How to Study for the ASVAB: a 4-Week Plan
A simple, free 4-week study plan for the ASVAB with daily habits, what to study each week and test-day tips.
Before you start: take a baseline
Take a short practice test to see where you are. Your weakest AFQT subtest is the best place to start. Then set a goal: 50 or more is a strong target for most people (see what a good AFQT score is).
Daily habits (30–60 minutes)
- 10 minutes of review: the questions and words you missed before.
- 20 words of vocabulary with flashcards.
- One lesson or a set of practice problems in your weakest subtest.
- Read something in English: news, a book, anything.
The 4 weeks
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline test; math basics (fractions, percents, order of operations); 20 words a day |
| 2 | Word problems (rates, ratios, averages); reading passages (main idea, details) |
| 3 | Algebra and geometry; inference questions; one timed AFQT practice test |
| 4 | Your weak spots; two full timed practice tests; the subtests for the jobs you want |
Test-day tips
- Sleep well the night before; eat a good breakfast.
- On the computer test you can't skip and come back, and unanswered questions hurt your score — so answer every question.
- Use the scratch paper for every math problem.
- Don't panic if questions feel hard: the computer test adapts, so harder questions often mean you are doing well.
Bring the right things
Check with your recruiter what to bring (usually a photo ID and other documents). Requirements change, so confirm before test day.