The Pending Internet Computerized Adaptive Test, or PiCAT for short, was a test taken by persons interested in joining the U.S. military in order to measure their skills in a variety of areas including intelligence and aptitude tests over a period of eight hours on computers with an unlimited number of chances to take the test due to its adaptive nature which increased in difficulty as it monitored how well each individual performed on each segment of the test.
The ASVAB started supplementing its exam with the PiCAT in the 21st century, a new technology technique that contained the same kind of questions in a comparable testing style. The PiCAT is divided into 10 sections, each with roughly 10 to 20 questions, for a total of 145 questions. Both the PiCAT and the ASVAB have the same content and complexity of questions. There is no time limit for taking the PiCAT test since it is self-administered. However, you will have 48 hours to finish the PiCAT after you log into the system.
The PiCAT is open to everyone who has not taken the ASVAB at MEPS or the Student ASVAB. To take the PiCAT, you’ll need to request access to the online test from your local recruiter. Your recruiter will provide you an access code so that you may take the exam. Because the PiCAT is an internet-based exam, you’ll want to be sure your computer meets the system requirements for the online exam. That is something you should discuss with your recruiter.
The exam is graded on a percentile scale, which means that if you get a 76, you did better than 76 percent of the individuals who took the test. Individuals having a high school diploma with scores ranging from 31 to 40 are accepted by branches. A score of 50 or above, on the other hand, is an excellent target. The PiCAT is not a pass/fail examination. Even if you don’t meet the minimal requirements to join your selected branch of service, if you’re not satisfied with your final result, you may be allowed to retake the exam with the help of your recruiter. However, only when two years have passed may the PiCAT be retaken.
You’ll need to take a verification test to confirm the results of your at-home PiCAT. The PiCAT Verification Test is timed and lasts around 25-30 minutes. This examination is usually done at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) or a MET (Military Entrance Testing) center near you. You should notify the MEPS or MET center of the location you prefer to take the exam. Your PiCAT scores will serve as your final and official ASVAB scores after they have been verified. If you fail the PiCAT verification test, you will be forced to take the whole three-hour ASVAB.
Practice tests are the most effective approach to get comfortable with the PiCAT’s structure, style, and content. To prepare for the exam, understand the fundamentals of mechanical, electronics, and auto-related courses if you have never taken any of these subjects before. Read the book, ask any questions you have to the recruiter, and talk to other people who have taken the exam. There are several online study guides for both the ASVAB and the PiCAT, and it is never a bad idea to go through them.