The ASTB test helps you to gain admission into flight officer and pilot training programs with the United States Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
The United States Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy use the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) for the selection of candidates for flight officer and pilot training programs.
Portions of this test are also used by the U.S. Navy to conclude the selection of candidates for Officer Candidate School (OCS).
The ASTB test is for you if you are seeking admission into officer programs.
But for admission to non-officer programs, you can still have to take the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) subtests involving mechanical comprehension, mathematics, and reading comprehension.
To know if the ASTB is for you, you can check with your commanding officer or recruiter.
20 Important Facts about ASTB Test
If you are aspiring to take the ASTB test, there are some important facts about the test that you need to know; these include:
Preparing for the ASTB Test
You need to thoroughly prepare for the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) exam to ensure you come out tops.
Mometrix Test Preparation is one of the companies that offer ASTB test questions with ASTB Practice Test included, which was designed to help build up your skills and abilities.
The ASTB practice contains a guide that was compiled by exam professionals who have knowledge of how to successfully pass the ASTB exam and achieve the highest potential scores on each subtest.
The guide has the secrets of the ASTB test that standardized test researchers have discovered to teach test-takers several easy ways to reduce test nervousness, develop memory, and achieve the scores you deserve.
What is the Minimum ASTB Passing Score?
Your recruiter can tell you the minimum passing score for the ASTB test as this differs according to the program.
The minimum score for Marine Corps Order is 1542.11, while that of the Navy Personnel Command Program Authorizations is between 106 and 107.
The Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) academic performance score ranges from 1 to 9 stanines, according to the prediction of the Academic Qualifications Rating (AQR). Student Naval Aviators’ (SNAs) primary flight performance score is between 1 and 9 stanines according to the prediction by the Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating (PFAR).
The score for Student Naval Flight Officers’ (SNFOs) primary flight performance according to the prediction by the Flight Officer Aptitude Rating (FOFAR) ranges between 1 and 9 stanines, while that of Naval Officer Candidate School (OCS) academic performance according to the prediction by the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) is 20 to 80 in single-point increments.
Several students that take all four components of the exam will receive four various scores.
You can retake the ASTB test if you don’t receive qualifying scores on the test.
But you can only retake the exam 3 times in your lifetime, and you can only wait at least 30 days before retaking the ASTB test each time you fail.
If you sat for the complete battery of subtest at first, you will have to retake the whole battery, even though you do well on one or more components.
What Does the ASTB Test Consist of?
The ASTB test, as a battery of subtests, comprises seven important areas including biographical inventory, a performance-based-measures battery, naval aviation traits, reading comprehension, mechanical comprehension, mathematics, as well as aviation and nautical information.
The ASTB test is offered online in a computer-based format. The test questions are combined and change for each candidate and for each test management.
As mentioned earlier in this article, you need to practice thoroughly as you only have to take the test three times in total.
How Do I Register for the ASTB Test?
You can only take this test by qualification. An officer recruiter will be in contact with you to arrange your exam date after it’s been concluded that you are qualified for the exam.
What Does It Cost to Take the ASTB Test?
It doesn’t cost anything to take this test. After you have been considered fit for the test, you don’t need to pay any fee.
What Are the Testing Dates and Locations for the ASTB Test?
The ASTB test is administered on a nonstop basis. The battery can be taken globally at 250 locations, including Military institutes, Naval Officer stations, Marine Corps Officer offices, and NROTC at universities.
What Am I Supposed to Do on the Day of the Test?
Ensure you arrive on time on the test day and bring along with you some requirements such as your name, signature, social security card, and a photo.
However, you don’t need to come with study materials, a mobile phone, a purse, a calculator, or a bag that contains books to the assessment center.
When Do I Receive a Score Report after Taking the Test?
As soon as you have finished taking the test and have completed all the seven subtests, you will receive your score report right there.
You don’t have to wait till the next day before you know your score.
What Happens If I Fail the Test?
Failing the ASTB test will take you 30 days before retaking it, and you have three good opportunities in your lifetime.
It means that each time you fail the test you will have to wait for 30 days before sitting for another one.
How long is My Score Valid after Taking the ASTB Exam?
Where you are going to have a problem with the test is in the area of whether you have passed or failed.
Other than that, your score report will be valid for a lifetime. That’s just the reason why practice is very necessary before taking the test.
Since you know this truth, why not prepare thoroughly before going into the exam?
How to Prepare for the ASTB Test
Preparing for the ASTB test requires that you study beforehand. You will need to practice and develop some test-taking techniques for you to score well enough to land the job of your dream.
Also, learn how to apply knowledge and understanding specific to the role you are seeking.
How are the ASTB Scores Calculated and Utilized?
Each program of the ASTB test utilizes various score components in the selection process, and the students that take the whole battery will receive all four scores.
If a candidate becomes interested in a non-aviation-related job, he/she doesn’t need to take the complete battery but only the OAR.
Student Naval Flight Officer = AQR + FOFAR Scores
Student Naval Aviator = PFAR + AQR Scores
Officer Candidate School = OAR Score
The Average ASTB Scores
The average score for FOFAR, AQR, and PFAR is a 5 that ranges between 40 percent and 60 percent (using the stanine method).
Scoring a 5 in either of these sections means that you did roughly 40 percent to 60 percent better than all other test-takers.
Using one-point increments with average scores ranging between 40 and 60, the OAR is scored from 20 through 80.
ASTB Math Skills Test
Arithmetic, algebra, and some geometry are the math skills tested by the ASTB subtests.
The assessments consist of both word problems and equations.
Some items require solving for the estimation of simple probabilities and others are variables, while some are time and distance problems.
Skills tested comprise solving for variables, roots, fractions, exponents, basic arithmetic operations, and the calculation of perimeter of geometric shapes, area, and angles.
ASTB Mechanical Comprehension Test
ASTB mechanical comprehension test consists of items that are found in an introductory high school physics course and these topics are applied within diverse scenarios.
The test measures the knowledge of the principles of a candidate related to liquids and gases, and their understanding of the methods in which these properties affect volume, velocity, and pressure.
The test also comprises questions relating to the components and performance of engines, principles of gears, weight distribution, electricity, and the operation of simple machines like fulcrums and pulleys.
ASTB Reading Comprehension Test
Candidates who participate in this ASTB subtest are required to draw meaning from text passages, in which they need to determine which of the answer options can be assumed from the passage itself.
This is quite easy, only that it’s very essential candidates commit to memory that incorrect answer options may still appear to be “true” and only one answer to each item can be taken exclusively from the information in the passage.
ASTB Biographical Inventory with Response Verification
This section of the ASTB test may be taken from any internet-based computer on the candidate’s own time and will contain questions concerning their previous experiences and background related to success in aviation.
This subtest requires no correct or incorrect answers to the questions but only honest answers are required and the candidate should take this test first before the ASTB test.
ASTB Aviation & Nautical Information Test
This is one of the ASTB subtests used for measuring a candidate’s familiarity with aviation history, nautical terminology, and aviation-related concepts like flight rules and regulations, aircraft components, and aerodynamic principles.
The study of the ASTB subtests easily improves the scores of this subtest because it’s mostly a test of knowledge, rather than aptitude.
The test can be prepared for by reviewing general reference materials like FAA and civilian aviation books, as well as manuals and handbooks that offer a general idea of basic navigation, seamanship, and piloting.
ASTB Performance-Based Measures Battery
This ASTB subtest is a battery of processing manual dexterity, speed, and divided-attention-driven tests, assessing spatial orientation aptitude, dichotic listening aptitude, and the ability to execute tracking tasks with a stick-and-throttle set, as well as the ability to carry out some of the tasks mentioned before at the same time.
In the first segment, there will be a display of a North up map and a symbol of which direction you are facing, and an image of a structure and four nearby parking lots.
You will be required to decide the cardinal direction of the parking lots.
There will be an option to practice this problem before doing the real part.
After that, you will be given a headset, joystick, and a throttle. A sequence of letters and numbers will sound off in your headset, and you will be directed to press two buttons each corresponding to whether you hear an even or odd number in one ear or another.
You will again use your throttle to track an airplane on the screen.
At first, the airplane will move only up and down, but will at last move around the screen.
Those desiring to prepare for this test may need to solve mental rotation problems and practice using simulator software with a stick-and-throttle set as well.
ASTB Aviation Trait Facet Inventory
In this part of the ASTB test, you will be required to answer a series of paired statements.
All the statements talk about how you might commonly feel, think, and act.
This test contains a personality questionnaire that requires no studying or preparation as the test tends to assess particular personality traits which predict success in aviation at different levels throughout an aviator’s profession.
ASTB Test Practice Questions and Answers
The sample questions and answers will help you practice for your ASTB exam and gain insight into what the questions will actually look like.
From the answer options below, which of the following persons is known as ‘the father’ of the American Navy?
A. Luke H. Naismith B. Stan Dewey C. John Paul Jones D. David G. Farragut
Answer: C. John Paul Jones
Question Three: ASTB Reading Comprehension Test
Plastic or metal are the two commonly used materials for making paper clips. Rubber is a means by which the metal clips can be covered on occasion as they may rust and cause damage to documents.
A) Documents can be damaged by rust B) The present development is to cover paper clips in rubber C) If paper clips are not covered in rubber they always rust D) Plastic paper clips never damage documents
Answer = C
Question Four: ASTB Reading Comprehension Test
The place for each meeting and the method of delivery will be decided by the PTO.
Meetings will be organized in the most cost-effectively possible way. This possibly will consist of video conferencing or traditional face-to-face meetings.
A. The PTO decides whether meetings will be face-to-face or through video conferencing B. The PTO prefers face-to-face meetings C. Video conferencing is thought of by some as more effective than traditional face-to-face meetings D. Video conferencing is more cost-effectively possible than traditional face-to-face meetings
Answer = A.
Conclusion
You will need to take the ASTB if one of your aspirations is to become an officer in the Navy.
Do not underrate how vital this test is when it comes to your career as an Officer.
Whether or not you reach the standards to go to officer training and demonstrate your suitability for other military professions will be decided by your score on the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB).
Don’t forget that to pass the ASTB test you need to study hard and practice very often.
The best way to ensure your success on the test is to make use of the best study guides and write as many practice tests as you can.
That’s when you can get used to the type of material you are likely to see on the ASTB test.
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