the memo shared in Dr. Jenner’s newsletter along with the Military Enlistment Intent Form for clarity. Please review attachments 2 & 3:  HB 1635 – ASVAB.doc and DOE Enlistment Intent Form. Applicable Graduation Cohorts Updated for clarification as of 6.15.23. Students graduating in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts who have earned a qualifying ASVAB score, as determined by SBOE, before July 1, 2023, will be “grandfathered” in and will be able to utilize previously earned ASVAB scores without assigned Military Enlistment Intent Form to fulfill their graduation pathway requirements. Students in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts taking the ASVAB to count towards graduation pathway requirements who did not earn a qualifying score before July 1, 2023, and students in subsequent graduation cohorts must adhere to the conditions outlined in this memo.
    • Questions Asked from The Field Regarding Bill Implementation:

      • Question: “How are you explaining this to the students who don’t have any choice but to use the ASVAB for their pathway, especially now that they must sign the form? We try our best to use other options (CTE, SAT, DC) but it doesn’t always work.”  

        • (A) Many schools use the ASVAB for its intended purpose – Career Exploration- not necessarily for a graduation pathway. The bottom line is that schools should be testing all high school students. I will explain why a little later – keep reading. As I see it, your explanation should be directed to the students who need it. If your school is testing for graduation pathway, accurately explain DOE’s position and intent letter use. Ensure your explanation detaches the ASVAB-CEP because this program is NO cost to the school and NO commitment for students taking the ASVAB test. We are available to assist if needed!

      • Question: “Does this form have to be sent in or just kept on file at the school?”

        • (A) The signed military enlistment intent forms are to be kept on file at the school -You will not send them to the IDOE unless requested in an audit.

      • Question: “Can the student change their mind after signing the Intent to Enlist form?”

        • (A) Yes! How often have you witnessed your students change their minds about what college or university they will attend?

      • Question: “Will ALL students wanting to take the ASVAB have to sign a letter of “intent to enlist” in the             military before taking the ASVAB exam?”

        • (A) NO. The ASVAB-CEP is funded and administered by the Department of Defense. In high schools, it is a NO COST, NO COMMITMENT program for students taking the test. The intent letter is specifically for students who want to use it for pathway requirements.
        • The ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) is available to ALL students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, Job Corps centers, and to post-secondary students.

      • Question: “Does the military need an intent form for a person to enlist?”

        • (A) NO. An intent form is irrelevant for a person wanting to join the military. Also, sophomores and special accommodation scores are INVALIDATE for military consideration.
        • ASVAB testing does not require a signed parental release statement. The ASVAB is exempt from the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment) that require a signed parental release statement.
  • What is the ASVAB Test?
  • Understanding Your ASVAB Scores – video

SHARED WISDOM

  • (Added 3/12/24, CounselorTalk): Military Enlistment Intent Form
  • (Added 12/12/23, CounselorTalk):
    • Q: I am looking for wording in statute or memo form that would address a particular situation.
      • 1.  I have a 2025 cohort student who earned a 46 on the ASVAB in March of 2023.
        2.  This student is on track to graduate with the Class of 2024.
        3.  This student is seriously considering the military, has met with one recruiter but has not officially committed, and is willing to sign the document stating an intent to enlist–as long as she is not required to follow through if she changes her mind.
        The question:  Can I have her sign the letter of intent and consider her ASVAB score as having met her Box 2 requirement?
    • A: (forwarded response from IDOE): Scores may be used for enlistment for up to two years from the date of testing. If a student has completed the Military Enlistment Intent Form and their qualifying score of 31 or higher is less than two years old at the time of graduation, it can be used for their Postsecondary Readiness Competency. Unless a student is graduating early, students must complete the ASVAB in grades 11 or 12 to meet this requirement per the guidance.
  • (Added 9/18/23 IDOE):Our team has received multiple questions regarding the use of accommodations with the ASVAB that is being given in the school and the recent legislative changes. We have confirmed with our Legal team that an ASVAB taken with accommodations in the school setting can be used for Graduation Pathways purposes. As a reminder, guidance regarding the requirements for the use of ASVAB to fulfill graduation pathways requirements is outlined in this memo. If you have additional questions, please contact DOEGradpathways@doe.in.gov.
  • (IDOE, June 15, 2023): The IDOE’s legislative updates indicate the following: Utilizing the ASVAB to meet graduation pathway requirements (HEA 1635). HEA 1635 outlines additional parameters for students utilizing the ASVAB to meet graduation pathway requirements. This includes completing the Military Enlistment Intent Form. Please see this memo for additional information.
  • (IDOE, March 2023): Career Readiness and Literacy with Career and Technical Education (CTE) ASVAB Career Exploration Program February Newsletter provides resources and information for educators, counselors, parents, and students. Educators will find definitions, resources, funding, and information about CTE’s relationship to the labor market, student outcomes, and achievement. Articles include High-Paying Careers Without a College Degree, Resource Roundup: Explore Postsecondary Options, and The Impact of High School Counselors. Contact asvabcep@gmail.com with any questions.
  • (CounselorTalk, March 2023):Career Readiness and Literacy with Career and Technical Education (CTE): ASVAB Career Exploration Program February Newsletter provides resources and information for educators, counselors, parents, and students. Educators will find definitions, resources, funding, and information about CTE’s relationship to the labor market, student outcomes, and achievement. Articles include High-Paying Careers Without a College Degree, Resource Roundup: Explore Postsecondary Options, and The Impact of High School Counselors. Contact asvabcep@gmail.com with any questions.
  • Q: Does anyone have good ASVAB practice sites they use for their students? (Counselortalk 8/8/22)
  • (For Indiana) ASVAB testing coordinator information:
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