Podcast
Military Exam Prep
Hosted by Ran Chen, EA, CFP® · EN
Military Exam Prep is a free, daily podcast by OpenExamPrep covering the most in-demand military aptitude, classification, and advancement exams — including the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), AFCT, PiCAT, AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifying Test), OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating), ASTB-E (Aviation Selection Test Battery), SIFT (Selection Instrument for Flight Training), DLAB and DLPT (Defense Language tests), EDPT, NAPT, DoD Cyber Test, Air Force PFE, Navy NWAE, Coast Guard SWE, and Army Promotion Board. Each 5-minute episode breaks down one exam topic with concrete examples, scoring strategies (especially the AFQT line scores that determine job eligibility), common exam traps, and memory tricks to help you pass on your first attempt. Whether you're preparing for enlistment, OCS, flight school, language school, or your next stripe, the material is built around the way the test actually scores you. This podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation for everyone — from recruits at MEPS to NCOs studying for promotion to officer candidates earning their commission. For free practice questions, AI-powered explanations, flashcards, and full study guides, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ Subscribe and listen daily — your enlistment, commission, or next rank is closer than you think.
75episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AFOQT Exam Prep 87, Score-of-Record Strategy — When to Retake
Yesterday00:03:15Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - That the AFOQT uses a 'super-scoring' system, where your best composite scores from any attempt are used. - Why you should only consider a retake if your score is below the competitive threshold for your desired Air Force career. - The importance of dedicating at least 50 hours of new, targeted study before attempting a retake. - A mental shortcut to guide your decision: 'Retake for need, not for pride.' - How to strategically plan your test dates around the mandatory waiting period to meet application deadlines. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 86, Non-Rated Officer Track — Just Verbal and Quantitative
2d ago00:02:51Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - For non-rated AFOQT candidates, only the Verbal (minimum 15) and Quantitative (minimum 10) composite scores are required for qualification. - How to perform "test prep triage" by focusing study efforts exclusively on the five subtests that form the Verbal and Quantitative composites. - To identify the specific AFOQT subtests to de-prioritize, such as Aviation Information and Instrument Comprehension, to save valuable study time. - To recognize the common trap of studying all AFOQT sections equally, which is an inefficient strategy for non-rated career tracks. - How to apply the mnemonic "For Non-Rated, it's V-Q for me, forget the other three!" to maintain focus on the only scores that matter. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 85, ABM-Track Subtest Optimization
3d ago00:03:39Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The six AFOQT subtests that comprise the Air Battle Manager (ABM) composite score. - How spatial reasoning is tested using the Block Counting and Instrument Comprehension subtests. - Common exam traps, such as poor time management on the Table Reading section. - Why the Aviation Information subtest is critical for aspiring Air Battle Managers. - A mnemonic to remember the six key subtests: "Very Mad Tigers In Blue Armor." For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 84, CSO-Track Subtest Optimization
4d ago00:01:19Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The six specific subtests that form the AFOQT Combat Systems Officer (CSO) composite score. - Why the Physical Science subtest is the most critical differentiator for CSO candidates compared to pilot candidates. - Common exam traps, including focusing on a pilot-centric study plan and misjudging the required depth of scientific knowledge. - The types of high-school level physics, chemistry, and earth science concepts tested on the exam. - A mnemonic to help you remember the exact formula for the CSO composite score. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 83, Pilot-Track Subtest Optimization
5d ago00:03:10Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The AFOQT Pilot Composite score is calculated from only seven specific subtests: Verbal Analogies, Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowledge, Instrument Comprehension, Table Reading, Aviation Information, and Block Counting. - Prioritize studying Aviation Information and Instrument Comprehension as they are high-yield sections where focused effort can lead to significant score improvements. - Block Counting and Table Reading are subtests that primarily test speed and accuracy, and improvement is best achieved through consistent, timed practice. - Common exam traps include misinterpreting instrument readings, failing to account for hidden blocks in 3D stacks, and getting bogged down on a single complex table reading question. - Use the mnemonic "Very Able Minds Investigate Tables, Airplanes, and Blocks" to recall the seven critical subtests for the Pilot Composite score. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 82, PCSM Target Scores — 60/70/80 Tiers
6d ago00:03:12Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The PCSM score, not just the AFOQT Pilot score, is what selection boards review. - A PCSM score of 60 is the minimum to apply, 70 is considered competitive, and 80+ is a high-tier, very competitive score. - The PCSM is a composite score calculated from your AFOQT Pilot score, your TBAS performance, and your logged flight hours. - A common pitfall is focusing only on the AFOQT while neglecting the significant impact of the TBAS and flight hours on your overall score. - Acquiring a Private Pilot License, typically around 40-60 flight hours, often serves as an inflection point that maximizes the flight hour component of the PCSM score. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 81, Building Your PCSM Score
1w ago00:04:08Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How the PCSM score is calculated from three key components: AFOQT Pilot score, TBAS results, and flight hours. - Why a high AFOQT Pilot score alone won't guarantee a competitive PCSM. - The critical role of the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) in measuring psychomotor and multitasking skills. - How civilian flight hours impact your score and the point of diminishing returns after certain hour brackets. - A simple mnemonic (A.T.H.) to remember the pillars of a top-tier pilot application. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 80, TBAS Strategy — Practice Multitasking Under Pressure
1w ago00:03:05Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - That the TBAS multitasking subtest evaluates your ability to manage several tasks in parallel, not in sequence. - Why the 2024 PCSM algorithm update makes your TBAS multitasking performance even more critical to your final score. - How to avoid the common trap of "task fixation," where focusing perfectly on one task destroys your overall performance. - The critical advantage gained by practicing with a physical joystick and rudder pedals to build muscle memory before the exam. - To use the mnemonic "Scan, Listen, Correct, Repeat" to maintain a balanced and continuous cycle of attention during the test. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 79, The 7 TBAS Subtests
1w ago00:03:52Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - The TBAS is a test of psychomotor skills and divided attention, not pre-existing aviation knowledge. - Success in the tracking subtests (Horizontal, Airplane, and Combined) hinges on avoiding target fixation and making smooth, predictive control inputs. - The Directional Orientation subtest measures your rapid spatial reasoning and ability to mentally rotate your perspective under time pressure. - Divided attention tasks, like the Listening and Emergency Procedure subtests, are designed to test your cognitive load management and ability to prioritize. - Use the mnemonic "Do Multiple Actions Hurriedly, Even Listening to Instruments" to recall the seven distinct skill sets tested: Directional, Multi-tracking, Airplane-tracking, Horizontal-tracking, Emergency, Listening, and Instruments. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
Transcribe →AFOQT Exam Prep 78, TBAS Overview — Joystick + Rudder + Multitasking
1w ago00:02:55Tap to summarizeThis podcast is made by Ran Chen, who holds an EA license, Insurance and Securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 65), and the CFP® designation. He is passionate about opening access to high-quality exam preparation resources and helping learners prepare more effectively for professional certification exams. In this episode you will learn: - How the Test of Basic Aviation Skills (TBAS) and AFOQT scores combine to create your critical Pilot Candidate Selection Method (PCSM) score. - The specific skills tested in the progressive joystick and rudder-based tracking subtests. - The structure of the multitasking section, which simultaneously tests psychomotor tracking, auditory processing, and other cognitive tasks. - Common exam traps, such as over-correcting controls and fixating on a single task at the expense of others. - A mental shortcut—'Scan, Process, Act'—to help manage the intense cognitive load and effectively switch your attention during the test. For more free exam prep tools, practice questions, and AI-powered explanations, visit https://open-exam-prep.com/ or YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Open-exam-prep
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