Best ASVAB Study Books and Practice Tests
The most popular ASVAB prep books, what each one is good for, and how to use a book together with free online practice.
This page has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this site free.
Do you need a book?
No — you can study for the ASVAB for free online (this site has lessons, 745 vocabulary words and timed practice tests). But many people like a book too: you can study without a screen, write in it and take full practice tests on paper. If you buy one, pick one main book and finish it, instead of buying three and reading none.
Tip: always get the newest edition. The test changes a little over the years, and older books may describe the paper test instead of the computer test (CAT-ASVAB).
The most popular ASVAB books
| Book | Good for |
|---|---|
| ASVAB For Dummies | Clear explanations of every subtest, plus practice tests. A good first book if you are starting from zero. |
| Kaplan ASVAB Premium Prep | Full-length practice tests and online extras. Good for timed practice. |
| Barron's ASVAB Premium | Lots of practice questions and detailed reviews of every subtest. |
| Mometrix ASVAB Study Guide | Short reviews and practice questions; Mometrix also sells ASVAB flashcards. |
| Peterson's Master the ASVAB | Practice tests and strategy, with focus on the AFQT score. |
| McGraw Hill ASVAB | Clear reviews of math and verbal skills with practice tests. |
Books for your weak spots
If one part of the AFQT is pulling your score down, a book on just that skill can help more than another full ASVAB book:
- Math (AR and MK): Practical Math Success in 20 Minutes a Day — short daily lessons on fractions, percents, ratios and word problems.
- Vocabulary (WK): Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Builder — learns words through their roots, so you can guess words you never saw.
- Reading (PC): read every day — news, books, anything in English — and practice finding the main idea of each paragraph.
How to use a book with this site
- Take a free practice test first to find your weakest subtest.
- Read the book's chapter on that subtest, then do the matching lessons here — the site saves your mistakes and brings them back in the daily review.
- Learn vocabulary with the flashcards here (it's faster than reading word lists).
- Once a week, take a timed practice test — from the book or from this site — and follow the 4-week study plan.
Calculators are not allowed on the ASVAB, so don't practice with one.