The APT

The purpose of the AFQT Predictor Test (APT) is to help predict an applicant’s AFQT score if they were to take the ASVAB. The APT is unproctored, administered online, and can be taken from anywhere that has an internet connection. It is much shorter than either the PiCAT or the ASVAB and does not contain all 10 ASVAB subtests. Instead, it contains only the four subtests that are used to compute an applicant’s AFQT score: Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Math Knowledge (MK), Word Knowledge (WK), and Paragraph Comprehension (PC). There are a total of 20 items on the APT, and it generally takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Like the PiCAT and CAT-ASVAB, the APT is an adaptive test, with items selected to match the ability level of the applicant. Despite its short length, the APT can be a useful tool for effectively predicting an applicant’s AFQT score and eligibility for military service.

How to Take the APT

An applicant must contact a military recruiter for an access code to take the APT, which expires 30 days after it is issued. Once an applicant begins taking the APT, it must be completed within 48 hours. There is no limit to the number of times an applicant can take the APT, and there are no time limits. Applicants can use Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Firefox Mozilla, or Samsung Internet browsers to take the APT. To obtain the best results, applicants should use a screen that is at least 7 inches diagonally (i.e., tablets, such as the iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and Microsoft Surface, are permissible).

APT Scores and How They Are Used

An applicant will receive a single score on the APT but will not have access to the score. Only the recruiter who registered the applicant may view the score, which serves as a prediction of the applicant’s AFQT score on the full-length ASVAB. To learn more about interpreting an AFQT score, visit the Understanding ASVAB Scores page.

It is important to understand that an applicant’s score on the APT is not a guarantee of what the applicant will score on the ASVAB. While the APT is a well-designed and reliable tool, there will likely be random errors associated with such predictions. If an applicant’s score on the APT suggests they may be eligible for military service, the recruiter can schedule them to take the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a Military Entrance Test (MET) site. Alternatively, the recruiter can issue an access code to take the unproctored PiCAT (Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test) from home.

Important Considerations when Taking the APT

The following are general tips and guidelines to help the applicant perform at their best on the APT. Following these steps will maximize the predictive ability of the APT and will result in a score that will more accurately predict their AFQT score when taking the ASVAB:

  • Get plenty of rest prior to taking the test.
  • Use stable and high-speed internet.
  • Take the test in a quiet place that is free of interruptions.
  • Try to finish the test without stopping.
  • Have access to scratch paper and a pencil/pen.
  • Take the test WITHOUT receiving ANY assistance, such as asking someone for help, looking up or posting information on the internet, or using a calculator.