The ASVAB Technical and Scientific Subtests
General Sciences are part of the ASVAB subtests. Though this test is administered first, it is not one of the AFQT core tests. The General Sciences subtests consist of three scientific areas: Physical Science, Earth Science, and the Life Sciences. You may already know the differences between the three content areas that make up the General Sciences ASVAB subtests:
- The Physical Science area of General Science consists of high school physics and chemistry.
- Earth Sciences, as you might expect, focuses on subjects such as geology, astronomy, and meteorology.
- The Life Science aspect of General Science pertains to health, nutrition, and fundamental biology.
In addition to General Science areas, the non-AFQT sections of the ASVAB content areas include the following:
- Automotive and Shop Information
- Shop Terminology and Tools
- Electronics Information
- Mechanical Comprehension
With so many military occupations having to do with the movement of vehicles carrying personnel and materials, a team of technical automotive experts is a vital part of many military units. The jobs available in these areas require a basic knowledge of automotive technology; therefore, the ASVAB focuses on the major automotive systems: Fuel System, Lubrication System, Cooling System, Engine Systems, Drive Chain System, Ignition, Exhaust, Electrical, Computer, Suspension and Steering, Braking Systems, and Emission Controls.
In today's world, whether you're in the military or not, it's important to be able to do many things for yourself. This independence is particularly necessary in military service. Therefore, the services want to know that you understand the basic terminology and types of tools most commonly used in a variety of construction, repair, or building activities.
The Shop Information questions on the ASVAB require that you know the names and types of tools, the uses to which they are put, the different possibilities for usage of the same type of tool, and a working knowledge of technical measurements such as "thread pitch" and other fastener technology.
Electronics Information Technology requires a fundamental knowledge of particles such as protons and neutrons. The questions in this section focus on electrical activity and functions. Topics include resistance, types of current, voltage, flow, and the ways in which electrical currents can be manipulated through the use of typical electronic devices, such as condensers, semi-conductors, inductors, and resistors and transistors.