How to take the ASVAB: the enlistment and high school routes
Last checked October 14, 2026 · Sources: Department of Defense What to Expect page and FAQs, ASVAB Career Exploration Program overview, Air Force ASVAB page and a Maryland legislative note on score release
There are two ways to take the ASVAB. To enlist, a military recruiter screens you and schedules the test at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a Military Entrance Test (MET) site, or sets you up with the at-home PiCAT. In high school, you can take it through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, which is free to participating schools and doesn’t commit you to joining.
If you want to enlist
A recruiter from the branch you're interested in arranges your ASVAB and other processing. The Department of Defense says recruiters first ask about marital status, health, education, drug use and arrest record, and that you should answer openly and honestly.
Applicants test at a MEPS, where a physical exam may also be done, or at a MET site if they live far from a MEPS. Bring valid ID and arrive on time; late arrivals are turned away.
If you've never taken the ASVAB, your recruiter can register you for the PiCAT instead. A short supervised Verification Test within 45 days then makes your score official.
Your AFQT decides eligibility; line scores decide which jobs you can do. The computer version gives scores right after the session; paper scores take a few days.
The Department of Defense rule is one calendar month before a first retest, another month before a second, then six months for later attempts. The Air Force's page phrases it as 30 days for a first or second retest, then six months.
Your scores can be used for enlistment for up to two years from your test date. Before you start, check the age, education and citizenship rules in our enlistment requirements by branch guide. Our ASVAB test day guide covers what to bring and what happens at MEPS, and our PiCAT guide explains the at-home option.
If you’re in high school
- Ask your counselor about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The Department of Defense says it is free of charge to participating schools.
- No obligation: taking it doesn’t commit you to the military. The program pairs the test with career planning tools for civilian and military careers.
- Privacy: schools choose a score release option. Under ‘Option 8’, results are not released to recruiting services.
- Career tools: the program includes an interest inventory and career-planning resources.
- Slightly different test: the school version leaves out Assembling Objects and reports career-focused composite scores instead of service composites.
How score release works in schools
The program’s administrator overview lists several release options, from releasing results to recruiters a set number of days after scores are sent, to Option 8, under which results are not released to the services. A Maryland legislative analysis describes Option 1 as the default when a school gives no special instructions. Schools can also choose a split option, using one setting for students who agree to release and another for those who don’t, and the program says parents can opt in or out of release regardless of the school’s choice.
Score release is separate from the school’s general directory information, which follows its own rules. If privacy matters to you, ask your counselor which option your school uses before you test.
Using school scores to enlist
According to the Department of Defense, school ASVAB scores can be used to enlist for up to two years after the test date, provided they can be verified as yours. If you tested through School Staff Testing, you also need a Verification Test (Vtest) before the scores count. Tell your recruiter if you’ve taken the school version.
How to take the ASVAB: which route is right for you?
If you’re still in high school and unsure about the military, the school program lets you explore careers with no commitment, and your scores may still help later if you decide to enlist. If you already plan to join, start with a recruiter: they’ll explain the branch’s requirements, schedule your test and tell you whether the PiCAT is available to you. Either way, preparation is the same, and our ASVAB study plan sets out 4-week and 8-week schedules.
Common questions about taking the ASVAB
How do I sign up for the ASVAB?
Through a military recruiter, who schedules the test at a MEPS or MET site, or registers you for the at-home PiCAT if you’ve never tested. In high school, through your school’s ASVAB Career Exploration Program.
Does taking the ASVAB in high school mean I have to join?
No. The school program is a career exploration tool, and taking it doesn’t commit you to joining the military.
Will recruiters see my high school ASVAB scores?
It depends on the release option your school chooses. Under Option 8, results are not released to recruiting services, and the program says parents can opt in or out of release regardless of the school’s choice.
Can I use my school ASVAB scores to enlist?
Yes, for up to two years if they can be verified as yours. Scores from School Staff Testing also need a Verification Test first.
Does it cost anything to take the ASVAB?
The Department of Defense says the school program is free of charge to participating schools. For enlistment testing, your recruiter arranges the test.
We first checked this page’s sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 14, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or any service branch.