The U.S. Department of Defense developed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery in 1968. The ASVAB measures an individual's developmental abilities and helps predict academic and occupational success in the military. Although the ASVAB has eight sections, your scores in four critical areas will determine whether you're qualified to enlist in the military. Your scores in the other areas will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and enlistment bonuses, according to Military.com.

General Science

The first part of the ASVAB is General Science. Students are given 11 minutes to answer 25 questions on topics such as Earth science, physical science, life sciences and space science.

Arithmetic Reasoning

The second part of the ASVAB is Arithmetic Reasoning. This part consists of 30 questions that measure a student's ability to understand and solve mathematic word problems. Students are given 36 minutes to answer the questions. This is one of four critical sections that contribute to the Armed Forces Qualifying Test score that determines whether students are eligible to enlist in the military.

Word Knowledge

Thirty-five questions make up the Word Knowledge section. Students are allotted 11 minutes to answer questions that test their word knowledge by using synonyms. This is the second section used to evaluate a student's eligibility to enlist.

Paragraph Comprehension

The third section of the ASVAB is Paragraph Comprehension. This part has 15 questions that test a student's ability to analyze and retain written information. A total of 13 minutes is given to complete this section. This is the third section used to evaluate a student's enlistment eligibility.

Mathematics Knowledge

The Mathematics Knowledge section of the ASVAB poses 25 questions in math concepts, applications and principles. Students have 24 minutes to answer the questions. This section is the fourth and final section to be scored for military eligibility.

Electronics Information

With 20 questions to be completed in nine minutes, the Electronics Information section tests a student's expertise in electrical currents, electrical circuits and devices and electrical systems.

Auto and Shop Information

With 25 questions to be completed in 11 minutes, the Auto and Shop Information section tests a student's knowledge of metal and wood shop techniques, as well as automotive maintenance and repair.

Mechanical Comprehension

The last part of the ASVAB is Mechanical Comprehension, measuring a student's knowledge of mechanical devices, structural support and material properties. Students are given 19 minutes to answer 25 questions.

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