NFQT Test and Other Nuke Questions

[dukenukem007]

I'm interested in pursuing the nuclear engineer field in the Navy. I took the ASVAB a week ago and scored a 92 but I guess that is not high enough and I need to take the NFQT
Couple of questions
- what is covered on the NFQT, sample questions?(Math, Physics, Algebra, Chemistry?)
- is it multiple choice?
- what is the minimum score as of today to enter?

I have about three years of college, could I come in as an officer? Are they giving sign on bonuses for Nukes?

Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated.

edited for grammar

[bheinz]

I'm not saying much, but when I took the ASVAB in '98, I only got an 89. That was high enough for me to take the Nuke test. I would think that a 92 would be high enough. But maybe things have changed.

[dukenukem007]

Ah thanks for the response, so you didnt have to take the nuke test? If you did do you remember if it was multiple choice and what was covered?

[proud dad]

As an outsider, I am 100% unqualified to give Navy Nuke advice.As a reader of this forum I can suggest spending 5-6 hours reading the prior posts.All of your questions and many more will be answered if you chose to spend the time.If not,sign the paper,raise right hand and you will learn first hand.Either way,thank you for your interest in serving.I now Yield the floor to the honorable BZ,take heed in his advice,it may hurt but he will not steer you wrong. Alan

[HydroDave63]

to ya PD  !

[93-383]

You do realize that the Naval Nuclear Power program has nothing to do with "engineering"

Without a degree you cannot come in as an officer (for the most part)

If you don't know if nukes get bonuses then you need to do a lot more research on this site before you trust a recruiter to put you into this life.

[mlslstephens]

Im interested in pursuing the nuclear engineer field in the Navy. Is your undergrad work in Nuclear Engineering?  Are you pursuing a career as a nuclear engineer?  If so, I would look at the commercial industry. I took the ASVAB a week ago and scored a 92 but I guess that is not high enough and i need to take the NFQT
Couple of questions
- what is covered on the NFQT, sample questions?(Math, Physics, Algebra, Chemistry?) If you have three years of college under your belt, don't worry about the NFQT, you should be fine.  If you are not fine after three years of college, then the nuke program probably isn't for you.
- is it multiple choice? Yes
- what is the minimum score as of today to enter?

I have about three years of college, could i come in as an officer? NO, you can't come in as an officer without a degree; however, you should check out the recruiters for the NUPOC (Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program).  Basically, they will pay you a small salary to finish college, then go to OCS to be commissioned.  Not a bad way to go if you are looking for a commission in the Navy. Are they giving sign on bonuses for Nukes?   yes

Any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated.  Proud Dad had some great advice for you.  There are some real good threads on this site that can answer your questions much more thoroughly.  Spend a little time and then ask some detailed questions if you have any.  Good luck with your search and feel free to PM me if you need any more help.

[Preciousblue1965]

Good to see that NavLI4 is doing something good while in retirement.

[DirtyDeeds]

The ASVAB is an apptitude test anyone entering the military must take.  The NFQT is a higher level apptitude test more directed at the Navy nuke field.  You can ace the ASVAB but you still have to take the NFQT to get in the Navy nuke field.  If you have three years of college under your belt, talk to the recruiters about commisioning programs to finish your degree and enter as an officer.

[Maziwrath]

The ASVAB is an apptitude test anyone entering the military must take.  The NFQT is a higher level apptitude test more directed at the Navy nuke field.  You can ace the ASVAB but you still have to take the NFQT to get in the Navy nuke field.  If you have three years of college under your belt, talk to the recruiters about commisioning programs to finish your degree and enter as an officer.

Actually, if you get above a 93 on the ASVAB you in most cases aren't required to take the NFQT as you are considered pre-qualified.

[DirtyDeeds]

I stand corrected...... maybe things have changed in the 30 years since I took the two tests..... but that doesn't seem reasonable, nothing else has changed in those 30 years. 

[dukenukem007]

Thanks for all the responses and input. Ive searched this site for hours and have found some great info, it really is a great resource!

[dukenukem007]

For future reference:
I know there are lots of people searching this site for help on the NFQT test, at least to get a heads up and figure out what it consist of. That's how I found this site, so I thought I would give back and help any future nuke applicants or anyone searching this site. The NFQT contains 80 questions (multiple choice), you have two hours to complete the test and I suggest to use the entire time, you also have a calculator to aid you. The test covers Algebra, Trig (Soh Cah Toa), Chem, and Physics. If you don't know or remember Physics and Chem, I would suggest to brief your self and at least get acquainted with terms, the formulas are provided. For practice you can look for free practice test online for the SAT/ACT/GRE or any similar test to get used to the testing format and to brush up on your math skills. The more practice you have the more your confidence builds up and you shouldn't have any problems.

If anyone has a question, feel free and ask me and I will try to answer the best I can. Also you can ask your recruiter.

[mlslstephens]

For future reference:
I know there are lots of people searching this site for help on the NFQT test, at least to get a heads up and figure out what it consist of. That's how I found this site, so I thought I would give back and help any future nuke applicants or anyone searching this site. The NFQT contains 80 questions (multiple choice), you have two hours to complete the test and I suggest to use the entire time, you also have a calculator to aid you. The test covers Algebra, Trig (Soh Cah Toa), Chem, and Physics. If you don't know or remember Physics and Chem, I would suggest to brief your self and at least get acquainted with terms, the formulas are provided. For practice you can look for free practice test online for the SAT/ACT/GRE or any similar test to get used to the testing format and to brush up on your math skills. The more practice you have the more your confidence builds up and you shouldn't have any problems.

If anyone has a question, feel free and ask me and I will try to answer the best I can. Also you can ask your recruiter.

Thanks for the input.  Very nice to immediately provide feedback on what you learned.  Someone will need this information.  Good luck in your future endeavors.  K' to ya.

[proud dad]

How fast they learn with just a gentle prod.There is hope for the future.One more point for 007

[Cycoticpenguin]

Actually, if you get above a 93 on the ASVAB you in most cases aren't required to take the NFQT as you are considered pre-qualified.

taking the NFQT is not based on your asvab score, its based off how you performed on certain multiples. (i.e. if you sucked on the math section, but destroyed the rest of the test, you will most likely have to take the NFQT).


That said, enjoy the last multiple choice test you will ever take, sans rating exams... (pending you pick up nuke)


My 2 cents, you have 3 years of college. Unless you are in dire straights, and completely broke, Id go ahead and finish your degree. It really doesnt matter what your major is, I know officers with History degrees O.o Albeit, you probably have a higher chance of being accepted with an engineering degree of course.

couple tidbits for you, so you dont get screwed over,

1) take the asvab again and get over a 95. this allows you to receive an "Asvab score bonus". Only a few hundred, but its still nice
2) you have 3 years of school meaning you get a "college kicker". thats an ENORMOUS jump in your bonus pay (8k when I joined, probably more for you now).
3) your enlistment bonus is pending the time you join (i.e. Feb has higher bonus then oct). not sure why, but thats how it works.
4) dont let your recruiter run you around. As of this point, you are in complete control.
5) good luck  


EDIT: found some info for you

Here are the test score requirements for Nuke;

VE+AR+MK+MC+NAPT=290
Or
AR+MK+EI+GS+NAPT=290
Or
VE+AR+MK+MC>252
Or
AR+MK+EI+GS>252

NAVY ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST (NAPT)
a. Description. The NAPT is a two-hour, service-unique, supplementary test for potential Nuclear Field (NF) Program applicants who do not qualify based solely on ASVAB line scores. NAPT scores are valid for two years. The Navy administers the NAPT to prospective applicants when they meet any of the following minimum pre-screening criteria:
(1) Score 65 or higher on the AFQT.
(2) Rank in the top one-third of their high school class.
(3) Maintain a “C” average or better in one year of algebra.

[JustinHEMI05]

That said, enjoy the last multiple choice test you will ever take, sans rating exams... (pending you pick up nuke)

Until he gets to the commercial world. But, almost any commercial plant multiple choice question is more difficult that 5 navy written questions combined. 

Justin

[Cycoticpenguin]

Until he gets to the commercial world. But, almost any commercial plant multiple choice question is more difficult that 5 navy written questions combined. 

Justin

oh man, multiple choice in the civilian world? thats nuts!

are there practice tests online anywhere?

[JustinHEMI05]

They are tough. They are higher level cognitive questions... meaning... you either know it or you don't. It removes all ambiguity in regards to answering and grading. I have been told that is why the NRC went to those types of exams. Fortunately, you can get the entire NRC exam bank and previous exams off their website! It is a common strategy to basically study the bank.

See the box in the upper right for PWR or BWR exams.

http://www.nrc.gov/reactors/operator-licensing.html

Justin

[urbanxmermaid]

Duke,

I took the ASVAB at MEPS about a month ago and got a 99, and still had to take the NFQT. My recruiter told me it was because I finished high school on independent study and not through a "traditional" diploma program. He also said it was because I scored a 99: they wanted to make sure it wasn't a "fluke." Seems to me they can make you take it for any arbitrary reason :-P

The NFQT has 80 multiple choice questions, and you have to get at least 50 correct (63%). I got 67/80 answers correct and the test administrator said I did very well. The math is REALLY basic. If you have taken the SAT or ACT, the difficulty of math questions on the NFQT is similar to the easy and medium questions on the SAT/ACT. There is lots of fractions, decimals, long division, probability, and basic algebra (solve for x, factorization, etc.) you are provided with a scientific calculator. Physics... there was some stuff about pulleys, work/load diagrams, but nothing too terribly difficult. If you've taken a physics class and paid moderate attention you'll be fine. Chemistry... I actually can't remember, but if there was, it was also pretty basic. In my opinion, everything on this test I knew by the middle of 10th grade.

If you have 3 years of college, you may want to consider finishing your degree and enlisting as an officer. You'll get paid more, and will only have to go to Officer Candidate School, not boot camp too. However, competition may be tougher getting into Nuke school as an officer than as enlisted, and the Nuke school can earn you up to 77 credits of undergraduate college work... which you wouldn't even need if you came in as an officer with a degree.

There is a substantial bonus for signing on as a nuke. The amount is determined by when you leave: June to September is $8,000, October to December is $10,000, January to May is $12,000. The amount varies due to the influx of enlistees after high school graduation in the summer, and the slump of enlistees in the winter (middle of school). You will also be eligible for more bonuses for college work already completed, up to $7,000. <b>See the link at the bottom for more info about enlistment bonuses. Nukes are listed as "NF."</b>

Just do some googling and you'll find a lot of info about the nuke program.

Hope this helps.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/bonus/blnavenlistmentbonus.htm

 

[Gamecock]

Duke,

I took the ASVAB at MEPS about a month ago and got a 99, and still had to take the NFQT. My recruiter told me it was because I finished high school on independent study and not through a "traditional" diploma program. He also said it was because I scored a 99: they wanted to make sure it wasn't a "fluke." Seems to me they can make you take it for any arbitrary reason :-P

The NFQT has 80 multiple choice questions, and you have to get at least 50 correct (63%). I got 67/80 answers correct and the test administrator said I did very well. The math is REALLY basic. If you have taken the SAT or ACT, the difficulty of math questions on the NFQT is similar to the easy and medium questions on the SAT/ACT. There is lots of fractions, decimals, long division, probability, and basic algebra (solve for x, factorization, etc.) you are provided with a scientific calculator. Physics... there was some stuff about pulleys, work/load diagrams, but nothing too terribly difficult. If you've taken a physics class and paid moderate attention you'll be fine. Chemistry... I actually can't remember, but if there was, it was also pretty basic. In my opinion, everything on this test I knew by the middle of 10th grade.

If you have 3 years of college, you may want to consider finishing your degree and enlisting as an officer. You'll get paid more, and will only have to go to Officer Candidate School, not boot camp too. However, competition may be tougher getting into Nuke school as an officer than as enlisted, and the Nuke school can earn you up to 77 credits of undergraduate college work... which you wouldn't even need if you came in as an officer with a degree.

There is a substantial bonus for signing on as a nuke. The amount is determined by when you leave: June to September is $8,000, October to December is $10,000, January to May is $12,000. The amount varies due to the influx of enlistees after high school graduation in the summer, and the slump of enlistees in the winter (middle of school). You will also be eligible for more bonuses for college work already completed, up to $7,000. <b>See the link at the bottom for more info about enlistment bonuses. Nukes are listed as "NF."</b>

Just do some googling and you'll find a lot of info about the nuke program.

Hope this helps.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/bonus/blnavenlistmentbonus.htm

Nice first post....

Let me correct you on some of your officer points.....

1st...Officers don't enlist.

2nd....Entering the nuke program as an officer requires that you interview with Admiral Kirkland Donald.....he is the head of the Naval Reactors Program.  All officers are selected by him.  There is a great program called NUPOC that will pay for up to 2 years of college and simultaneously give you E5 pay while you finish school.  This is one of the best programs out there.

So, if you have three years of college and your grades are good (3.5 or higher), talk to an officer recruiter and see if you can come in this way.  If your grades aren't that good......talk to the officer recruiter anyway.  He'll give you the straight gouge about what you are and are not qualified for in regards to officer programs. 

NEVER TALK TO AN ENLISTED RECRUITER IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE SERVICE AS AN OFFICER!!!!

If you want any more gouge about nuke officer life or the process, send me a PM.

[JustinHEMI05]

Duke,

I took the ASVAB at MEPS about a month ago and got a 99, and still had to take the NFQT. My recruiter told me it was because I finished high school on independent study and not through a "traditional" diploma program. He also said it was because I scored a 99: they wanted to make sure it wasn't a "fluke." Seems to me they can make you take it for any arbitrary reason :-P

The NFQT has 80 multiple choice questions, and you have to get at least 50 correct (63%). I got 67/80 answers correct and the test administrator said I did very well. The math is REALLY basic. If you have taken the SAT or ACT, the difficulty of math questions on the NFQT is similar to the easy and medium questions on the SAT/ACT. There is lots of fractions, decimals, long division, probability, and basic algebra (solve for x, factorization, etc.) you are provided with a scientific calculator. Physics... there was some stuff about pulleys, work/load diagrams, but nothing too terribly difficult. If you've taken a physics class and paid moderate attention you'll be fine. Chemistry... I actually can't remember, but if there was, it was also pretty basic. In my opinion, everything on this test I knew by the middle of 10th grade.

If you have 3 years of college, you may want to consider finishing your degree and enlisting as an officer. You'll get paid more, and will only have to go to Officer Candidate School, not boot camp too. However, competition may be tougher getting into Nuke school as an officer than as enlisted, and the Nuke school can earn you up to 77 credits of undergraduate college work... which you wouldn't even need if you came in as an officer with a degree.

There is a substantial bonus for signing on as a nuke. The amount is determined by when you leave: June to September is $8,000, October to December is $10,000, January to May is $12,000. The amount varies due to the influx of enlistees after high school graduation in the summer, and the slump of enlistees in the winter (middle of school). You will also be eligible for more bonuses for college work already completed, up to $7,000. <b>See the link at the bottom for more info about enlistment bonuses. Nukes are listed as "NF."</b>

Just do some googling and you'll find a lot of info about the nuke program.

Hope this helps.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/bonus/blnavenlistmentbonus.htm

 

Wow, welcome to the board! Excellent first post!

Justin

[JustinHEMI05]

NEVER TALK TO AN ENLISTED RECRUITER IF YOU WANT TO ENTER THE SERVICE AS AN OFFICER!!!!

Truer words have never been spoken. 

Justin

[Maziwrath]

Duke,

I took the ASVAB at MEPS about a month ago and got a 99, and still had to take the NFQT. My recruiter told me it was because I finished high school on independent study and not through a "traditional" diploma program. He also said it was because I scored a 99: they wanted to make sure it wasn't a "fluke." Seems to me they can make you take it for any arbitrary reason :-P

The NFQT has 80 multiple choice questions, and you have to get at least 50 correct (63%). I got 67/80 answers correct and the test administrator said I did very well. The math is REALLY basic. If you have taken the SAT or ACT, the difficulty of math questions on the NFQT is similar to the easy and medium questions on the SAT/ACT. There is lots of fractions, decimals, long division, probability, and basic algebra (solve for x, factorization, etc.) you are provided with a scientific calculator. Physics... there was some stuff about pulleys, work/load diagrams, but nothing too terribly difficult. If you've taken a physics class and paid moderate attention you'll be fine. Chemistry... I actually can't remember, but if there was, it was also pretty basic. In my opinion, everything on this test I knew by the middle of 10th grade.

If you have 3 years of college, you may want to consider finishing your degree and enlisting as an officer. You'll get paid more, and will only have to go to Officer Candidate School, not boot camp too. However, competition may be tougher getting into Nuke school as an officer than as enlisted, and the Nuke school can earn you up to 77 credits of undergraduate college work... which you wouldn't even need if you came in as an officer with a degree.

There is a substantial bonus for signing on as a nuke. The amount is determined by when you leave: June to September is $8,000, October to December is $10,000, January to May is $12,000. The amount varies due to the influx of enlistees after high school graduation in the summer, and the slump of enlistees in the winter (middle of school). You will also be eligible for more bonuses for college work already completed, up to $7,000. <b>See the link at the bottom for more info about enlistment bonuses. Nukes are listed as "NF."</b>

Just do some googling and you'll find a lot of info about the nuke program.

Hope this helps.

http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/bonus/blnavenlistmentbonus.htm

 

Aye, I had to take the NAPT even though I had scored a 99 as well. Though I got 69/80. =)

[grimmreaper42]

Actually, if you get above a 93 on the ASVAB you in most cases aren't required to take the NFQT as you are considered pre-qualified.

Not exactly true, i got a 96 and I still had to take it, probably because I did horrible on the mechanics part. Thank got i'm an ET and not a MM

[HydroDave63]

Not exactly true, i got a 96 and I still had to take it, probably because I did horrible on the mechanics part. Thank got i'm an ET and not a MM

So that's more of a cleric or elf type, right?

[retired nuke]

This is my first post so I will do my best...

I am currently stationed at Navy Recruiting District New Orleans. I am the Officer and Enlisted Nuclear Recruiter and I helped recruit SPECWAR for awhile, so I wanted to update everyone on their info.


Hope this helps...

Good helpful post - I'm sure this will help some of the kids working their way through these questions - you should consider bcoming a moderator for the Navy boards...you seem to be a straight shooter with current info...

[Maziwrath]

Not exactly true, i got a 96 and I still had to take it, probably because I did horrible on the mechanics part. Thank got i'm an ET and not a MM

It's funny because that is what I was told at MEPS. It seems I was given bad info.

[JustinHEMI05]

This is my first post so I will do my best...

I am currently stationed at Navy Recruiting District New Orleans. I am the Officer and Enlisted Nuclear Recruiter and I helped recruit SPECWAR for awhile, so I wanted to update everyone on their info.

Above someone posted about line scores...that was correct. Your actual ASVAB score has nothing to do with the NFQT. I have had a 87 that I couldn't make a Nuke and I have also had a 59 that I did make a Nuke, but that is not the focus I wanted for this post.

I wanted to reply about the bonus and officers...

The bonus went up for enlisted folks in NOV 2007. If you ship to boot camp from 1JUN to 31OCT you get $16,000; 1NOV to 31 Jan you get $20,000; and 1FEB to 31MAY you get $18,000. Also, for STAR reenlisting after Prototype the bonus went up to $60,000 from $45,000 on that same date.

There are 4 types of Nuke officers:
1. NUPOC-subs (operator)
2. NUPOC-surface(operator)
3. Nuke Instructor (LDO)
4. Naval Reactor Engineer

1 & 2...I have seen lower people get accepted, but this is the standard...around a 3.3 GPA in any degree as long as they have completed 1 full year of Calculus and Physics (Calc I & II and Phys I & II)

3...Same Calculus and Physics req'ts but have to have >3.5 GPA in an Engineering, Education, Math, Physics, Chemistry Degree...Also, this option doesn't get a bonus, but you never move around or go out to sea...just teach.

4...Most restrictive...only Physics or Engineering degrees with >3.8 GPA, but I have seen 3.9's get turned down...

SO, If you have 3 yrs of college and you meet any of those standards...you might consider doing BDCP (Bachelor's Degree Completion Program).

BDCP is a job, NOT A SCHOLARSHIP. You have to be enrolled full time in school to apply for this, not apply to get the cash to go to school. However, you don't wear a uniform, you don't drill, and you don't leave home until you graduate college. You get a $15,000 signing bonus for option 1 & 2. HERE'S THE KICKER...You get E-6 pay and benefits just like you are active duty, but none of the things above for up to 36 months. Depending on you area BAH the total could be higher of lower, but that equates out to be around $3100 a month for the entire time you are in college. Your only responsibility is to check in with your recruiter once a month, run the PRT every 6 months, and keep above a 3.0 GPA...

If you joined after your freshman year you would receive about $100,000 in pay...REMEMBER, PAY not Scholarship...You are active duty and your time in service begins in college.

Anyone that gives you different info is out of the loop... this info is current as of this post. The months of benefits and bonus have recently changed in the last 2 months....

Hope this helps...

Other benefits are that Old Dominion Univ. offers a CD-ROM course to officers who have completed Pwr School and Prototype...You can get your Master's in Engineering Management by completing 7 Cd-rom courses (which works well for sub guys).

Wow yet another excellent post. Thanks for the updates, I am sure you are going to be a valuable resource around here! Welcome to the board!

Justin

[NukeNTO]

Just want to clarify a couple of minor points.

-The max time for a NUPOC student to get paid is 30 months (used to be 36).  So most students are eligible mid way thru their Sophomore year.
-If you're applying for NR ENG you can only be a student for 12 months. 
-Neither NR ENG or Instructor will get the $15k signing bonus (only for sub/surface)

If anyone has questions about becoming a nuke officer feel free to post or PM me.

[ToadSuck]

Just want to clarify a couple of minor points.

-The max time for a NUPOC student to get paid is 30 months (used to be 36).  So most students are eligible mid way thru their Sophomore year.
-If you're applying for NR ENG you can only be a student for 12 months. 
-Neither NR ENG or Instructor will get the $15k signing bonus (only for sub/surface)

If anyone has questions about becoming a nuke officer feel free to post or PM me.

If you look at where I mentioned bonus...I said option 1&2 which I denoted as Nupoc sub and surface...
Also, I don't know when the last time you read the instruction, but it presently is 36 months....

[KJC88]

As far as the NAPT goes don't worry about it.

Basically, it's mathematics, chemistry and physics. Basic physics (acceleration, gravity, forces, 3 laws of Newton, etc). Chemistry (balancing equations, knowing the difference between acid and base i.e. the pH difference, adding atomic masses of different elements together, knowing the periodic table, knowing what the little numbers mean next to an element letter, etc). Mathematics (basically knowing how to add, subtract, multiply and divide mono-, bi-, and polynomials, etc).

So basically:

1. Know the difference between an acid and a base
2. know how to balance chemical equations
3. Be familiar with multiplication and division of polynomials.
4. Understand the use of the periodic table.
5. know how to change formulas around to get to a specific variable. they will give all the formulas on the test, you just need to know how to move them around.
6. Even though they give the formula, be comfy with radioactive decay.
7. Study Hydraulics (if you have two pounds of force on an area of an inch, how much force will it have when applied to an area of three feet)
8. Brush up on newton's three laws. especially the acceleration of gravity.

It's fairly easy, just think, the questions may play with words and try to confuse you. They give you the formulas you need, you may use a calculator. With the formulas, learn how to move the variables around to get to one answer and using that answer to replace it in another formula to get the actual result. You know. so know your way around formulas. And there is some theory, like if two objects collide, one 5 g and the other 10 g, is the acceleration the same? Or something like that.

Ummm, take your time, if you don't know it move it on and go back to it if you have time. You'll have time after believe me, you'll go through the easy ones without even using a calculator and then you'll have time to look over the tough ones.

Just thought I'd put my two dimes in about the test to any one else looking to take the NAPT.

[packerfan]

There are several different reasons for someone to take the NAPT.

1. They did not line score qualify in the EL or NUC categories.
2. They are over 25 yrs of age.
3. They had "non-traditional high school education"...homeschool, alt high school, etc...
4. They need an academic waiver for sub-par math grades in high school and the people who approve the waivers deem it necessary.

I am a nuke field coordinator "nuke recruiter". So if you have any questions please feel free to ask.