Kaplan ASVAB Prep review: the 2026-2027 books
Last checked October 14, 2026 · Sources: Kaplan’s ASVAB books page and the publisher’s descriptions as listed by booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Target, BookPal, Bookshop.org). Prices vary by seller. The rating is our editorial assessment from published details using the rubric on our how we rank page, not a hands-on test.
This Kaplan ASVAB Prep review covers the two 2026-2027 books. ASVAB Premium Prep 2026-2027 ($39.99 list) includes 6 full-length practice tests in the book and online, more than 1,000 practice questions, 500 flashcards in the book and online video lessons. The larger ASVAB Total Prep 2026-2027 ($48.99 list) has 7 practice tests and more than 2,000 questions. Both advertise a pass-or-money-back promise.
| Category (weight) | Score | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Question bank (25%) | 4.0 | 1,000+ (Premium) or 2,000+ (Total) practice questions across all subtests |
| Practice exams (20%) | 4.0 | 6 or 7 full-length tests; not adaptive like the computer ASVAB |
| Lectures and materials (15%) | 3.5 | Online video lessons, plus 500 flashcards |
| Platform and mobile (15%) | 3.0 | Book with online tests and videos |
| Support (10%) | 3.0 | No tutoring or instructor service with the books |
| Value (15%) | 4.5 | $39.99-$48.99 list with a pass-or-money-back promise |
| Weighted rating | 3.8 / 5 |
Our editorial rating, using the same rubric across the site. Scores are based on the publisher’s published details; see how we rank for the method.
Premium Prep vs Total Prep
| Premium Prep 2026-2027 | Total Prep 2026-2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 list | $48.99 list |
| Practice tests | 6 (book and online) | 7 (book and online) |
| Practice questions | 1,000+ | 2,000+ with explanations |
| Flashcards | 500 in the book | 500 online |
| Video lessons | Online video lessons and tutorials | Online video lessons and tutorials |
| Guarantee | Pass or money back | Pass or money back |
| Published | April 7, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
Prices are list prices as of October 2026 (Premium: Barnes & Noble; Total: BookPal). Features from the publisher’s retail descriptions.
6 full-length tests, 1,000+ questions, 500 flashcards.
Buy now on Kaplan7 full-length tests, 2,000+ questions, 500 online flashcards.
Buy now on KaplanThe difference comes down to volume. Total Prep adds one more full-length test and roughly twice the practice questions for about $9 more at list price, and moves the flashcards online instead of printing them in the book. If you’re starting well below your target, or aiming at jobs with high line scores, the extra practice may be worth it. If you mainly want full-length tests to check your timing, Premium Prep covers that for less.
What stands out
- Full-length practice tests to simulate the real thing, in the book and online.
- Covers all subtests, not just the AFQT four. The publisher says both books include Electronics Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects and General Science.
- Low price compared with online courses, with a money-back promise.
- Two sizes, so you can choose based on how much practice you need.
What to watch for
- Paper practice tests aren’t adaptive like the CAT-ASVAB; practice the no-rush-guessing approach for the computer version, where random guesses near the end of a subtest are penalized.
- Check the guarantee’s terms with the publisher. Kaplan’s site says its guarantees carry conditions and restrictions.
- Check the question counts. We haven’t verified that the books’ timing and question counts match the Department of Defense’s current figures, such as 135 scored questions in 197 minutes on the computer version. Use the official ASVAB Fact Sheet as your reference.
- Free options overlap. The official sample questions and the free, Department of Defense-approved March2Success program cover much of the same ground.
Who should buy which
Choose Premium Prep if you’ve already worked through the free official material and want full-length timed practice and printed flashcards in one affordable book. Choose Total Prep if you need a lot more practice: for example, if your first official sample questions show a big gap to your branch’s minimum AFQT, or if you’re aiming at jobs that need high scores in technical subtests. Skip both if the free resources are enough for you; the Department of Defense doesn’t endorse any particular method of preparation, so there’s no requirement to buy a book.
Kaplan ASVAB Prep review verdict: who should skip it, and alternatives
Skip both books if free material is enough for you. The Department of Defense publishes free sample questions for every subtest, and it approved March2Success, an Army-developed basic skills program that says it is free with no obligation to the Army. Army applicants can also ask for a pre-ASVAB test or use the free U.S. Army ASVAB Challenge app, according to GoArmy. Public libraries often carry commercial guides too.
You might also skip a book if you’ll take the at-home PiCAT or the computer version and mostly need to practice the adaptive format and pacing rather than content; in that case, focus on the official samples and our ASVAB format guide. Compare all options in our best ASVAB prep ranking.
How to get the most out of either book
Take one full-length practice test before studying to find your weakest subtests.
Spend most of your time on the four AFQT subtests, then on the job-score subtests your target jobs use.
Take the remaining practice tests at the real time limits, spacing them out across your study period.
Compare your practice results with the official sample questions, which show the real question style.
Our ASVAB study plan shows how to fit a book into a 4-week or 8-week schedule.
Where to buy
Kaplan’s own ASVAB books page lists both 2026-2027 editions with links to buy, and booksellers such as Barnes & Noble also stock them. Retail prices often differ from list price, so compare at checkout. The Department of Defense also notes that commercial guides are available in public libraries, so check whether your library has a current edition before buying.
Common questions about Kaplan ASVAB Prep
How much do Kaplan's ASVAB books cost?
Premium Prep 2026-2027 lists at $39.99 and Total Prep 2026-2027 at $48.99, as of October 2026. Retailers often charge less, so check at checkout.
What is the difference between Kaplan ASVAB Premium and Total Prep?
Total Prep has one more full-length test (7 versus 6) and roughly twice the practice questions (2,000+ versus 1,000+). Premium Prep prints its 500 flashcards in the book; Total Prep puts them online.
Does Kaplan offer a money-back guarantee for the ASVAB?
The publisher’s descriptions advertise a pass-or-money-back promise for both. Kaplan’s site says its guarantees carry conditions, so read the terms before relying on it.
Is this review sponsored?
No. We currently earn no commission from Kaplan or any ASVAB provider, and no one paid for this review.
Do Kaplan's books cover all ASVAB subtests?
The publisher says both cover all ASVAB sections, including Electronics Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects and General Science.
How did you rate Kaplan's ASVAB books?
We scored them 3.8 out of 5 with the same six-category rubric we use across the site. They do best on value ($39.99-$48.99 with a pass-or-money-back promise) and practice volume, and are held back because paper tests aren’t adaptive like the computer ASVAB and the books come without tutoring.
See how we rank ASVAB prep for our method. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with Kaplan, the Department of Defense or any service branch.