Paper and Pencil Test vs. CAT-ASVAB

The traditional paper and pencil ASVAB test is becoming more and more a thing of the past. The majority of ASVAB test takers prefer the CAT-ASVAB. There are many good reasons for choosing the CAT-ASVAB, particularly in consideration of the fact that today's recruits are more comfortable with computers than at any time before.

There is a distinct time disadvantage in taking the ASVAB on pencil and paper. The paper ASVAB test requires about three and one half hours to administer; the computer assisted ASVAB can be compressed into a time slot of less than two hours. The reason for the compression of the time required to administer the CAT-ASVAB is that the test taker does not have to answer every single question as he or she does on the paper test.

On the CAT-ASVAB, a correct answer on the easier questions will advance the test taker to questions with a higher degree of difficulty. Essentially, you can get credit while you skip the rudimentary question. In other words, the test taker does not waste precious time establishing basic qualifications and answering basic questions.

There are a few disadvantages to the computer-assisted ASVAB, too. For example, there's no way of "jumping ahead" on the paper test. Neither can you go back and change any of your answers once you've entered them. On the CAT-ASVAB, you must take the questions in the sequence the software presents them to you. There is a disadvantage in the area of scoring to taking the paper and pencil test. The score sheets from tests administered at one of the stationary military testing processing centers must be physically carried to MEPS centers for official processing. This can delay scores by three days or more. However, the scores on the Computer Assisted Testing are available immediately.

Another drawback of the paper and pencil test is that it is more prone to error. As with many standardized tests, it can be scored through the use of an Optical Mark Reader, a type of scanning device which "reads" pencil marks. A misplaced or smudged answer can be misread even if the test taker actually knows the correct answer.

The CAT-ASVAB is far more consistent in its scoring, and it is rare for errors to occur. When errors do occur in Computer Assisted Testing, trouble spots are obvious, easier to identify, and easier to correct. Moreover, the test can be scored immediately, and you can be told how well you did as soon as you are finished taking it.