AFOQT

Table of Contents

Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT)

The AFOQT is a standardized test, similar to the SAT, ACT, or ASVAB, but generally faster-paced.

You can find official guidance on this test in DAFMAN 36-2664, linked from the resources page.

Normally cadets will take this test in their sophomore year, or soon after joining if joining as an AS250.

The test will be offered at your local detachment. The exact schedule and sign-up process will be up to them.

The test takes 5 to 6 hours to complete. Most detachments will still be offering the test on paper scantron sheets, though some detachments are testing out an electronic version of the test taken on a computer.

Topics

The following sections are included on the AFOQT:

  • Verbal Analogies
  • Arithmetic Reasoning
  • Math Knowledge
  • Word Knowledge
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Situational Judgment
  • Self-Description Inventory
  • Instrument Comprehension
  • Block Counting
  • Table Reading
  • Aviation Information
  • Physical Science

Scoring

The AFOQT is scored with percentile scores (1 to 99) in the following categories:

  • Pilot
  • CSO
  • ABM
  • Academic Aptitude
  • Verbal
  • Quantitative

  • The minimum qualifying score is a 15 in the verbal section, and a 10 in the quantitative section.

You can check your AFOQT scores here. Keep in mind the scores for paper tests can take up to two weeks to appear on this site after your Test Control Officer ships them off.

If you got a 50 on any section of the AFOQT, it means you scored higher than 50% of a control group in that section that took the test back in 2014. If you get a 99 it means you scored higher than 99% of the people that took the test. If you get a 5, it means you only scored higher than 5% of the people that took the test, and you did not meet the minimum score so you’ll have to try again.

Your AFOQT scores are NOT compared against the people that took the test with you that day! I’ve had some cadets try to say they got a low score because they tested with the ‘smart people’ in their class that day. That is not the case. You are compared to a control group that took the test back in 2014.

If you’re not interested in a rated (flying) job, then only the Verbal and Quantitative scores matter.

If you’re interested in a rated job, then you have to meet the minimums on the Verbal and Quantitative, plus get the minimum scores in the other areas like Pilot and CSO.

Superscoring

The AFOQT may be superscored, meaning you can meet the minimum scores in each category over multiple tests and the highest score from each test will be taken.

For example, if you took the first test and scored a 70 on the quantitative section (need a 10) and 5 on the verbal section (need a 15), you do not currently have a passing score to qualify to serve in the USSF or USAF.

If you take the test a second time and get a 3 in the quantitative section and a 20 in the verbal section, you now have a qualifying score because they’ll take your 70 and 20 as the highest scores and put them together into one superscore.

Retesting

The AFOQT is absolutely a test you should study for. I had many cadets walk into it without studying and after a long night of gaming or partying or whatever, and they did poorly. Take this test very seriously, it has a big impact on your future.

The official study materials for the test can be found here.

I recommend buying or borrowing as many study guides as you can, and take as many practice tests as you can.

Make sure you time yourself on the tests! The hardest part of it is the pace. You’ll only have a few seconds for some of the questions, so while the math isn’t much more difficult than algebra 2, you won’t have a lot of time to complete the questions. Time management is key!

Take a practice test, see what you did poorly on, study, take another timed practice test. Get used to the pace and frantic nature of it.

Other study resources:

The test hasn’t changed in many years, so there’s really no reason to worry about getting the most recent edition.

Taking the test

Calculators are not allowed on the test.

You cannot bring anything with you into the testing area other than a bottle of water.

You will be using a pencil (or computer) to take the test and will have some scratch paper.

You cannot leave the testing area even to use the restroom, unless on one of the two breaks, so don’t overdo it with water and coffee the morning of your test! If you leave the testing area to go to the bathroom then your test is terminated.

If you’re running out of time, fill in all the remaining bubbles with guesses, you are not penalized for wrong answers (other than they are wrong).