The Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery Test (ASVAB) is a multitude-aptitude battery used by all branches of the U.S. military that measures abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The test is comprised of eight sections and a total of 75 questions.

According the the official site of the ASVAB, “Examinees also receive a score on what is called the Armed Forces Qualification Test. AFQT scores are computed using the Standard Scores from four ASVAB subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge.” These four tests assess academic knowledge, while Electronics Information, Auto and Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and the Assembling Objects categories measure non-academic and technical skills.

As Commander Ed Wessing of Mesa Police Department and Marine Corps veteran explains, “The [ASVAB] is used to determine if someone has the mental aptitude to enlist in the armed services.” Each branch of the military uses different scores to determine a potential enlistees military occupational specialty (MOS); or their job, such as a fire controlman (FC) in the Navy, or a parachute rigger (92R) in the Army.

Even if you don’t plan on joining the military after high school, “it may be beneficial to keep oneself open to the possibility,” explains Commander Wessing.

“Obviously, you know what you’re good at and what you’re not, but it gives a better idea of what workforce you could go into,” explains Air Force JROTC cadet Major Miles Foster, commander of Puma squadron.

“I think most students think the ASVAB is if you want to go into the military,” explains Principal Dan Serrano, “but that’s not really the case; it’s to see what skills you have.” Taking the test creates a multitude of opportunities for young students and high-school graduates, but by no means is it required for you to join the military after taking the test. It shows what type of skills you have in and out of the military.

The ASVAB test was administered on Dec. 6, and students can expect their results some time in January, where scores will be broken down and explained by several recruiters.