The ASVAB TestThe ASVAB Test stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. This is the required, standardized Career Placement Test everyone has to take when they enlist in the military. The test measures abilities within different career areas, and academic ability. This will show you where it is you fit within certain military programs and careers. One problem with career tests or Aptitude Test you take, is it will reflect what your abilities and skills are only at the time you take it. The same test results cannot be depended upon forever, as being accurate. This is because we change our minds about some of the things we value in the workplace, and may have developed new skills and abilities through time. In other words, if you are young, and haven’t done much in regards to being in the world of working, you may show weak aptitudes in general. But, the ASVAB Test nor other career tests are not concerned about your future interests, values, skills, and abilities. There is no test which acts as a Crystal Ball. Most of us have stronger aptitudes, which show up in certain areas. Some weaker aptitudes will not be as weak as others. If you are young and having trouble finding a career direction, the strongest of the weaker aptitudes are the aptitudes to develop further through additional training and education. You will have some favorite abilities and aptitudes you prefer using above all others. When I was in the Military, I also took the ASVAB test. What it did was choose my military position and specialized training for me. It tested my knowledge and aptitude for doing things in general. They wanted to see where I fit job-wise, balanced with where they needed me to be the most. I measured strongest in aptitude for the clerical/administrative and weaker in mechanical ability. So, this put me in the job specialty called a “Radioman.” I sent and received Morse code with headphones on, while typing. After the service, I entered construction full time, because the job was there. I learned my trade chiefly through my own self study, and experience on the job. I soon acquired a mechanical ability through trial and error, in conjunction with job training. Therefore, I am living proof that mechanical ability can be learned, just as any skill or ability can be acquired. Your Learning StyleThe problem with learning and acquiring an aptitude is, that if you don’t initially possess a strong aptitude or natural ability to do a certain line of work, it will not only be harder to learn and train for it, but you may also not like doing the job very much. Although, I had a weak mechanical ability, I did change that within myself through the years. And, although I didn’t like construction much, I did make a good living from it, and I now have a pension because of it. If you can do something well, that does not necessarily mean you will enjoy doing it or should do it for a living. I think I have the natural aptitude to do what I am doing now. At least, I certainly enjoy doing this more than construction work, or being in the military.If I would have been more aware, I would have viewed the ASVAB test results as an accurate guide which was advising me to avoid the mechanical, because it was shown as my weaker aptitude at the time. Any attempt to do the mechanical, and learn the mechanical would be filled with strife, as was my case. The point I will leave you with is, that no matter what anyone says or what any test suggests, choose to go with your gut when picking a career. If you seek your true calling, and uncover those deeper aptitudes inside yourself that you have more passion for and prefer using, then the only thing you have to do is match your passion, and abilities, to the career that fits. You may have to go with what you know for a while, to pay the bills and put food on the table, until you train for your dream career. At least, if you have a job and want to get out of it, you will then have a career goal to shoot for. You will have a way to pay for your new education and training you are completing part time, and be able to support yourself. Related Pages- * Take a Vocational Aptitude Test. Top of page
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