The Aviation Selection Test Battery consists of seven subtests, administered online, and is used for choosing candidates for the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard that are suitable for pilot and flight officer training programs. The main requirements for being eligible to sit for this exam include being between the ages of 19 and 35, having a Bachelor’s degree, and being a United States citizen.
The amount of time it takes to complete these subtests can vary from person to person. It is recommended that examinees take the Biographical Inventory with Response Validation first, since it can be taken anywhere (even from home). The remaining subtests will take about a total of 3 hours to complete.
If you require special testing accommodations for conditions that are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, be sure to talk to your recruiter about how to make this request. You will likely be required to make this request in writing and include documentation that proves your need for these accommodations.
ASTB Practice Test
What are the subtests and topics covered on this exam?
- Math Skills Test
- Reading Comprehension Test
- Mechanical Comprehension Test
- Aviation and Nautical Information Test
- Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory
- Performance Based Measures Battery
- Biographical Inventory with Response Validation
The Math Skills Test will assess topics such as equations, word problems, variables, probability, fractions, roots, exponents, angles, area, and perimeter.
The Reading Comprehension Test will require you to determine meaning from text passages.
The Mechanical Comprehension Test will assess physics topics such as gases, liquids, pressure, volume, velocity, engines, electricity, gears, weight distribution, pulleys, and fulcrums.
The Aviation and Nautical Information Test will assess topics such as aviation history, nautical terms and procedures, aircraft components, aerodynamics, and flight rules and regulations.
The Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory will require you to answer honestly about how a statement describes you. For example, you may see a statement that says, “I sometimes run late for appointments.” You will choose the option of whether or not it describes you.
The Performance Based Measures Battery will assess your ability to complete listening tasks, answer directional items, and accomplish tracking tasks.
The Biographical Inventory with Response Validation will ask you questions regarding your academics, extra-curricular activities, and general information about you.
How do I register for the exam?
If it is determined that you are qualified to take the exam, an officer recruiter will be in contact with you, to set up your exam date.
What is the cost of taking this exam?
There is no fee for taking this exam.
What are the testing dates and locations?
The ASTB-E is offered on a continuous basis. There are 250 locations throughout the world, at which this battery can be taken. This includes Naval Officer recruiting stations, NROTC at universities, Marine Corps Officer offices, and military institutes.
What should I do the day of the exam?
Arrive on time, and bring a form of identification with your name, signature, and photo, as well as your social security card.
Items such as a cell phone, calculator, purse, book bag, and study materials are not allowed into the testing area.
What happens after I take the exam?
Immediately after completing all seven subtests, you will receive your score report.
What is the minimum passing score?
The minimum passing score depends on the program. The Navy Personnel Command Program Authorizations 106 and 107, Marine Corps Order 1542.1I, or your recruiter can let you know.
What happens if I don’t pass the exam?
You are allowed up to three opportunities to take and pass the ASTB-E. You must wait 30 days between each attempt.
Once I have finished taking the ASTB-E, how long are my scores valid?
For your lifetime.
How Can I Prepare for the ASTB-E Test?
We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!
Top ASTB Study Guides
- Mometrix Test Prep – ASTB Study Guide
- Test Prep Books – ASTB Study Guide
- Trivium Test Prep – ASTB Study Guide