The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is a standardized test taken by applicants who want to become an Officer in the United States Air Force. The AFOQT measures aptitudes and is used to select applicants for officer commissioning programs, such as Officer Training School (OTS) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). It is also used for selection into specific training programs such as pilot and navigator training.
This exam is also referred to as the Air Force Officer Test or Air Force Qualifying Test.
The AFOQT can be used to qualify candidates for any USAF Officer programs, including:
- Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps - Officer Training School - Combat Systems Officer Training - Air Battle Management Training
The AFOQT exam is composed of 516 multiple-choice questions. The exam lasts about five hours including breaks. Each subtest of the exam is timed, and the time limit for each subtest varies. The AFOQT is divided into 12 subtests, with results in the following areas: quantitative, verbal, academic aptitude, pilot, combat systems officer and air battle manager. The AFOQT’s subtests are:
Self-Description Inventory (45 minutes, 240 questions) gauges the test-taker’s personality. Questions on this subtest are not graded. Verbal Analogies (8 minutes, 25 questions) is meant to evaluate the test-taker’s skills with English, and how words can be used to establish assertions or illustrate certain principles (such as time or comparisons). Arithmetic Reasoning (29 minutes, 25 questions) tests your ability to solve word problems. Test-takers will have to rely on their knowledge of geometry, proportions, ratios, mixtures, integers, percentages, and time-distance. Word Knowledge (5 minutes, 25 questions) will focus on the test taker’s capability to define and understand the words used within written language. Questions featured on the subtest will generally offer a word, then ask test-takers to find a synonymous word within the answer choices. Math Knowledge (22 minutes, 25 questions) centers on the basics of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. To solve the questions contained on this subtest, test-takers must answer algebra-based word problems, as well as comprehend inequalities, algebraic expressions, equations systems, absolute values, and exponents. Reading Comprehension (24 minutes, 25 questions) measures your ability to read a passage and understand its meaning, including the implied meaning. Situational Judgment (35 minutes, 16 questions) measures your ability to respond to interpersonal issues and serve as a leader. Physical Science (10 minutes, 20 questions) tests your knowledge of high-school-level physical science concepts. You can expect to see questions relating to force relationships, physical laws, and simple machines. Aviation Information (8 minutes, 20 questions) concentrates on one’s comprehension of flight mechanics and aviation concepts. Test-takers must demonstrate their knowledge of rotary aircraft, the attributes of rudimentary aviation, aircraft with fixed wings, the security regulations enforced by modern US airports, and flight physics. Instrument Comprehension (5 minutes, 25 questions) deals with the test-taker’s comprehension of how to calculate where an airplane is in the sky through the use of altitude indicators and magnetic compasses. Table Reading (7 minutes, 40 questions) evaluates how well a test-taker can interpret a simple xx–yy-axis graph. Block Counting (5 minutes, 30 questions) addresses how well the test-taker understands the concept of spatial awareness. Questions under this category will present the test-taker with a group of blocks (rendered in 3D) and request that the test-taker count the number of blocks surrounding one individual block.
Test Eligibility Requirements Anyone interested in sitting for the AFOQT must first reach out directly to a recruiter, who will look into the potential test-taker’s background to check for eligibility. Once the test taker is verified, they can work out a date for the exam with the recruiter. The test is free of charge, however the number of tests offered are limited two (three times with an approved waiver).
AFOQT SCORES There is no one “passing” or “failing” score for the AFOQT. AFOQT minimum scores will vary based on your desired career field, and these scores are based on composite scores, each of which is made up of a specific set of subtest from the AFOQT.
COMPOSITE SCORES The five composite scores which are measured for your scores- and their corresponding subtests- are as follows:
Verbal Composite Verbal Analogies Word Knowledge Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Composite Arithmetic Reasoning Math Knowledge Pilot Composite Math Knowledge Instrument Comprehension Table Reading Aviation Information
Combat System Officer (CSO) Composite Word Knowledge Math Knowledge Block Counting Table Reading
Air Battle Managers (ABM) Composite Verbal Analogies Word Knowledge Table Reading Instrument Comprehension Block Counting Aviation Information
Minimum scores for each composite will be based on what career path you are interested in following. By understanding what is required for your chosen path, you will know which subtests to focus your studying efforts on.
Here is a table of the required scores for particular career paths:
Career Path Required Composite Score Verbal Quant. Pilot CSO ABM Any Officer 15 10 * * * Pilot (incl. RPA) 15 10 25 10 * CSO 15 10 10 25 * ABM 15 10 * * 25
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