Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test to be available to high school students under new law

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s high school students will soon be able to join thousands of others from around the country in taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test under legislation signed into law earlier this week. Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, is the author of Senate Bill 642 to provide youth further career guidance.

“So many young people have no clue what they want to do after high school, but the ASVAB is yet another free tool that schools can use to help them make important decisions about their future,” Pugh said. “This test is good for kids who are interested in the military or to provide them exposure to numerous other career opportunities. It helps them find their unique strengths and skills that could be used in fields such as engineering, physics, mechanics or a whole host of other fields, including those that don’t require a postsecondary education.”    

Pugh, an Air Force veteran, noted that Oklahoma has one of the lowest ASVAB administration rates in the nation even though the state has one of the highest military populations and one of the highest rates of high school students entering the military. 

SB 642 requires each Oklahoma public school district and public charter school to offer sophomores through seniors the opportunity to take the free U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) administered ASVAB test and consult with a military recruiter beginning in the 2021-22 school year. The test is to be administered during normal school day hours at a time that does not conflict with extracurricular activities. Schools will be required to provide notice of the date, time, and location of the test to eligible students and their parents or legal guardians. 

Navy veteran Rep. Dustin Roberts, R-Durant, was the principal House author of the measure.       

“Many high school students choose entering the military after graduation as an alternative to going to college or going straight to work,” Roberts said. “Giving them the ability to take this test while still in high school will help them learn if this is the best option for them.”       

The ASVAB is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the DOD is used for career exploration and measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training or other fields.     

SB 642 will go into effect on July 1, 2021.

For more information, contact:  Sen. Pugh: (405) 521-5622 or Adam.Pugh@oksenate.gov