The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is a multiple-choice, standardized exam that tests a person’s ability on various topics spanning mathematical, logical, verbal, and science-based areas of study. The actual test time for the AFOQT Form T is approximately 3.5 hours; however, the complete AFOQT test time, including required breaks and instruction, is approximately five hours. AFOQT scores are valid for life and are first used in officer candidate selection and later for career field selection. In this blog, we’ll break down AFOQT sections and provide preparation tips to get the best AFOQT score possible, as this exam is a big deal.
Breakdown of AFOQT Sections with Preparation Tips
Verbal Analogies
Description: The Verbal Analogies test measures reasoning in identifying associations among five relationship categories: synonyms/definitions, antonyms, function/relationship, classification, and part-to-whole. You will have 8 minutes to answer 25 questions.
Preparation Tip: Practice with analogy question sets and focus on understanding common relationship patterns (synonyms, antonyms, cause/effect, etc.), like the ones available through Peterson’s AFOQT Course.
Arithmetic Reasoning
Description: This exam subtest will assess your overall mathematical ability related to word problems. Questions will include geometry, proportions, ratios, and algebra. You will have 29 minutes to answer 25 questions.
Preparation Tip: Solve word problems daily and focus on understanding the logic behind each step rather than just memorizing formulas. Find detailed answer explanations and instructional videos breaking down complex topics in our AFOQT Test Prep Course.
Word Knowledge
Description: The Word Knowledge section of the AFOQT is designed to test your knowledge of word definitions and your understanding of the written language. This portion of the test is mandatory for commissioning, it does not apply to the Pilot, Combat Systems Officer, and Air Battle Manager career tracks. You will have 5 minutes to answer 25 questions.
Preparation Tip: Use flashcards or vocabulary exercises to learn 5-10 new words daily, like those already prepared for you on Peterson’s AFOQT Test Prep Course.
Math Knowledge
Description: Rather than the word problems you encountered in Arithmetic Reasoning, this subtest of the AFOQT exam measures your ability to compute math problems that focus on algebraic equations, fractions, percentages, and geometry. This subtest resembles a traditional math test with mainly numeric questions and occasional word problems. You will have 22 minutes to answer 25 questions.
Preparation Tip: Review foundational math concepts and work through AFOQT practice questions to identify and address weak areas; AFOQT practice tests will help.
Reading Comprehension
Description: Tests your ability to read and interpret written material. You will have 22 minutes to answer 25 multiple-choice questions. The subtest will have 5 passages, each with 4-6 questions.
Preparation Tip: Practice active reading by summarizing passages and answering questions under timed conditions
Situational Judgment
Description: This subtest focuses on your ability to assess and respond to any circumstances that might arise as an officer. You will be given real-life scenarios and asked to identify the most and least effective actions in response to that scenario. You will have 35 minutes to answer 50 questions.
Preparation Tip: Review leadership scenarios and consider how core Air Force values (integrity, service, excellence) apply in decision-making.
Table Reading
Description: This subtest tests your ability to locate information in table form quickly and efficiently. You will have 7 minutes to answer 40 questions, so the turnaround time for each question is mere seconds.
Preparation Tip: Practice interpreting complex data tables and focus on improving your speed without losing accuracy. You can do this through our AFOQT practice tests.
Instrument Comprehension
Description: This subtest will assess your ability to determine the position of an airplane in flight by reading and comprehending instruments that show compass heading, nose position, and degree of banking. You will have 5 minutes to answer 25 questions.
Preparation Tip: Study essential aviation instrument guides and practice interpreting instrument panels under timed conditions.
Block Counting
Description: This exam subtest measures your ability to think in three dimensions using stacks of blocks. Each question presents a stack of blocks and asks you to identify how many other blocks the designated pieces are touching. You will have 4.5 minutes to answer 30 questions.
Preparation Tip: Work with 3D puzzles or practice visualizing objects from different perspectives to strengthen spatial skills.
Aviation Information
Description: This subtest assesses your knowledge of aviation concepts, including aerodynamics and forces of flight, airplane parts and mechanics, airport signs, markings, lighting, and aviation meteorology. You will have 8 minutes to answer 20 questions.
Preparation Tip: Review aviation handbooks or guides, focusing on terminology, flight principles, and basic aerodynamics.
Physical Science
Description: This subtest covers basic physical science at the high school level, focusing on measurements, physical characteristics and properties, chemical makeups and relationships, and energy. You’ll have 10 minutes to complete 20 questions.
Preparation Tip: Use a high school science review book to revisit key concepts and practice science-based multiple-choice questions.
Rotated Blocks/ Block Counting
Description: This subtest of the exam measures your ability to think in three dimensions using stacks of blocks. Each question presents a stack of blocks and asks you to identify how many other blocks the designated pieces are touching. You will have 4.5 minutes to answer 30 questions.
Preparation Tip: Practice with rotation-based puzzles or apps to enhance your mental ability to rotate and visualize objects.
Self-Description Inventory
Description: This is the largest subtest; however, it is essentially a personality inventory you cannot study for as there are no right or wrong answers. This subtest is used internally to match candidates with assignments that fit their self-descriptions. You will have 45 minutes to answer 240 questions.
Preparation Tip: Familiarize yourself with the NEO PI-R psychological assessment that measures the five major personality domains: Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to Experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. There are no wrong answers, only inaccurate answers that do not reflect your personality traits. Be honest with your answers. This portion of the exam determines your personality traits and attitude according to the domains and subgroups in order to match you with a fitting career path. Remember, the Self-Description Inventory can affect your position’s consideration.
Conclusion
Throughout the AFOQT test, you are showing what you know about the AFOQT Sections: Verbal Analogies, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Math Knowledge, Reading Comprehension, Situational Judgment, Self-Description Inventory, Physical Science, Table Reading, Instrument Comprehension, Block Counting, and Aviation Information. Adequate AFOQT sections test preparation requires a thorough review and understanding of the material in this AFOQT study course before taking practice tests. When you take a timed AFOQT practice test, review the answers and explanations to identify areas to research further and expand your knowledge or skill base. Dive into each of the practice AFOQT sections to see your strengths and weaknesses. Remember that if you aspire to be an officer in the U.S. Air Force, taking the AFOQT is one step in becoming one. In your AFOQT study efforts, be consistent and persevere. You’ve got this!
