The Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) is the primary component of the test. The score determines if an enlistee is qualified to enter into military service. The AFQT is comprised of four sections: word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning and math knowledge. The rest of the test is based on vocational knowledge on subjects such as mechanical comprehension and automotive knowledge. The test results determine the recruit's military occupational specialty (MOS).
The military normally requires enlistees have a high school diploma or GED. The ASVAB is designed to test retention of material learned in high school. So one effective way to do well on the ASVAB is to do well in high school. Take advanced classes in English, math, and science. Honors classes will give the candidate an advantage on the ASVAB.
A good ASVAB study guide will explain the test format and section material in-depth, and show examples of the types of questions and problems the test will have. Exceptional study guides will have several practice tests, an answer guide section, an explanation of ASVAB terminology and a brief rundown of the enlistment process.
Look for ASVAB study guides with at least one, if not two full length practice tests. Time yourself for each section since the actual test is timed. Some areas to concentrate on are Latin and Greek word roots for the word knowledge and reading comprehension sections, and multiplication, division, factoring and geometry for the basic math skills section. As of 2011, the "ASVAB AFQT For Dummies" guide and McGraw Hill's "ASVAB Basic Training For The AFQT" had multiple practice exams.
The test is in a multiple-choice format, and the ASVAB does not penalize you for wrong answers. Never leave an answer blank. A guess gives you a 25 percent chance of being right. This also means you should not think about any one question for too long. Move on to other questions. Come back to the tough ones if you have time to work on them, or fill in a guess. If you come up to the time limit of a section, but have significant questions left to answer, a guess is still more valuable than leaving a question blank.
The ASVAB can be taken again after six months. There is no charge to take the test again, and the military will only count your highest score.