ASTB-E: the naval aviation selection test, explained
The Aviation Selection Test Battery — OAR scoring, the aviation sections, and the simulator-style performance-based measures, with a preparation plan for each.
- Sections
- 5 subtests + PBM
- Duration
- 2 h – 3 h 15
- Scores
- OAR + AQR · PFAR · FOFAR
- Retakes
- 3 lifetime attempts
- Hands-on
- Performance-based measures
Five subtests, plus the hands-on battery
Adaptive by design — every answer counts, and you cannot go back.
Math Skills
Arithmetic through algebra and geometry, adaptive difficulty.
Reading Comprehension
Dense passages, precise inference, on the clock.
Mechanical Comprehension
Forces, fluids, simple machines, circuits.
Aviation & Nautical Information
Airmanship and seamanship knowledge — the most studyable section.
Naval Aviation Trait Inventory
Forced-choice personality inventory — no studying, no faking.
What the board actually sees
| Score | Range | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating) | 20–80 | Officer Candidate School selection |
| AQR (Academic Qualification Rating) | 1–9 | Predicts primary flight training academics |
| PFAR (Pilot Flight Aptitude Rating) | 1–9 | Pilot slots — the number that matters most |
| FOFAR (Flight Officer Aptitude Rating) | 1–9 | Naval Flight Officer slots |
Retake policy: 3 lifetime attempts
You get three lifetime attempts at the ASTB-E, with mandatory waits between them (commonly reported as 30 days before the second attempt and 90 days before the third — confirm current rules with your officer recruiter). Your most recent score counts.
Tips for success
Treat ANIT as free points
Aviation & nautical information is pure knowledge — the most improvable section on the battery.
Rehearse the PBM before test day
The performance-based measures reward familiarity. Practice tracking with a joystick or HOTAS before you sit in the trainer.
Respect the adaptive format
You cannot skip or return to questions. Accuracy early in each section matters more than speed.
Balance OAR and aviation study
OAR gets you into OCS; PFAR gets you the pilot slot. Plan study time for both.
Common questions
Aviation applicants (pilot and NFO) take all seven sections. Non-aviation officer candidates take only the three OAR sections: math, reading, and mechanical comprehension.
Build your test-day method
- Exam-aligned drills under deliberate time pressure
- Instant explanations after every item
- Your score estimate, tracked drill after drill