Difference / less than / decreased by

Subtract (−) — and 'less than' reverses order

Evaluate anything inside grouping symbols first

MD — Multiply / Divide

Left to right (they share a level)

AS — Add / Subtract

Left to right (they share a level)

2 + 3 × 4 = 2 + 12 = 14 (not 20)

How long is the EDPT?

Testing time is commonly reported as about 90 minutes for roughly 120 questions — close to 45 seconds per question. The time pressure is part of the test, so practicing for speed matters as much as accuracy.

What is a passing score on the EDPT?

There is no single passing score. Your raw score is the number of questions you get right (out of ~120), and each Air Force career field (AFSC) sets its own minimum. Commonly reported cut scores include about 57 for Technical Applications Specialist, 60 for Cyberspace Warfare, and 71 for Computer Programmer. Confirm the current requirement for your AFSC with your recruiter.

What does the EDPT cover?

Four reasoning areas, mixed throughout the test: arithmetic reasoning (math word problems, mental arithmetic, basic algebra), verbal analogies (word relationships), number series (sequence patterns), and figure analogies (visual pattern recognition). You don't need computer or electronics knowledge.

Can I use a calculator on the EDPT?

No. The EDPT is taken without a calculator, so quick mental arithmetic is part of the skill being measured. Practice doing percentages, fractions, and word-problem math in your head.

It is widely considered challenging, mainly because of the time pressure — about 45 seconds per question — and because it is commonly reported that only around 10% of test-takers reach the higher qualifying scores. Focused practice on the four reasoning types is the most effective preparation.

Is the EDPT the same as the ASVAB or AFOQT?

No. The ASVAB is the main military entrance test and the AFOQT is for officer candidates. The EDPT is a separate, specialized aptitude screen taken in addition to the ASVAB for certain Air Force and Marine Corps computing and cyber career fields.

How should I use this EDPT study guide?

Work through the four content areas one at a time, take the checkpoint quiz after each to find gaps, then drill that area with our free practice questions and flashcards. Because the test is timed and has no calculator, practice for speed and mental math, not just for the right answer.

Is this EDPT study guide free?

Yes — the full guide, the checkpoints, the glossary, the practice questions, and the flashcards are 100% free, with no account required.

How do you solve a verbal analogy on the EDPT?

Build a short 'bridge sentence' that states how the first pair relates, then apply the exact same relationship to the second pair. For CAR is to GARAGE, the bridge is 'a car is kept in a garage,' so a plane is kept in a hangar — the answer is hangar. Name the relationship first (part-to-whole, synonym, antonym, function, category, degree) before you read the choices, then pick the word that keeps that same relationship. Reject choices that are merely on the same topic — the relationship has to match, not just the subject.

What are the most common relationship types in EDPT analogies?

The frequent types are synonym, antonym, part-to-whole, whole-to-part, category (item to group), function or use, worker to tool, cause and effect, and degree or intensity. Spotting which type you are dealing with usually points straight to the answer. Watch the order: PETAL is to FLOWER (part to whole) is different from FLOWER is to PETAL (whole to part) — keep the direction consistent in your answer. Degree analogies (warm : hot :: cool : cold) compare intensity, so the answer must match the same step up or down.

How do you find the next number in an EDPT number series?

Look at the gaps between terms to find the rule. A constant gap (9, 13, 17, 21) means add that constant (+4), so the next term is 25. A constant ratio (3, 6, 12, 24) means multiply (×2), so the next is 48. Apply the rule one more step. If no single rule fits, check for a two-step pattern (the gap itself grows: +2, +4, +6) or an alternating series of two interleaved sequences. Also watch for squares (1, 4, 9, 16), cubes, or a 'multiply then add' rule like ×2 then +1.

How do you solve a letter series on the EDPT?

Convert letters to their position in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, … Z=26) and treat it like a number series. For A, C, E, G the positions are 1, 3, 5, 7 — a gap of +2 — so the next letter is I (position 9). Then translate back to a letter. Some letter series skip a fixed number of letters; others alternate forward and backward, so check the direction of each step. Writing the alphabet with numbers underneath at the start of the test saves time on every letter-pattern question.

How do you turn an EDPT word problem into an equation?

Name the unknown x, then translate the words: 'more than' is +, 'product of' is ×, 'quotient' is ÷, and 'is' means equals. 'Eight more than the product of a number and 5' becomes 5x + 8. Solve the equation, then check the answer fits the question. Be careful with order: 'three less than a number' is x − 3, not 3 − x. 'Of' usually means multiply (25% of 80 is 0.25 × 80). There is no calculator, so keep your arithmetic simple and estimate to catch mistakes.

How do you calculate percent change for an EDPT problem?

Percent change is the change divided by the original amount, times 100. If a price goes from 80 to 100, the change is 20, so the increase is 20 ÷ 80 = 0.25 = 25%. Always divide by where you started, not the new value. To increase a number by 25% in one step, multiply by 1.25; to decrease by 25%, multiply by 0.75. A common trap is dividing by the new amount, which gives the wrong percent — anchor on the original.

What is the order of operations and why does it matter on the EDPT?

Order of operations (PEMDAS) is the agreed sequence for evaluating an expression: Parentheses, then Exponents, then Multiplication and Division left to right, then Addition and Subtraction left to right. Following it keeps quick mental arithmetic accurate under time pressure. For 2 + 3 × 4, do the multiplication first (3 × 4 = 12), then add: 2 + 12 = 14 — not (2 + 3) × 4 = 20. On a no-calculator test, doing the steps in the right order in your head is what prevents avoidable errors.

How do you solve a figure analogy on the EDPT?

Find the single change from the first figure to the second, then apply exactly that change to the third figure. If an up-arrow becomes a right-arrow (a 90-degree clockwise rotation), then a left-arrow becomes an up-arrow under the same rotation. The common transformations are rotation, reflection (mirror image), adding or removing an element, and a change in count or size. Isolate one transformation at a time — if several seem to change, look for the simplest rule that explains all of them.

What is the difference between rotation and reflection in a figure analogy?

Rotation turns a shape around a point — an arrow pointing up becomes one pointing right or down — and the shape's 'handedness' is unchanged. Reflection flips it across a line into its mirror image, so a left-facing shape becomes right-facing, like text seen in a mirror. A quick check: if you could get the new figure by spinning the paper, it is a rotation; if you would have to flip the paper over, it is a reflection. Reflections reverse left and right; rotations do not.

How do you solve an alternating number series on the EDPT?

An alternating series interleaves two patterns, so read every other term as its own sequence. In 2, 10, 4, 8, 6, 6 the odd positions (2, 4, 6) go up by 2 while the even positions (10, 8, 6) go down by 2 — so the next term continues the odd run at 8. Whenever a single add-or-multiply rule fails, split the series into the 1st, 3rd, 5th terms and the 2nd, 4th, 6th terms and find a rule for each. Check which position the missing term sits in, then apply that sub-pattern's rule rather than the whole series' rule.

How do you solve a ratio or proportion word problem on the EDPT?

Set the two ratios equal as a proportion (a/b = c/d) and cross-multiply to solve for the unknown. If 3 pens cost $6, then 7 pens cost x: 3/6 = 7/x gives 3x = 42, so x = 14. Keep the same units on top across both ratios. Line the quantities up consistently — pens over dollars on both sides — so the cross-multiplication stays correct. For rate problems, remember distance = rate × time, and that 'per' signals a rate (miles per hour, cost per item).

The Electronic Data Processing Test — an aptitude test the U.S. Air Force (and Marine Corps) uses to screen candidates for computer, IT, cyber, and data-processing career fields. Despite its name, it tests reasoning, not computer knowledge.

A test that measures your potential to learn and reason rather than what you already know. The EDPT predicts success in computing training, so no prior IT background is needed.

Air Force Specialty Code — the Air Force's job classification. Different AFSCs require different minimum EDPT scores (for example, Computer Programmer is commonly reported as needing about 71).

The minimum qualifying score required for a particular career field. The EDPT has no single passing line — each AFSC sets its own cut score.

Your EDPT score: simply the number of questions you answer correctly, out of about 120. Wrong answers are not subtracted.

Solving math word problems and calculations — using basic algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and rates — without a calculator.

A question of the form 'A is to B as C is to ___' that asks you to identify the relationship between the first pair and apply it to the second.

A short sentence that states how the first pair of an analogy relates (for example, 'a car is kept in a garage'), which you then apply to the second pair to find the answer.

An analogy relationship where the first word is a component of the second (petal is to flower); reversed, it is whole-to-part (flower is to petal).

A sequence of numbers that follows a rule; you find the rule and use it to give the next or missing term.

A number series with a constant difference between terms (9, 13, 17, 21 — each is 4 more than the last).

The fixed amount added (or subtracted) between consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.

A number series with a constant ratio between terms (3, 6, 12, 24 — each is double the last).

The fixed number each term is multiplied by to get the next term in a geometric sequence.

FREE EDPT Study Guide 2026 + Quizzes & Readiness Score

This free EDPT study guide teaches to the — the U.S. Air Force’s aptitude screen for computer, IT, cyber, and data-processing career fields.^[1] Despite the name, it tests reasoning, not computer knowledge, so anyone can prepare for it with focused practice.

One important note up front: the military does not publish an official EDPT content outline, question count, or score table. The figures in this guide — about 120 questions in roughly 90 minutes, scored by number correct — are the values commonly reported across reputable testing and recruiting sources and are highly consistent, but you should confirm the current requirement for your specific career field with your recruiter.

It’s interactive, not a wall of text: every content area has a built-in checkpoint quiz, hover-able glossary terms, worked examples, and pattern drills, so you learn by doing. Read it area by area, test yourself at each checkpoint, then round out your free EDPT prep with our practice questions and flashcards.

EDPT Exam Snapshot

Air Force EDPT at a glance (2026, commonly reported)
Detail	EDPT
Questions	~120 multiple choice (commonly reported)
Time	~90 minutes (about 45 seconds per question)
Content areas	Arithmetic reasoning, verbal analogies, number series, figure analogies
Calculator	Not permitted — mental math only
Scoring	Raw score = number correct (out of ~120); no penalty for wrong answers
Passing score	No single line — each AFSC sets its own cut score
Common cut scores	~57 (9S100), ~60 (Cyber 1B4X1), ~71 (Computer Programmer)
Used by	U.S. Air Force (and Marine Corps)

The four EDPT content areas

Questions are mixed throughout the test, not split into separately timed sections. The four areas are commonly reported as a roughly even split — about 30 questions each.

1 · Arithmetic ReasoningWord problems, mental math & basic algebra

2 · Verbal AnalogiesWord relationships: A is to B as C is to ?

3 · Number SeriesFind the next or missing term in a sequence

4 · Figure AnalogiesVisual patterns: rotation, reflection, change

~120 questions · ~90 minutes · no calculator — about 45 seconds per question.

The four areas are mixed throughout the test rather than presented as separate timed sections, and they are commonly reported as a roughly even split — about 30 questions each. There is no officially published weighting, so treat the chart below as an approximate, commonly-reported guide:

EDPT content areas (2026, approximate / commonly reported even split)

Arithmetic Reasoning25% · ~25% (~30 Q)

Verbal Analogies25% · ~25% (~30 Q)

Number Series25% · ~25% (~30 Q)

Figure Analogies25% · ~25% (~30 Q)

Because each area carries roughly the same weight, the smartest plan is to be solid across all four rather than excellent at one. Spend extra time on whichever area feels weakest after the checkpoints — for many candidates that is number series or figure analogies, the two least familiar from school.

1 · Arithmetic Reasoning

About a quarter of the test. This area is math word problems, mental arithmetic, and basic algebra — all done without a calculator.^[4]The challenge is rarely hard math; it’s reading carefully, translating words into an equation, and computing quickly in your head.

Turning a word problem into an equation

1. Read the whole problemFind what it asks for and name it x. Don't solve until you know the question.
2. Translate words into math“more than” = +, “product of” = ×, “quotient” = ÷, “is” = =. “8 more than 5 times a number” → 5x + 8.
3. Watch order & key words“less than” reverses order: “3 less than x” is x − 3, not 3 − x. “of” usually means multiply.
4. Solve mentally, then sanity-checkNo calculator — keep numbers simple, estimate, and confirm the answer fits the question (units, ballpark size).

Most EDPT math is reading carefully and translating, then doing quick mental arithmetic.

Word Problems & Translation

The core skill is turning English into math. Learn the keyword translations and the order traps:

Translating word-problem language into math
Phrase	Means
Sum / more than / increased by	Add (+)
Difference / less than / decreased by	Subtract (−) — and 'less than' reverses order
Product of / times / of	Multiply (×)
Quotient of / per / divided by	Divide (÷)
Is / equals / results in	Equals (=)

Percentages, Ratios & Rates

is the change divided by the original value, times 100. and are solved with a — set two equal ratios and cross-multiply. For motion, remember distance = rate × time.

Basic Algebra & Order of Operations

Many items reduce to a one-variable . Translate, then isolate the variable. And evaluate every expression with the (PEMDAS) so quick mental math stays accurate.

Order of operations (PEMDAS)
Step	Do this
P — Parentheses	Evaluate anything inside grouping symbols first
E — Exponents	Then powers and roots
MD — Multiply / Divide	Left to right (they share a level)
AS — Add / Subtract	Left to right (they share a level)
Example	2 + 3 × 4 = 2 + 12 = 14 (not 20)

Checkpoint · Area 1 · Arithmetic Reasoning

Question 1 of 10

A statement reads 'eight more than the product of a number and 5.' Which expression correctly translates it?

2 · Verbal Analogies

About a quarter of the test. A gives you a pair of related words and asks for the word that completes a second pair with the same relationship: A is to B as C is to ___.^[6]

The Bridge-Sentence Method

The reliable technique is the : state how the first pair relates in a short sentence, then apply that exact sentence to the second pair.

The verbal-analogy “bridge” method

1 · Read the pairCAR is to GARAGE as PLANE is to ___.

2 · Build a bridge sentence“A car is parked in a garage.” (the place where it is kept)

3 · Apply the same bridge“A plane is parked in a hangar.” → answer: HANGAR.

Name the relationship first, then plug in the third word — the right answer keeps the same relationship, not just the same topic.

Relationship Types

Most EDPT analogies use a handful of relationship types. Recognizing the type usually points straight to the answer — and watch the direction, because is not the same as whole-to-part.

Common verbal-analogy relationship types
Type	Example
Synonym	BIG is to LARGE
Antonym	HAPPY is to SAD
Part to whole	PETAL is to FLOWER
Category (item to group)	ROBIN is to BIRD
Function / use	KNIFE is to CUT
Worker to tool	PAINTER is to BRUSH
Degree / intensity	WARM is to HOT

Checkpoint · Area 2 · Verbal Analogies

Question 1 of 10

CAR is to GARAGE as PLANE is to ___.

3 · Number Series

About a quarter of the test. A gives a sequence that follows a rule; you find the rule and give the next or missing term.^[4] The fastest approach is to look at the gaps between terms.

Common number-series patterns

Find the rule that turns each term into the next, then apply it once more. The small blue label between boxes is the operation; the dark box is the answer.

Arithmetic — add a constant (+4)

9+413+417+421→25

Geometric — multiply by a constant (×2)

3×26×212×224→48

Decreasing — subtract a constant (−8)

60−852−844−836→28

Two-step — add a growing amount (+2, +4, +6…)

2+24+48+614→22

If a single rule doesn’t fit, check for an alternating pattern (two interleaved series) or a two-operationrule like “×2 then +1.”

Arithmetic & Geometric Patterns

An has a constant (add or subtract the same amount). A has a constant (multiply or divide by the same number). Check addition first, then multiplication.

Two-Step, Alternating & Letter Series

If neither a constant difference nor a constant ratio fits, look for a two-step pattern (the gap itself grows: +2, +4, +6), an of two interleaved patterns, or a “multiply then add” rule. A is the same idea — convert letters to alphabet positions (A=1, B=2, …) and solve it as a number series.

Checkpoint · Area 3 · Number Series

Question 1 of 10

What number comes next in the series 9, 13, 17, 21, ___ ?

4 · Figure Analogies

About a quarter of the test. A is the non-verbal twin of the word analogy: the first figure changes into the second by one , and you apply that same change to a third figure.^[1]

Figure-analogy transformations to look for

A figure analogy applies one change from the first figure to the second; find that single change, then apply it to the third figure. The most common transformations:

RotationTurn the shape 90° or 180° (an arrow up becomes an arrow right or down).

ReflectionFlip the shape across a line — its mirror image (left becomes right).

Add / remove elementA dot, line, or smaller shape appears or disappears.

Count or size changeThe number of items, or the size of the shape, increases or decreases.

Example (rotation):↑→so←↑

Isolate the one change between the first two figures, then apply exactly that change to the third.

Common Transformations

Nearly every figure analogy is one of a few changes: a (turn 90° or 180°), a (mirror flip), an element added or removed, or a change in count, size, or shading. The trick is telling rotation from reflection: a rotation could be made by spinning the page, while a reflection would require flipping it over.

Isolating the Change

Compare the first two figures and name the single transformation that turns one into the other; then apply exactly that change to the third figure. If several things seem to change at once, look for the simplest rule that explains all of them — the test rewards the clean, economical pattern.

Checkpoint · Area 4 · Figure Analogies

Question 1 of 10

In a figure analogy, the first figure shows an arrow pointing UP and the second shows the same arrow pointing RIGHT. If the third figure shows an arrow pointing LEFT, which way should the fourth arrow point to keep the same relationship?

How to Use This Study Guide

Because the EDPT is timed and has no calculator, the goal is speed plus accuracy, so spaced, mixed practice beats one long cram. And because wrong answers are not penalized, your test-day plan should always include answering every question— guess on anything you can’t finish.

How the EDPT is scored

Raw scoreNumber correct (out of ~120)

No penaltyWrong answers don’t subtract — always guess

QualifyBeat the cut score for your AFSC

There is no single passing line. Commonly reported cut scores: about 57 (9S100), 60 (Cyber 1B4X1), and 71 (Computer Programmer). Confirm the current requirement for your career field with your recruiter.

A study loop that works: read one content area here → take its checkpoint to expose what didn’t stick → drill that area in the free practice questions and flashcards → then take full, timed practice to build speed, reviewing every miss. Repeat until all four areas feel automatic.

EDPT Concept Questions

Common EDPT skills the test actually measures — at least one per content area. Tap any card for a short, exam-ready answer backed by an authoritative source, then test yourself on them as flashcards.

EDPT Glossary

Quick definitions for the terms you’ll see most across EDPT prep:

Abstract reasoning: Spotting patterns and relationships in shapes and symbols rather than words or numbers — the skill behind figure analogies.
AFOQT: Air Force Officer Qualifying Test — a separate, broader officer-selection test; the EDPT is a narrower aptitude screen for specific enlisted computing fields.
AFSC: Air Force Specialty Code — the Air Force's job classification. Different AFSCs require different minimum EDPT scores (for example, Computer Programmer is commonly reported as needing about 71).
Alternating series: A sequence made of two interleaved patterns — for example, odd positions follow one rule and even positions follow another.
Aptitude test: A test that measures your potential to learn and reason rather than what you already know. The EDPT predicts success in computing training, so no prior IT background is needed.
Arithmetic reasoning: Solving math word problems and calculations — using basic algebra, fractions, percentages, ratios, and rates — without a calculator.
Arithmetic sequence: A number series with a constant difference between terms (9, 13, 17, 21 — each is 4 more than the last).
ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery — the main military entrance test; the EDPT is an additional, specialized screen taken on top of it for certain computing AFSCs.
Bridge sentence: A short sentence that states how the first pair of an analogy relates (for example, 'a car is kept in a garage'), which you then apply to the second pair to find the answer.
Common difference: The fixed amount added (or subtracted) between consecutive terms of an arithmetic sequence.
Common ratio: The fixed number each term is multiplied by to get the next term in a geometric sequence.
Cut score: The minimum qualifying score required for a particular career field. The EDPT has no single passing line — each AFSC sets its own cut score.
EDPT: The Electronic Data Processing Test — an aptitude test the U.S. Air Force (and Marine Corps) uses to screen candidates for computer, IT, cyber, and data-processing career fields. Despite its name, it tests reasoning, not computer knowledge.
Figure analogy: A non-verbal question where the first figure changes into the second by one transformation, and you apply that same change to a third figure.
Geometric sequence: A number series with a constant ratio between terms (3, 6, 12, 24 — each is double the last).
Letter series: A pattern made of letters; convert letters to their alphabet positions (A=1, B=2, …) and treat it like a number series.
Linear equation: An equation whose graph is a straight line, like 5x + 8 = 23; solve by isolating the variable.
MEPS: Military Entrance Processing Station — where applicants often take qualification tests like the EDPT as part of enlistment processing.
Number series: A sequence of numbers that follows a rule; you find the rule and use it to give the next or missing term.
Order of operations: The sequence for evaluating expressions — Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right), remembered as PEMDAS.
Part-to-whole: An analogy relationship where the first word is a component of the second (petal is to flower); reversed, it is whole-to-part (flower is to petal).
Pattern recognition: Identifying the underlying rule in a series of numbers, letters, or figures so you can predict what comes next.
Percent change: The change in a value divided by its original amount, times 100. From 80 to 100 is a 25% increase (20 ÷ 80).
Proportion: An equation stating two ratios are equal (a/b = c/d); cross-multiply to solve for an unknown.
Rate: A ratio comparing quantities with different units, such as miles per hour; distance equals rate times time.
Ratio: A comparison of two quantities, such as 3 to 2, often written 3:2; ratio and rate problems are solved with proportions.
Raw score: Your EDPT score: simply the number of questions you answer correctly, out of about 120. Wrong answers are not subtracted.
Reflection: Flipping a figure across a line into its mirror image; left and right are reversed, as in a mirror.
Rotation: Turning a figure around a point (90 or 180 degrees) without flipping it; an up-arrow rotated 90 degrees becomes a right-arrow.
Verbal analogy: A question of the form 'A is to B as C is to ___' that asks you to identify the relationship between the first pair and apply it to the second.

Free EDPT Study Materials & Resources

Everything you need to prepare for the EDPT is free here — no paywall, no sign-up. This guide is the foundation; pair it with the rest of our free EDPT study materials for active recall and timed practice:

EDPT Practice Test — exam-style questions across all four content areas, with explanations.
EDPT Flashcards — active-recall decks for analogy relationships, series patterns, math rules, and figure transformations.

EDPT Study Guide FAQ

The EDPT is commonly reported to have about 120 multiple-choice questions, all aptitude-style: arithmetic reasoning, verbal analogies, number series, and figure analogies. The exact count is set by the military and is not officially published, so treat ~120 as the widely reported figure.

References

Because the military does not publish an official EDPT content outline, these references are authoritative neutral sources for the career-field context and the underlying math and reasoning skills; all test-specific figures in this guide are presented as commonly reported.

1.U.S. Air Force. “Careers — U.S. Air Force.” U.S. Air Force. ↑
2.U.S. Air Force. “How to Join — Enlisted Requirements.” U.S. Air Force. ↑
3.Official ASVAB Program. “ASVAB & Military Aptitude Testing — Official Site.” U.S. Department of Defense. ↑
4.Khan Academy. “Arithmetic — Khan Academy (non-profit).” Khan Academy. ↑
5.Khan Academy. “Algebra — Khan Academy (non-profit).” Khan Academy. ↑
6.Merriam-Webster. “Analogy — Merriam-Webster Dictionary.” Merriam-Webster. ↑

Sources for the concept answers

Every answer in the EDPT concept questions above is drawn from an authoritative source:

U.S. Air Force. “Careers — U.S. Air Force.” U.S. Air Force.

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