The Department of Defense (DoD) is proud to offer high school students nationwide a groundbreaking, no-cost career exploration resource: the revamped Asvab Career Exploration Program (CEP). Recognizing the diverse aspirations of today’s youth, the DoD’s Office of People Analytics (OPA) has transformed the ASVAB CEP into a comprehensive platform that uniquely encompasses all career pathways – from college and certifications to apprenticeships, licensure programs, and military service – all within a single, user-friendly interface.
This significant overhaul includes a completely redesigned user interface and updated back-end technology, making the ASVAB CEP more accessible and insightful than ever before. Key enhancements include:
Streamlined Access to ASVAB Scores: Students can now conveniently access their ASVAB scores online through a secure, password-protected portal at www.asvabprogram.com. This direct access empowers students to understand their aptitudes and explore relevant career options promptly.
Expanded Career Catalog for Comprehensive Exploration: The ASVAB CEP boasts an extensive and detailed catalog featuring over 1,100 careers. Students can delve into in-depth information about each profession, pinpoint careers that align with their unique interests and abilities, and, crucially, explore all available routes to enter their desired field. This holistic approach ensures students are aware of every option, whether it’s higher education, vocational training, or direct entry positions.
Retooled “My Portfolio” for Personalized Career Planning: The enhanced “My Portfolio” is a dynamic, customizable tool designed to function as a resume-like document. It enables students to meticulously document and share their post-secondary ambitions, academic achievements, work experiences, personal interests, test scores, and preferred occupations. This feature provides a centralized space for students to organize their career planning journey and present a cohesive profile to counselors, parents, or mentors.
Dedicated Military Career Resources: Through seamless integration with www.careersinthemilitary.com, the ASVAB CEP provides students with unparalleled access to information about military careers across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Students can examine Service-specific ASVAB line scores, explore diverse job opportunities within the military, and directly connect with representatives from each Service to discuss their options and potential paths to service.
Dr. Shannon Salyer, National Program Director for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, emphasizes the program’s student-centric approach: “ASVAB CEP empowers students to take control of their career decisions by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed choices. Given that it is federally funded and completely free, I strongly encourage all schools to offer this invaluable program to their students.”
Dr. Salyer further clarifies the program’s inclusive nature: “Students participating in the ASVAB CEP are under no obligation to any military service. They can utilize the ASVAB as a powerful tool to explore a wide spectrum of career fields, including military options, and identify the Service that best aligns with their individual strengths and career aspirations, much like a traditional job search.”
Protecting student privacy is a paramount concern for the ASVAB CEP. The program website does not share any student data, and the collection of Social Security Numbers has been discontinued. “We are committed to safeguarding student privacy and fostering a secure environment where students feel empowered to make the best decisions for their futures,” affirms Salyer.
The OPA collaborated with leading resources such as O*Net Online, CareerOneStop, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Joint Advertising Market Research Service (JAMRS) to develop this comprehensive program. Dr. Salyer also notes the program’s potential to support educational standards: “We are actively engaging with numerous states to explore how the ASVAB CEP can assist in meeting the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).”
The DoD’s sponsorship of the ASVAB CEP is driven by a dual mission: to deliver a valuable career exploration service to young Americans and to connect qualified individuals with military recruitment opportunities. Participation in the ASVAB CEP carries no obligation for military service. However, for high school juniors and seniors who are considering military enlistment, their ASVAB scores can be utilized to explore potential enlistment pathways.
Dr. Salyer concludes with enthusiasm for the program’s impact: “We are eager to hear about the positive experiences of students as they utilize these enhanced features.” Initial feedback indicates a strong positive reception, as evidenced by participant testimonials readily available online.
For direct inquiries or to provide input regarding the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, please contact Dr. Shannon Salyer, National Program Manager, at [email protected].
