What Is A PiCAT Test?
Introduced in 2018, the pre-screening internet-delivered computerized adaptive test (PICAT) is an assessment that is taken online by prospective members of the United States armed forces. This test is required by applicants in the following fields- Combat, clerical, skilled technical, surveillance and communications, operations; and food, among other fields. The higher your score on your PiCAT, the more career roles you will take.
To take the PiCAT test, you don’t need a diploma. Although having one adds to your advantage, It has 10 sections, with each section having an average of 20 questions. This test is limited to 24 hours for the submission and is taken online through a link by a local recruiter. The test covers your knowledge of mathematics and arithmetic reasoning, general sciences, word knowledge, mechanical and electronics information, general comprehension, shop information, and object assembly. The PiCAT score is valid for 5 years before the applicant can choose to take a new one.
What Is A Good Score On A PiCAT Test?
The minimum score you will need to serve in any military capacity will depend on where you hope to serve, be it the army, naval forces or air force; a good PICAT score will be 40 and above.
To do well you will need to refresh your memory with your junior maths, comprehension and sciences, also try to seek previous tests and practice with them because similar tests might appear, and take the test free from any distractions from your environment or friends or family if it’s convenient for you to use a functional computer or get a new one to be able to take the test.
Is The PiCAT Test Different From ASVAB?
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) introduced in 1968, is a test taken by all intending applicants wishing to serve in the United States Armed Forces. The test is available for all citizens of the United States and its territories. The test comprises only 9 sections and has a time limit of 3 hours. Minimum scores range from 31 to 50 and above for any military branch that you wish to enlist to.
It comprises 10 sections, with each section having a minimum of 10 to 20 questions to be taken for 1 day only before submission and can be taken from whatever location you are in the United States.
After taking each test, only the PiCAT will be required to show verification in another quick assessment.
You can retake the PiCAT test as many times after every 2 years if you fail, while for the ASVAB the maximum you can take is 4 times is 2 months from the initial failure of the first test.
You can take the PiCAT and still be required to take the ASVAB, but once you have taken the ASVAB, you won’t be required to take the PiCAT.
The PiCAT test offers you a variety of subjects that they will test you upon and the time gives you enough time to process your thoughts and answer each question. ASVAB test is just 3 hours and you will have to be done before that time. Each section has its allocated time, and you will have to answer the question so you don’t waste time in one section.
The test format for a PiCAT test is always online. But the ASVAB test might be online or on paper; while you can take the PiCAT test from any location of your choice, the ASVAB can only be taken from a MEPS or MET centre.
Conclusion
The PiCAT test offers you flexibility as regards its test time; it is generally a test for anybody who wishes to serve in any military branch of the county. Upon passing the test with a good score, you will still need to be verified to find out that you took the test.
How many questions are on the PiCAT?
There are 145 questions on the PiCAT test, which is made of 10 sections testing you on different subjects. Each section contains an average of 10 to 20 questions.
Is the picat harder than asvab?
Given the general format of the test, the PiCAT is an easier option than the ASVAB test, but this might differ for some people though.
