About The AFOQT
The Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) is one of the most prestigious and popularized tests. In essence, the test measures the aptitude of the candidates for the completion of the program.
The exam aims to set a dedicated selection criterion for pilot and navigator training. As of now, the AFOQT is deemed mandatory for all students and cadets that are enrolled on scholarship in the United States.
And just like Standardized Admissions Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) score, AFOQT is designed to cover mathematical aptitude, verbal knowledge, and other career-oriented subsets. Upon completion of the AFOQT test, the candidates are free to choose a number of USAF Officer Programs such as Officer Training School, Combat Systems Officer Training, Air Battle Management Training, and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Over the years, the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test has been beneficial for the U.S. Air Force to select college graduates who are suitable for entry-level occupations. The rigorous nature of the test brings out the best among candidates and ultimately sets a higher entrance standard.
Historical Relevance of the Test
The modernization of visual display has evolved since World War I. And that means the extension of the military and air force material that students are required to study to become officers of a designated position.
Today, the same methods are used to measure the aptitudes of new recruits who want to qualify as an officer of the Air Force. The first test, however, was drafted and carried out during World War I and was solely based on true-false items and multiple-choice questions. Later on, the test included vocabulary, sentence composition, numeric series, critical thinking, and arithmetic problems.
At the time, the need of the hour was identified when commanding officers realized the fact that recruits weren’t capable of reading or writing to understand military mechanics. Therefore, Alpha and Beta tests were developed based on rudimentary cube counting, mazes, comparisons, and fill in the blanks.
It is estimated that more than 2 million recruits were given the Alpha and Beta test in World War I. Consequently, the scores became an important part of the recruits’ records that were used to allocate assignments and complex tasks. However, the Navy, Army, and Air Force discontinued the tests soon after World War I came to an end.
Later on, during World War II, the War Department started to design new tests that were targeted to measure a specific set of skillsets to select officers. It is important to remember that the AFOQT test was merely developed in the beginning to meet a congressional training requirement. That said, the AFOQT test was the selection criteria for all military service from 1950 to mid-1970s.
Suitability of the Exam
AFOQT is ideal for applicants who want to qualify as an officer in the U.S Air Force. The graduates, for instance, can apply for an entry-level position right after finishing college. The following material can be utilized as a compressed resource to understand the requirements and subject material of the test. The purpose of each subsection evaluates various skills required to partake in training courses. The exam is suited for cadets’ who want to start a strong career foundation and thrive in a professional environment.
The Validity of the Score
AFOQT scores have lifetime validity. If you, however, took the exam in previous ‘S Form’ – there’s a good chance your scores have been transferred to the new ‘Form T’ format. You are, on the other hand, free to visit the website of the Air Force Personnel Center. Remember, the scores are updated AFTER 8-10 of your test attempt. To view and confirm the scores, you will need your social security number, registered last name, and given center number.
New Changes in the Test
The questions pertaining to the test are subject to constant revisions. Additional changes and subtractions, for instance, were made in the 2015 revision that included reading comprehension and situational judgment that are now considered vital aspects of the test. The inclusion of reading comprehension as a new subset was added primarily to test the content comprehension of an officer who wants to partake in Professional Military Education (PME).
Moreover, the collective physical science replaced the general science subset for the students. The use of interpersonal judgmental skills, for example, is viewed as highly instrumental for an officer to communicate through display graphics. The augmentation of such test practically invigorates realistic scenarios.
Necessary Documentation
- Applicants must present an original birth certificate.
- If you are an immigrant, you should have valid proof concerning your US Citizenship. It means you’ll have to present an INS Certificate or FS-240 to report your birth outside of the US.
- If you have a prior service record – use DD Form 214 to add information as your Certificate of Discharge.
- Your Social Security Card and Transcripts from a military academy should be original.
- Attach the newest report about your medical history.
- Cadets are required to mention their SAT or ACT score results.
- Depending on the nature of your application, you may be asked to present Civil Air Patrol Participation Certificate, Private Pilot’s License, Aeronaturical, or Commercial Pilot License.
- Junior ROTC are required to present AFJROTC Form 210 or AF Form 1256 as a Certificate of Completion.
- Local law enforcement officials should attest any information about your civil or military school. The nature of information could be date specification, your involvement, final disposition, or name of the city.
Cautious Instructions
- You must get a good night’s sleep before attempting the test.
- Get up at least half an hour earlier as you won’t be allowed to partake in the test after the scheduled time.
- Make sure you’ve had your breakfast before the test as there will be no drinks or food allowed in the test area.
- Keep your stationary supplies minimum as you’ll get pencils and scratch paper during the test.
- Dress semi-professionally – but wear comfortable items that should be relaxing throughout the test period.
The Role of Each Composite
AFOQT test results cover five main areas such as Pilot, Navigator, Aptitude, Academic Specific, and Quantitative:
- Pilot
Typically, there are certain minimum requirements set forth to qualify as a Pilot. It means individuals should possess fundamental knowledge in numerous sections to successfully pass the pilot training program. You will have to study composite subsets such as aviation knowledge, verbal analogies, mechanical understanding of systems, and usage of various instruments to identify aircraft altitude. Furthermore, aeronautical familiarity, spatial capabilities, and forming tables are also equally vital subsets.
If you intend to qualify as a pilot, you will need to score 25 points. And if you want to qualify as a pilot and navigator; attain a score of 50. Additionally, you will also need to score 10 points for Quantitative.
- Navigator
Applicants mustn’t confuse the aforementioned composite subsection and minimum score requirements to qualify as a Navigator. However, Navigator and Pilot training share similar composite subsets like verbal analogies, finding aircraft altitude, and aeronautical knowledge. That said, you will also have to prepare for subsets such as quantitative aptitudes, few spatial abilities, and physical science.
- Verbal
Participates are required to attain a minimum set score of 15. This area covers different types of verbal knowledge of cadets. The composite for this specific area includes relationship identification between words, the ability to infer or contextualize paragraphs on a number of topics and, fundamental knowledge to form synonyms.
- Quantitative
Cadets will need to get at least a score of 10. It measures your quantitative or mathematical knowledge to understand problems. The composite for this area covers your analytical ability to solve arithmetic relationships, interpretation of graphical charts, knowledge regarding math-specific terminologies and formulas.
- Academic
Academic Aptitude is the only area where you don’t have to get a minimum score. Technically, it covers composite Math and Verbal subsections. Your knowledge for this section arguably matters the most since it will be used during the selection of Field Training. In essence, it tests your verbal and quantitative knowledge. That means your Academic Aptitude practically combines all-composite subsections to assign Verbal and Quantitative scores.
The scores for all five areas are calculated on a percentile basis (1-99). Over the years, the official authorities have measured that average score generally ranges over the 40s for each stated area. Consequently, cadets who want to qualify as pilots should try to get a score in the 70s or higher.
Applicants, for instance, would be doing themselves a huge favor when it comes to learning each test composite score. Subsequently, your test schedule will be suited to your comfort. Remember, the officials will compare your scores for all five areas with other participants’ scores. If you, for example, get a 40% verbal score – it essentially means you relatively performed better than other 40% test takers.
To qualify as an officer, here’s a minimum score guideline of each category:
