The Wonderlic is a pretty amazing and simple test. In just 12 minutes you get a score that is measurable and comparable to Wonderlic test scores from other test takers and from previous years.
The Wonderlic is used as a test by the NFL as well as employers across the world. Businesses use the Wonderlic to help make hiring decisions as well as other staffing decisions. So why doesn’t the military start adapting the Wonderlic test to make similar staffing decisions?
The military already has a test in place called the ASVAB, and all applicants to any branch of the military are required to take the test. Test results can determine the service branch you are most qualified for and internal jobs that you are eligible to apply for once enlisted.
How Similar Are the Wonderlic and the ASVAB
As far as standardized tests go, both tests have some similar questions including math and problem-solving questions. However, the similarities mostly end there.
The ASVAB was created by the military and is only used for their own use, while an official Wonderlic test can be taken for any use by any organization that pays Wonderlic to use their official tests.
Unlike the Wonderlic, the ASVAB is broken out into ten different categories that include General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects. Test takers spend have different time limits on each and the tests are broken out into parts. As a whole, test takers take the entire ASVAB over the course of a day, usually within a few hours.
There is no pass or fail on the ASVAB, and test results are scored compared to age and gender of other test takers. Test results are also only good for two years.
It is important for ASVAB test takers to do well on the test because minimum scores are required to be eligible to enlist in the armed services, and once you are enlisted your ASVAB score is used for consideration when assigning jobs within the military. Scoring is also a little more complicated with the ASVAB. The AFQT test scores are what people typically refer to when talking about ASVAB scores and make up just four subsections of the ASVAB test. An AFQT score of 31 is the minimum to be considered for any of the military branches for those with a high school degree. Generally, it is a good idea to have an AFQT score over 50 and have good scores on other subsections so you can be lined up for a good job once in the military.
If you are interested in joining any of the armed branches it’s a good idea to take the ASVAB ahead of time. While you can’t really study for the test itself, there are some practice test websites such as ASVAB Practice Test Online that allow you to take a free ASVAB sample questions so you can get a sense of what you would expect to see on the test.
Learning More About the ASVAB
You can meet with a military recruiter to learn more about the ASVAB. They can discuss test-taking tips and whether or not you should take the computer or written version. If you are in high school your guidance counselor may also be able to answer your questions regarding the ASVAB and where you can take it.
If you do score poorly on the ASVAB the first time you have to wait a month before you can re-take the test. After taking it a second time you must wait an additional 6 months before being able to re-take the ASVAB. The ASVAB is also a free test to take, however many of the study materials you may find online may not be free to use.