The Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test, or PiCAT, is a military assessment test that is used to screen military recruits. If you are interested in joining any of the divisions of the US Military, the PiCAT is a low-pressure version of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

The PiCAT, which was in beta testing before becoming an official test in 2018, is also known as the army PiCAT, the PiCAT Exam, and the PiCAT Military test. It is an untimed, non-proctored test taken that can be taken either at home or at a military recruiting center.

Did you know?

The PiCAT test is an untimed 145-question ASVAB alternative established in 2018. There are ten sections you will be tested on while taking the PiCAT. Your scores in these are combined into various composite scores that yield your fit score to serve in the army, air force, navy, and marine corps. If you prepare and successfully pass the PiCAT, you will need to pass the PiCAT validation test to confirm your scores.

The test covers ten different areas, and the results of your test guides military evaluators in assigning you to your career field. Your performance on the test can be the difference between a career doing manual labor or working on cutting-edge STEM roles. Your PiCAT results can count as your official (ASVAB) score after you pass the PiCAT verification test, assuming you aren’t randomly selected to take the full ASVAB test.

Free PiCAT Practice

PiCAT Question Types Explained

There are ten subsections on the test. If you fail word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, math knowledge, and arithmetic reasoning the test will automatically end. The additional six sections, which are general science, mechanical comprehension, auto/shop information, electronics, assembly of objects, and automobile knowledge information are used to determine your capabilities and skills.

There is a total of 145 questions on the PiCAT.

The test is given in multiple choice format, and each question has four possible answers to choose from.

Word Knowledge

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be asked to:

• Identify the definition of the word presented in a sentence
• Identify word synonyms

Winning Tip for Word Knowledge Questions

If the word in question has a positive connotation attached to it, choose another word that also has a positive connotation.

Paragraph Comprehension

There are 11 questions in this section. You will be asked to:

• Identify meaning

Winning Tip for Paragraph Comprehension Questions

Read the question before reading the paragraph, so you know what to look for. Before submitting your answer, double check to make sure you read the question correctly.

Math Knowledge

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be tested on your knowledge of:

• Algebra
• Geometry

Winning Tip for Math Knowledge

For algebra questions, plug in the different answer options until you find the answer that makes the operation correct.

Arithmetic Reasoning

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be asked to:

• Read and understand word problems
• Solve the equation being asked

Winning Tip for Arithmetic Reasoning

Using scratch paper, write out the elements of the question in a math equation. This will make it easier to understand what is being asked of you.

General Science

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be asked questions covering:

• Health
• Biology
• Earth science
• Chemistry

Winning Tip for General Science

To do well in this section, you will need a broad understanding of biology, geology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, and meteorology. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve, but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

Mechanical Comprehension

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be tested on your knowledge of:

• Mechanical devices
• Mechanical device processes

Be prepared for answering questions relating to diagrams.

Winning Tip for Mechanical Comprehension

Be prepared for questions relating to pulleys, levers, gears, and other physical and mechanical principles. These questions aren’t designed to trick you but to assess your basic understanding of the principles. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve, but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

Shop Information

There are 11 questions in this section. Questions will cover:

• Common shop tools
• Common shop practices

Winning Tip for Shop Information

Be prepared for questions relating to shop tools. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve, but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

Electronics Knowledge

There are 16 questions in this section. You will be tested on your knowledge of:

• Electricity
• Currents
• Circuits
• Television

Winning Tip for Electronics Knowledge

Be prepared for questions relating to electricity, electrical components, circuits, and electric formulas. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve, but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

Assembly of Objects

There are 16 questions in this section. This section measures your spatial relationship skills on items that include:

• Interpreting maps
• Graphs

These questions show different pieces and shapes, and ask you which of the options shown best display how the pieces fit together.

Winning Tip for Assembly of Objects

Find unique shapes, and check the answers to see if they are portrayed correctly. This should allow you to eliminate some answer options fairly easily. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

Auto Information

There are 11 questions in this section. Questions will cover:

• Basic automotive systems
• Automotive repairs

Winning Tip for Auto Information

Be prepared for questions relating to automotive systems. Remember, this section isn’t used to determine whether you are qualified to serve, but to help determine your eligibility for different military jobs.

PiCAT Preparation Strategies

While there are ten sections in the PiCAT, they fall into two different categories. The Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Match Knowledge, and Arithmetic Reasoning questions make up the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT). If you fail these sections, your PiCAT will automatically end and you will not be allowed to continue.

Therefore, your preparation strategy should place a heavy emphasis on these sections. If you have been out of the classroom for a while, you will want to brush up on these subjects.

The military can provide you with training that you will use in your post-military career. However, your assignment will largely be determined by your scores in the PiCAT. Therefore, you should identify the test section or sections that correlate with the role you are interested in, and focus on those topics.

See the Result Scale and Interpretation section of this page below for information on how the different sections of the test are used to determine the roles you are eligible for within each branch of the service.

2. Try Practice Tests and Online Prep Courses

Prep courses and practice tests help you identify areas of weakness, and can help guide your studying so you focus on areas where you need to work. These tests also prepare you for test day, so you are familiar with the type of questions you are going to see on the test. You can find these courses and tests on a number of websites, including iPrep.

Test Features

PiCAT Test Fact Facts (tl;dr)

• Total of 145 questions
• The test is untimed
• 10 sections, ranging from 11-16 questions
• The first four sections make up the AFQT
• The test may not be taken after the ASVAB
• The test may only be taken once every two years
• The test is not proctored
• You may not cheat
• You may not use calculators
• Your results will be verified (see below)

An Alternative to the ASVAB Test

The PiCAT is identical in structure to the ASVAB test. Unlike the ASVAB, the PiCAT is taken online at home, without a time limit or a proctor. If you pass the PiCAT and your results are verified, you will not need to take the ASVAB test.

Passing the PiCAT Validation

After completing the PiCAT test, you will need to verify your score. Your recruiter will administer a 20-30-minute proctored test, with questions that are similar to the ones on the PiCAT. If results of the follow-up test are consistent with the results of the PiCAT, your PiCAT scores will become your official ASVAB results.

If the results on the verification test are inconsistent with the PiCAT results, the verification test will turn into an ASVAB test, and you will have to complete the remainder of the test within the time limit. Additionally, be aware that 5% of PiCAT verification test takers are randomly chosen to complete the full online ASVAB.

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Technical Facts

Process to take PiCAT

To take the PiCAT, speak with a military recruiter. They will provide you with an access code that is valid for thirty days. Once you log into the PiCAT system, you will have 48 hours to complete the PiCAT. While the test isn’t timed, if you start your test 47 hours after initially logging in, you will need to complete the test within one hour.

After you have completed the PiCAT, you have 45 days to complete the verification test. There are 30 questions on the verification test, and they are selected based on the questions you answered correctly.

Results Scale and Interpretations

Scores on the PiCAT are percentiles. A score of 80, for example, means that you scored higher than 80% of the people who took the test.

Each branch of the military uses its own standards for its roles. The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) is based on the first four sections of the PiCAT. The following table shows standard minimum AFQT scores for each branch of the military.

Score Report

As you can see in the report, your top line of scores shows the percentile that you scored in each section. The following lines show your composite scores, based on the different military units. At the bottom of the results page is your overall AFQT score.

The following table shows each category that is measured on the test.

NOTES:

Your VE score is not a separate section of the test. It is based on your WK and PC scores.

In the PiCAT, Auto Information (AI) and Shop Information (SI) are two separate sections on the test. On this score sheet, which comes from the paper version of the ASVAB, they are combined (AS).

Understanding Composite Scores

Each branch of the military has many different jobs, and it uses the results from the PiCAT to determine the likelihood that you will succeed in the role. Your test results that appear on the Standard Scores line on the results sheet are used to create the composite scores.

Here are some examples:

Army

Combat Operations (CO) = VE+AS+MC

A Calvary Scout in the army requires a CO=87, meaning your scores in VE, AS, and MC need to equal 87 to qualify for that role. A parachute rigger is GM=90 and CO=90, meaning your VE, AS, and MC scores need to total 90 and you’d need a 90 on your GM score.

Skilled Technical (ST) = VE+GS+MC+MK

A Field Artillery Surveyor in the army requires an ST=95, meaning your scores in VE, GS, MC, and MK need to equal 95 to qualify for that role. A military working dog handler is ST=91, meaning your VE, GS, MC, and MK scores need to total 91 or higher for that role.

Navy

Engineering (ENG) = AL+EI+MK

Nuclear Field (NUC) = AR+MC+MK+VE

Air Force

Mechanical (M) = GS+MC+AS

Marines

Clerical (CL) = VE+AR+MK

Mechanical Maintenance (MM) = NO+AS+MC+EI

PiCAT FAQs

What is the PiCAT test?

The PiCAT is a military screening test that recruits take before entering the service. Results are used to ensure that you are qualified to serve, and determine in which jobs you are most likely to succeed while serving your country.

What is on the PiCAT test?

The PiCAT has 10 different sections covering word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, math knowledge, arithmetic reasoning, general science, mechanical comprehension, shop information, electronics, assembly of objects, and auto information.

Is the PiCAT test hard?

If you haven’t been in a classroom in a while, you will want to study up on high school math and English. Other sections test you on basic knowledge. They don’t try to trick you, but you may not be familiar with the content. Studying for the test can prepare you and help improve your scores.

Does PiCAT count as ASVAB?

If you pass the test and pass the verification test, your score will count as the ASVAB score.

Is PiCAT harder than ASVAB?

The tests are basically the same.

Can I take the PiCAT instead of the ASVAB?

If you have never taken an ASVAB before, you can take the PiCAT.

How many questions are on the PiCAT test?

There are 145 questions on the PiCAT test.

How many questions are on the PiCAT verification test?

There are 30 questions on the PiCAT verification test. They will be similar to questions you answered correctly during your PiCAT, and are asked to verify that you did not have outside help or cheat on the test.

What is a good score on PiCAT test?

How long is my PiCAT score valid?

A PiCat score is valid for five years.

What is the military PiCAT?

The PiCat is a test used by the US Military to screen recruits and help them find the right roles during their service.

What is the PiCAT Verification Test?

The PiCAT test is taken at home without a proctor. The PiCAT verification test is a short, 30 question test that you take at the recruitment center following your PiCAT with questions that are similar to questions you answered correctly on the test. If your PiCAT verification test is aligned with your PiCAT results, most of the time your PiCAT results will stand as your ASVAB score.

What happens if I fail the PICAT test?

Officially, you can’t fail the PiCAT. However, if your score is too low to qualify you for the military, you will need to take the ASVAB. Your military recruiter may allow you to take a PiCAT a second time, but that is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Can I retake the PiCAT?

Recruits can take a PiCAT every 2 years.

PiCAT Test Tips

1. Find a quiet place to take the test

The PiCAT can be taken wherever you like. Find a quiet location, where you will have time to think and work out the answers.

2. Use an Internet connection you can trust

The test is online, so find a reliable internet connection that won’t disconnect while you are in the middle of your test.

3. Take care of yourself

Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before taking the test, and eat a healthy meal. You want your brain operating at its peak.

4. Take a prep course and practice test

Even if you think you know the material, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the style and content of the test beforehand. That way you will feel comfortable as you move through the ten sections in the test.

• Test Location: The PiCAT is not proctored and taken online at home
• Test Schedule: The test is given as part of your recruitment
• Test Format: Multiple choice on computer
• Test Materials: Test must be taken on either Internet Explorer or Google Chrome. It is recommended that your screen size be at least 15 inches diagonally.
• Cost: Covered by the recruiter
• Retake Policy: Every two years

Free PiCAT Practice

Test Provider

The test was developed and is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM). The PiCAT verification test is taken at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a Mobile Examination Test (MET) site.

Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the US military, which is the owner of the trademarks PiCAT, ASVAB, or any companies or trademarks that were mentioned above.

(13 Ratings)

Welcome to iPrep’s PiCAT (Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test) preparation course.

This course will help you boost your skills and with it your confidence towards your upcoming PiCAT Exam. Passing this ASVAB-alternative test can get take you a step away from your dream military position. The course will provide you with the following tools and benefits:

• You will become familiar with most of the PiCAT’s various types of questions.
• You will be given full-length PiCAT-style simulation tests to get a feeling towards your actual test, and to ensure it will not come as a surprise on test day
• You will introduced to various lessons and tutorials. Each of these includes the core knowledge you need to obtain and several practice sessions.
• You will be provided with a great variety of helpful tips for the different types of questions. Some of the tips are in the introductory sections while most are in the detailed explanations that follow each question.

40 Learning Hours54 Practice Tests1,200 Questions30 Day Access

By the end of this course, you will be more knowledgeable and comfortable with the PiCAT test – Knowledge and familiarity with the test are the two most significant factors that can help you maximize your score and improve your chances of success.

Wishing you an enjoyable learning experience!

Skills You Will Learn

Curriculum

1. Course Introduction
2. Question Types Introduction
3. Math
4. Paragraph Comprehension
5. Word Knowledge
6. General Science
7. Mechanical Comprehension Guide
8. Test-Taking Tips
9. Full-Length Test Simulations
10. Course Conclusion

Take This Course

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL

I’m going to be taking the PiCAT exam and rather like iPrep design vs March2Success. The user interface is much more friendly vs other platforms and even though my recruiter recommended March2Success , I googled PiCAT practice test and landed on this website and I’ve accessed it a couple days now but I love it.

Reagan Reyes

February 24, 2022 at 11:06 PM

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(13 Ratings)
1. Devin W***
January 31, 2022 at 4:31 AM

Very detailed examples in course. Practical for quick study on limited timelines. I have a college degree and forgot much of the basic math skills such as long division for the PiCAT and this review help me remember this long lost skill!

2. Daniel S****
January 7, 2022 at 1:15 AM

I loved this prep resource. I had only 2 days to prepare for a PiCAT test and this course saved my score.

3. Ashick C********
December 17, 2021 at 12:17 AM

very great and has free options which is amazing. im taking the picat testing experience and its been great so far.

4. Justin R****
November 26, 2021 at 10:33 PM

Incredibly helpful for identifying areas in need of study and very helpful for explaining errors. Provided very much needed help.

5. Samuel J**
October 27, 2021 at 12:19 AM

This place is great for studying for the PiCAT. Love this site, and highly recommend it to others. Crossing my fingers that I pass.

6. tommy b*****
October 20, 2021 at 2:48 AM

One of the best test preps on the internet. Highly recommend to anyone looking to better themselves or ace the test!

7. Precious N******
October 6, 2021 at 6:52 AM

Great resource for all practice tests. iPrep contains detailed explanations and suggested short cuts to ace any test. 5 stars!

8. Joseph S***********
September 5, 2021 at 3:59 AM

This site has the most in-depth and informative practice modules/tests for whatever you’re trying to study for. I definitely feel confident going into my test.

9. Maya W*****
August 30, 2021 at 9:03 PM

I love this Site ! It has helped me tremendously to get the score I want. If you want a good study prep, pick this one!

10. Micheal D*****
July 5, 2021 at 5:37 PM

this iprep was a good site to study for PICAT test and also it help alot on what to kind of know what the test will look like .

Get to know what the PiCAT will be like by practicing with these sample questions:

Question 1 of 6

For the same strength of a swing, which ball will receive a stronger impact from the bat?

(If equal, mark C.)

• A
• B
• C

When a player hits the ball, it imparts an impact force, which is proportional to the force applied by the player. However, this impact force also depends upon the distance between the player’s hands on the bat and the ball. The scenario can be modeled as a class 3 lever, where the effort (F) by the player lies between the load (P) and the fulcrum (O), as shown in the figure.

In this case, the moment provided by both the effort (F) and load (P) should be equal. It can be seen from the figure that since the moment arm of effort (LF) is smaller than that of the load (LP), effort F must be greater than load L. Because of this increased effort, the speed of load is always greater than the speed of effort. Since the moment arm is greater for ball A, it will receive a stronger impact from the bat and move faster.

Question 2 of 6

Edward’s salary is $3,500. He spends 20% on shopping, 15% on room rent and 33% on food. His total expenditure is: 1.$500
2. $700 3.$1,120
4. $1,155 5.$2,380

Explanation:

Edward’s salary = $3,500 His total expenditure % = shopping + rent + food = 20% + 15% + 33% = 68% His total expenditure = 68% of total salary = 68% x 3,500 = 68/100 x 3,500 = 68 x 35 =$2,380

Solving Tip:

This question can be done through estimation, all of his expenses add up to 68% of his total income, more than half his income. As 50% of his income is $1,750 so 68% of his income will be more than$1,750. Therefore the only option which is more than 50% is option ‘E’ so it is the right answer.

Question 3 of 6

Convert 302.5% to decimal form

• 300.25
• 0.3025
• 3.25
• 302.5
• 3.025

Explanation:

In a nutshell, the conversion of percents to decimals always follows the same rule – you move the decimal point two steps to the left. If needed, you add zeroes to fill in missing places.

302.5% → 3.025

Similarly:

• 1000% → 10.00
• 100% → 1.00
• 10% → 0.10
• 1% → 0.01
• 0.1% → 0.001
• 0.01% → 0.0001

Question 4 of 6

Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE to the word in capital letters

DISCRETE

• Individual
• Connected
• Obtrusive
• Tactful
• Careless

Discrete is something individually separate and distinct—the opposite of connected. It is not to be confused with the homophone discreet, which means careful or intentionally unobtrusive.

Individual is a close synonym of discrete. Tactful is a synonym of discreet, while obtrusive and careless are antonyms of discreet.

Tips for a quick solution:

• Tests makers often use words that have more than one meaning. The correct answer, which best represents the opposite of the given word, does not necessarily refer to the most common meaning of the word. Moreover, some distractors will be used only because they remind us of the other irrelevant meanings of the given word.
• So how can you deal with it? Always ask yourself whether the word has multiple meanings. Once you have several possible meanings in mind, it will be easier to discern the option that is truly an antonym rather than just related.
You can take advantage of the options that strike you as irrelevant at first and ask yourself if it is a synonym or an antonym of a different, less obvious meaning of the original word.
• Notice the meaning of the question: “Choose the word that is most nearly OPPOSITE of the word in capital letters.” Using the term “most nearly” allows the test writers to use several words that represent opposite aspects of the given word, while only one of the words is the closest thing to an antonym. Other words may only be opposite in nature but not really opposites. For example, “‘indifferent–awed” are clearly opposites, while “indifferent–analogous” is not as strong.

Question 5 of 6

Ozone layer depletion and the greenhouse effect is caused by:

1. Sound pollution
2. Water pollution
4. Noise pollution
5. Air pollution

The correct answer is E. Air pollution

Ozone layer depletion and greenhouse effect is caused by increased percentage of pollutants in air.

Question 6 of 6

A friend asked you to hand over a bar clamp.

Which of the following tools is it?

– fast action clamp

– wood clamp

– C clamp

Well done! You have completed the Sample Questions section.

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