This guide provides helpful information about the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) for those planning to join the Navy aviation team in Fiscal Year 2025.
The U.S. Navy requires the successful completion of the ASTB examination for only two Officer jobs: Naval Aviator (Pilot) and Naval Flight Officer (NFO).
Both these Navy Officer programs are highly competitive, so merely making the minimum qualification scores for any of the requirements will be insufficient for selection.
What is the Aviation Selection Test Battery?
The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard use the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) to choose applicants for officer aviation programs. Series E is the most recent version of the ASTB, and it has several technical improvements over earlier versions.
ASTB Subsections
The ASTB-E comprises six subtests. Three subtests combine to form the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR), which is used for non-aviation officer training.
Although most examinees complete the whole test battery, those seeking admission to non-aviation officer programs can take only the OAR section of the examination, which comprises the Math Skills Test, Reading Comprehension Test, and Mechanical Comprehension Test.
The list below visually depicts the breakdown of tests included in the ASTB-E.
Math Skills Test (MST)**
Math Skills Test – Assesses the examinee’s ability to:
- Use mathematical methods to solve equations
- Understand fundamental ideas in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
The ASTB subtests measure arithmetic and algebra skills, as well as basic geometry. Equations and word problems are included in the exams. Some things demand a variable solution, while others are time and distance issues, and yet others involve the assessment of basic probabilities.
Basic mathematical operations, solving for variables, fractions, roots, exponents, and calculating angles, areas, and perimeters of geometric forms are all tested.
Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)**
Reading Comprehension Test – Assesses the capacity of the examinee to:
- Extract information from text passages
- Analyze written data and draw logical conclusions
ASTB examinees must derive meaning from text passages for reading comprehension items. Each item causes the examiner to determine which of the solution possibilities may be deduced from the paragraph itself.
Examinees must remember that while wrong response possibilities may appear to be ‘true,’ only one answer to each question may be determined simply from the information in the passage.
Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT)**
Mechanical Comprehension Test -This test assesses the examinee’s ability to:
- See and comprehend the nature of physical interactions
- Solve practical mechanical concepts problems
Topics covered in the mechanical comprehension section of the ASTB include those found in an introductory high school physics course, as well as their application to a range of circumstances.
The questions in this section of the test assess candidates’ knowledge of gas and liquid concepts, as well as their comprehension of how these characteristics impact pressure, volume, and velocity.
The subtest also contains questions about engine components and performance, electrical concepts, gears, weight distribution, and the operation of small devices like pulleys and fulcrums.
Aviation and Nautical Information Test (ANIT)
Aviation and Nautical information Test – Measures the examinee’s ability to recall terminology and concepts related to naval duty and aviation.
The ANIT evaluates an examinee’s knowledge of aviation history, nautical terminology and procedures, and aviation-related topics, such as aircraft components, aerodynamic principles, and flying rules and regulations.
ANIT scores are the most easily improved by study of any ASTB subtest since they are primarily a test of knowledge rather than aptitude.
Examinees can prepare for this subtest by reading encyclopedias, FAA and civilian aviation publications, and handbooks and manuals that summarize fundamental piloting, navigation, and seamanship.
Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI)
The Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI) is a personality questionnaire designed to measure traits linked to aviation success at different career stages.
This section of the ASTB presents examinees with paired statements about how they think, feel, or act. They must pick the one that best describes them.
Examples:
A. When things get tough, I perform significantly less successfully.
B. I am occasionally late for appointments.
A. If someone relied on me, I would gladly commit my time and efforts.
B. I achieve more at work than most individuals.
No prep needed—just answer honestly. This isn’t about admitting to specific behaviors. It’s about making difficult choices under pressure.
Performance-Based Measures Battery (PBM)
Performance-Based Measures—A series of tests based on processing speed, dexterity, and divided attention measuring:
- Aptitude for spatial orientation
- Listening ability that is dichotic
- Capability to do tracking duties with a stick-and-throttle set
- Capability to conduct many of these actions concurrently
Examinees are asked to answer directional orientation challenges, complete listening tests, and execute tracking tasks using a stick-and-throttle set in this battery.
Those who want to prepare for this subtest should solve practice mental rotation tasks and practice using flight simulator software.
** Part of the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR)
Purpose of ASTB-E
The ASTB-E tests a mix of cognitive skills, personality traits, and technical knowledge. Math ability, reading comprehension, and mechanical concepts all come into play.
Aviation and nautical knowledge matter too—terminology, aircraft components, aerodynamics, and flight regulations are all covered.
Studying helps. So does experience. Candidates with aviation or maritime backgrounds usually have an edge. The test also includes the Performance-Based Measures (PBM) Battery, which pushes 3D thinking, dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and multitasking under pressure.
Personality also counts. The ASTB-E evaluates traits linked to aviation success, including the Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI).
Every section has been proven to predict training performance. Strong cognitive skills, sharp psychomotor abilities, technical know-how, and the right mindset set top candidates apart—they score higher and are more likely to finish aviation training.
Test Administration
ASTB-E test time isn’t fixed—it varies by person. It can take anywhere from two hours to three hours and 15 minutes.
The OAR in APEX runs shorter, typically one to two hours.
No calculators allowed. All math problems must be solved by hand, but necessary formulas are provided. Everyone gets a scrap paper for calculations.
Your most recent scores always replace your old ones, no exceptions—even if past scores were higher.
You only get three attempts in your lifetime. Retakes require a thirty-day waiting period before scheduling another test.
Navy ASTB Exam Requirements
These requirements are current as of May 2022, per the Navy Personnel Command. No updates have been issued so far.
Naval Aviator (Navy Pilot)—Designator 1390
Below are the minimum ASTB qualification scores for Navy Pilot applicants:
- Academic Qualification Rating (AQR): 4
- Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating (PFAR): 5
Naval Flight Officer (NFO)—Designator 1370
Below are the minimum ASTB qualification scores for NFO applicants:
- Academic Qualifications Rating (AQR): 4
- Flight Officer Flight Aptitude Rating (FOFAR): 5
Navy ASTB Score Descriptions
The combination of two scores is used to make aeronautical selection decisions. Pilots are chosen based on their AQR and PFAR scores, while Flight Officers are chosen based on their AQR and FOFAR ratings. These results are given in stanines (1 to 9).
Academic Qualifications Rating (AQR)
The Academic Qualifications Rating (AQR), which has a score range of 1 to 9, forecasts academic achievement in the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API).
Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating (PFAR)
Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating (PFAR), which has a score range of 1 to 9, forecasts the main flight performance of Student Naval Aviators (SNAs).
Flight Officer Flight Aptitude Rating (FOFAR)
The Flight Officer Aptitude Rating (FOFAR), which has a score range of 1 to 9, forecasts the main flight performance of Student Naval Flight Officers (SNFOs).
How to Prepare for the ASTB-E
Examinees who want to learn test tactics, review and practice arithmetic principles and problems, become acquainted with military history and aviation vocabulary, and practice pace on timed examinations might benefit from a variety of resources.
Examinees should try to prepare in all areas where they will be tested.
We only endorse this ASTB-E Test Preparation Guide. There are many available, but most of them are scams. This recommended ASTB-E Guide came from members of our community who successfully completed the exam. Save some time and money and just get this guide.
Sample ASTB-E Questions
You may download sample questions to help you prepare for the ASTB-E here: Download ASTB-E Sample Questions (Free & No-opt in required)
More Information
If you want more information about becoming a Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer, the next logical step is to contact a Naval Officer Recruiter.
Let us figure out how you can receive help from becoming a Navy Pilot or NFO—or if it is even the right career move for you.
Lastly, if you wish to fly Navy drones instead, check out the Navy Drone Pilot job.
