Anyone wishing to join the military must take a test to determine if they are suitable for the job. Most veterans completed the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), but a new test called PiCAT was also offered in the 2000s.
If you are looking to join a branch of the military and need to take the PiCAT exam before you enroll, we recommend that you take a PiCAT practice test to prepare for what you will see on the PiCAT exam.
Summary: Use a PiCAT practice test to prepare for the exam. The ASVAB is a very similar test: you can use oursASVAB practice testfor more help.
PiCAT field tests
The most important thing when looking for a PiCAT practice test is to look for self assessment exams and provide detailed answers to the questions to help you study.
Below are some of our practice tests to help you feel better prepared for the PiCAT test.
- PiCAT General Sciences
- PiCAT arithmetic thinking
- Word knowledge PiCAT
- PiCAT Mathematical Knowledge
- Electronic PiCAT
- PiCAT auto repair shop
- PiCAT-Assembly-Objekte
- Mechanical understanding of PiCAT
Preparing for the PiCAT test
If you really want to pass the PiCAT test, try our recommended onePiCAT preparation course
get ready now
Another PiCAT testing practice
PiCAT and ASVAB are almost identical exams, so you can use themASVAB practice testsinstead of a PiCAT practice test if you want to prepare for the PiCAT test.
Here are some other resources we found that might help:
| Resource | Offerer |
| Complete the ASVAB V practical exam | SAHOS |
| ASVAB 1 extra sample test | teach me math |
| ASVA Ber 1 practice test | ASVABer |
PiCAT-Tests
PiCAT stands for Pre-Screening, Computer Adaptive Test, which is delivered over the Internet. This is a timeless, unsupervised test you can take from the comfort of your home to tell a military recruiter whether you are ready to enter a Military Entry Processing Station (MEPS) or take a Military Entry Test (MET).
By taking the PiCAT, you will familiarize yourself with the ASVAB exam and let recruiters know if you have sufficient knowledge to pass the official exam. This saves the military time and money by not having to pay inspectors to get similar results.
It also helps because if you pass PiCAT and go to MEPS or MET and keep failing there, you have to do the full ASVAB. By taking the PiCAT test, you are already familiar with what appears on the ASVAB exam.
PiCAT verification test
As mentioned above, passing the PiCAT is the start of your recruitment journey. If your recruiter thinks you did well enough on the PiCAT test, they will send you to MEPS or MET for a verification test to validate your results.
The verification test is a shorter version (typically 20 minutes to half an hour) of the PiCAT test, which is proctored and can be taken at a MEPS or MET. This just confirms that the PiCAT results are real and should contain similar questions to the ones you've seen in PiCAT.
Subsections of PiCAT
The 145-question PiCAT test has ten main areas. These subsections will show the recruiter the breadth of your knowledge and help them see how much you have learned in your training so far. The subsections are as follows:
Arithmetic Thinking
This section will challenge you to understand, read, and manipulate numbers in specific ways. The 16 questions in this section are presented as word problems, which may be in unfamiliar formats. You can use a piece of paper to write and solve equations physically.
Main calculation areas:Mental arithmetic, including percentages, fractions, ratios and sequences.
assembly of objects
When you join the military, there are many roles that require you to know how to view and manipulate 3D objects and have a high level of spatial awareness. This subsection asks 16 multiple-choice questions that require you to interpret specific objects that are given to you.
Main subject areas:Maps, diagrams and other technical drawings.
Automatic information
This subsection of 11 questions is not a requirement to join the military as a whole. However, some positions require working knowledge of the machinery and equipment you will use. You need to know the mechanical and physical properties to pass this part of the PiCAT test.
Main areas of the mechanism:Gears, levers and pulleys.
Knowledge of electronics
Some roles in the military also require knowledge of electricity and how it flows through various electrical devices. This 16 question section will test your knowledge of electrical components and principles.
Electronic main areas:Currents, circuits and knowledge of how televisions and radios work.
General Sciences
Scientific knowledge is not a requirement for the military, so it is not evaluated in this subsection. However, surviving in the military requires a working knowledge of some scientific principles, which is why you will see science questions on the PiCAT exam.
Scientific focus:biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology and physics.
mathematical knowledge
You cannot use a calculator in this section as your math skills will be tested. This 16 question section is based on the basic arithmetic questions you saw earlier in the exam, which means you can find similar questions or topics.
Mathematical main areas:Algebra and Geometry.
mechanical understanding
While not required in all military branches or careers, this section, which contains 16 multiple choice questions, focuses on your understanding of mechanical devices and the forces acting on them. You may need to look at the machine tools and explain how they work.
Main mechanical areas:Acceleration, Friction, Force, Gravity and Reading Mechanical Diagrams.
save information
This section tests your knowledge of basic tools and how they work. You may be asked to explain the charts and features of the tools.
Main areas of the shop:general tools and tool diagrams.
paragraph understanding
In this section, test-takers are asked to read the passages and answer the questions. There are 11 multiple choice questions in this section but as the PiCAT is not timed you will have plenty of time to answer them.
Main Reading Areas:reading comprehension
know word
Your vocabulary and language skills will be put to the test in this section of PiCAT. You will be prompted to define the highlighted words and find synonyms or antonyms. There are 11 questions that you must answer in this section.
Keyword areas:Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and context notes.
PiCAT vs. ASVAB
The two biggest differences between the PiCAT and the ASVAB are where and how they are recorded. The ASVAB is administered personally under the supervision of an inspector to ensure test-takers are not cheating. While PiCAT is done online at home without an inspector.
You will also have to take a PiCAT verification test to ensure your answers have not been tampered with in any way. With ASVAB, take a test and you're done.
Practice for the ASVAB with ourASVAB practice test.
What is a good score on the PiCAT exam?
The PiCAT is scored like a high school diploma test, one point for each question, for a total of 145 points. They take a closer look at arithmetic reasoning, mathematical knowledge, paragraph comprehension and word knowledge. There are a total of 54 points in these categories. You want to score at least 31 points.
Here are the scores you need and other areas you'll be tested on based on the job and industry you want to enter:
required grades
| military branch | required score |
| Air Force PiCAT-Score | 36 or more to serve |
| Army PiCAT Score | 31 or more to serve |
| Coast Guard PiCAT result | 40 or more to serve |
| Navy PiCAT score | 35 or more to serve |
| USMC PiCAT score | 32 or more to serve |
Additional examination areas (profession-related)
| Army test areas | Air Force test site | Coast Guard/Navy testing areas | USMC staging areas |
| General Technician (GT) | administration | General Technician (GT) | General Technician (GT) |
| administrative (CL) | Electric (E) | Administration (ADM) | administrative (CL) |
| Combat Missions (CO) | General (G) | Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE) | Electric (EL) |
| Electric (EL) | Mechanic (M) | Electric (EL) | Mechanical maintenance (MM) |
| Feldartillerie (FA) | Engineering (ENG) | ||
| General Maintenance (GM) | Hospital worker (HM) | ||
| Mechanical maintenance (MM) | Mechanical maintenance (MEC) | ||
| Operator and Food (OF) | Mechanical Maintenance 2 (MEC) | ||
| Monitoring and Communication (SC) | Campo Nuclear (NUC) | ||
| Qualified Technician (ST) | Operations Specialist (OS) |
What happens if I don't pass the PiCAT?
Failing the PiCAT will not automatically disqualify you from military service. You must complete the full ASVAB test (5% of PiCAT participants must still complete it). You still have the option to join the military, but you have to go through a longer process.
PiCAT Study Strategies
The first thing you need to do is determine where you want to serve in the military and focus on the skills you need to do well in that area. Math, languages, and reading will help you with the general exam, but you need to focus on later exams.
A PiCAT practice test like the one above can also help you become familiar with the test. In addition, a preparatory course gives you everything you need to know to take the PiCAT exam with experts from the field.
Frequently asked questions about the PiCAT test
How often can you take PiCAT?
You can complete PiCAT as often as you like. So if you're not happy with your score (or if it's not high enough to get the job you want), take it again.
Are PiCAT and ASVAB the same?
No, there are small differences, especially in the location and supervision of the tests.
Is PiCAT harder than ASVAB?
No, they're very similar tests, so they're about the same level of difficulty.
Does PiCAT count as ASVAB?
Yes, PiCAT and its verification test can replace the ASVAB score.
Can I use PiCAT instead of ASVAB?
Yes, passing the PiCAT and verification test will be your version of the ASVAB.
Official PiCAT resources
FAQs
What questions are on the PiCAT verification test? ›
The test includes 8 categories: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, General Science, Assembling Objects, Mechanical Comprehension Shop Information, Assembly of Objects, Electronics, and Auto Information.
What do I need to study for the PiCAT test? ›The first thing you should do is determine where you want to serve in the military and focus on the skills you will need to do well in that area. Studying math, language, and reading will help you on the general test, but you will need to focus on subsequent tests.
Is a 57 on the PiCAT good? ›7. What's considered a good score on the PICAT test? A good score on the PiCAT will depend on which branch of the service and career field you plan to enter. While all branches accept an AFQT score between 31 and 40, you'll want to aim for at least 50.
What score do you need to pass the PiCAT? ›Branches accept scores of between 31 and 40 from individuals with a high school diploma. However, a score of 50 or above is a good goal. The most desirable jobs require a solid PiCAT result, so it is worth investing time in comprehensive test preparation.
Are all PiCAT questions the same? ›In most cases, the questions you are asked in the PiCAT verification test will be very similar to the ones you were asked when taking the initial test. The verification test questions are selected to confirm your original score so you will be given questions at that same level.
Are the PiCAT questions the same? ›The PiCAT test does require a shorter verification test for the results of the take-home test to count as official ASVAB scores. The verification test questions are the same level and picked to confirm your original test score.
How many math questions are on the PiCAT verification test? ›PiCAT Arithmetic Reasoning
This is an assessment of how well you can read, understand and manipulate numbers that are presented in unfamiliar formats. There are 16 questions, all with multiple-choice answers.
The final score is obtained after presenting the validation test, in person. As of September 2020, the deadline for validating the PiCAT score for official purposes is 30 days. That means you have 1 month after you've taken your test to validate your score.
What is a 70% on the ASVAB? ›A Standard Score of 70 indicates that the examinee scored 2 standard deviations above the mean. To learn more about how standard scores are derived and used, download PDF.
What is a good MEPS score? ›If you have a diploma, a score of 31 can qualify you to join the Army or National Guard. The Marine Corps requires a 35, the Navy a 35 and the Air Force a 36. The Coast Guard has the highest standard with a score of 40.
What is a 60% on the ASVAB? ›
With ASVAB Standard scores, the majority of students score between 30 and 70. This means that a standard score of 50 is an average score, and a score of 60 would be an above-average score.
How many times can you retake the PiCAT? ›There is no limit to the number of times you can take the PiCAT, so if you're unhappy with your final score, you can retake it. Your scores determine your aptitude, and for each job in the military, you'll need to meet minimum score guidelines.
Is the PiCAT like the ASVAB? ›The pre-screening, internet-delivered computer adaptive test (PiCAT) is an unproctored version of the full ASVAB that currently provides recruiters with the ability to determine whether an applicant is qualified before sending them to a military entrance processing station (MEPS) or military entrance test (MET) site.
How many math questions are on the Picat verification test? ›PiCAT Arithmetic Reasoning
This is an assessment of how well you can read, understand and manipulate numbers that are presented in unfamiliar formats. There are 16 questions, all with multiple-choice answers.
After you take the PiCAT, you verify your results with a 25- to 30-minute proctored verification test at the MEPS.
Is the picat easier than the ASVAB? ›An Air Force recruiter told me that the average person scores 5 points higher on the PICAT vs. the ASVAB. He believes it's because the PICAT has no time pressure (you have 48 hours to finish it) and you're relaxed at home.