AFOQT Test Format

Knowing the AFOQT format and layout is key to passing the test. The AFOQT Test is a rigorous exam that is simple, and yet very hard. It’s not hard because the questions are difficult – on the contrary they are actually quite simple. This exam gives people problems because it is time intensive and most test takers are not used to that.

Therefore, it’s important that you get familiar with the exam and understand the limitations so that you aren’t caught off-guard.

So, let’s begin.

The AFOQT Test format or layout consists of 380 questions broken down into 12 sections. Each section is very unique and has its own time requirements.

 

AFOQT Test Format

Below is the following test layout:

[trx_table]

afoqt sections	questions	time (min)
verbal analogies	25	8
arithmetic reasoning	25	29
word knowledge	25	5
math knowledge	25	22
break		10
instrument comprehension	20	6
block counting	20	3
table reading	40	7
aviation information	20	8
general science	20	10
rotated blocks	15	13
hidden figures	15	8
self-description inventory	220	40

[/trx_table]

As you can see, the times can be very tricky. It is of the greatest importance that you keep track of the times as you progress through the exam.

AFOQT Sections Explained

To understand what those section entail, here is a description of each:

Verbal Analogies: This section was designed to test a candidates ability to quickly decipher the connections between words. It could be related to a plethora of things such as differences, similarities, cause and effects, etc.

Arithmetic Reasoning: Using basic arithmetic, you will have to answer these math problems. Be sure to be able to solve word problems, percentages, ratios, basic statistics and more.

Word Knowledge: This section tests your English lexicon by presenting you a word and asking you to find a word with a similar meaning.

Math Knowledge: This is your basic high school math questions. Although that may sound easy, remember that you can only spend less than 1 minute per question. By the time your read the question, you now only have about ~40 seconds to answer.

BREAK TIME

Instrument Comprehension: Using pictures of Altitude Indicators and a Magnetic Compasses, you will need to decipher what angle a plane is at. The test will present pictures of five plain at different angles and you will need to choose the right one depicted in the instruments.

Block Counting: You will be presented a 3-D drawing of a stack of blocks, and you will need to count how many blocks are touching a certain block. Sounds super easy right? Well understand that you only have 9 seconds to read the question, find the block and count around it. You’d be surprised how many people fail this section. It’s all about time management.

Table Reading: This section will present you with tables and graphs and ask you questions that will prove you have the ability to read the data from these graphs.

Aviation Information: This section consists of basic aviation knowledge and terminology. This also includes basic aviation principles, regulations, phyiscs of flight, some history and other military flight specific pieces of information. Includes rotary aircraft as well.

General Science: Tests basic high school sciences like physics, biology and chemistry.

Rotated Blocks: In this section you will be presented with a set of blocks and you will need to decipher which blocks are identical. This section is not graded.

Hidden Figures: In this section you be presented with a shape. Then you will find a square or shape that has many different shapes inside of it. You will need to find the square that has your particular shape inside of it. This section is not graded.

Self-Description Inventory: This is your basic personality test. This section is not graded.

As you can see, the test layout in itself is pretty formidable and it more challenge when you fully understand the timing piece and not so much the informational aspect of the exam.

AFOQT Layout

Many of the test takers found the first four sections to be the most taxing. It’s for this reason that after you finish those four, you are given a 10 minute break to help you recover and prepare for the next section.

It is advised that you take full advantage of this break and try to relax your mind. Do not dwell on your previous answers or whether or not you are doing well. Many people will come out of those sections not feeling as though they performed at level they wanted. If you continue to dwell on it, it will affect your future questions. At this point, there is nothing you can do, so move on.

After that break comes the more ‘speed intensive’ portion of the exam. In this you will be answer lots of question but only given 6-13 minutes. In some cases like the block counting, it requires you to answer one question every 9 seconds.

You must understand that ANYONE doing this section of the AFOQT test can get a 100%…if they had enough time to check their answers and verify they were correct. However, because of the time requirement, you will fail if you attempt to check your answers. You need to decisively make your answer and move on. Not surprising the USAF would look for this sort of response, huh?

It is of the utmost importance that if you find yourself stuck on a question in this section, it is best to answer that question, mark it and move on. An unanswered question counts against your overall AFOQT score and can quickly hurt your chances of success.

AFOQT Test Format Conclusion

As you can see, if you aren’t prepared for the time requirements, you could easily fail an exam that you know the answers for. The USAF isn’t just interested in finding smart students. They want to find fast thinking, decision making leaders. Now does the AFOQT test format make sense?

If you would like for familiarity with the format, feel and paces, then make sure to check out our free AFOQT practice exam or check out an AFOQT study guide.