The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Career Exploration Program (ASVAB CEP) is mostly known in New Jersey as an alternative assessment to PARCC or as a military entrance exam.
It is much more than that, however. According to the Army, ASVAB offers a comprehensive program to explore multiple pathways to post-secondary success, including college, certifications, apprenticeships, licensure programs and the military. The ASVAB helps prepare students for jobs for which they are most suited. Participating students have the freedom to explore the working world without cost or commitment. The program is free and includes all testing personnel, assessments, reports, planning tools and interpretation.
There are three components that make up the ASVAB CEP: The ASVAB Test, FYI and OCCU-Find. The test is a multiple aptitude test that allows students to identify their skill strengths. FYI is an interest inventory that helps students identify their work-related interests, increasing their chances of job satisfaction. OCCU-Find is a comprehensive list of careers with relevant occupational data. It includes a full suite of future-oriented planning tools for developing action plans students can share with parents and educators.
The ASVAB CEP is the perfect resource to successfully implement the 21st Century Life and Careers Standards. The program helps sophomores, juniors and seniors to make informed decisions and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the global workplace. The ASVAB CEP aligns with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which requires states to establish college-and-career-ready standards requirements. This promotes activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities including career awareness and exploration as well as post-secondary guidance.
To bring the ASVAB CEP to your school email SFC Joseph Wittmer, the U.S. Army I-STEAM Fellow at the NJSBA, or Ms. Giovanna Hansen.