The Optometry Admission Test, better known as the OAT, is a screening test administered by optometry schools to test your knowledge in physics and natural sciences, your reading comprehension abilities, and your quantitative reasoning skills.

The test is just part of the application process, and doing well on the test won’t guarantee a place in the optometry school of your choice. However, schools do put a lot of weight on your OAT scores, so if you are planning on a career in optometry, you’re going to need to work very hard to do well on this test.

## Results Scale and Interpretations

Each section of the OAT yields a raw score, which is the sum of your correct answers. The raw score is then converted into a scale score, ranging from 200-400. The scale score allows optometry schools to compare the performance of their applicants.

### Results Availability

An unofficial score report is provided at the test center immediately after completing the test. Official reports are sent to optometry schools within 3-4 weeks of taking the test and are posted to your OAT user account.

## OAT FAQs

What is the OAT exam?

The OAT exam is a test used to measure if a candidate to an optometry school is likely to succeed.

What’s on the OAT Test?

The OAT test challenges you with multiple-choice questions covering biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, reading comprehension, and math.

What is the passing score for the Optometry Admission Test?

The OAT isn’t a pass/fail test, so there is no passing score. Candidates who score higher than 300 are in the top 50% of test takers and have a better chance of being accepted into an optometry program.

How many questions are on the OAT Exam?

There are 230 questions on the OAT, divided into four sections.

How many times can I take the OAT test?

You can retake the test after 90 days. If you would like to take the test for the third time, you must wait 12 months. Additional retakes require permission from the school to which you are applying to.

What kind of math is on the OAT exam?

The OAT includes everything from simple arithmetic to advanced trigonometric problems.

Can you use a calculator on the OAT?

During certain parts of the test, such as the quantitative reasoning section there will be a calculator on the screen that you can use. You may not bring your own calculator to the test.

Is the OAT test difficult?

The OAT is a challenging test covering physics, biology, and two types of chemistry with a limited time. However, the test doesn’t try to trick you. If you study and prepare, you should do well on the test.

Is the OAT harder than the MCAT?

In the MCAT, you need to read through complicated questions, which can be difficult. With the OAT, the test asks a question and you answer it.

How long is the OAT test?

The test itself takes four hours and five minutes. There is also an optional 15-minute tutorial at the beginning of the test, an optional half-hour break in the middle of the test, and an optional 15-minute survey at the end of the test. If you include all the optional portions of the test, it takes five hours and five minutes.

How do you take the OAT test?

The OAT test is taken on a computer at a Prometric testing center.

Can I take an OAT practice test?

There are lots of places where you can take an OAT practice test, including iPrep. Our practice tests and courses will prepare you for test day.

How much is the OAT test?

The basic test costs $490. What is a good OAT test score? If your goal is to have your choice of schools, you will want to score a 350 or higher. If you would like a score that is good enough to get accepted into an optometry program, you will want to score at least a 300. When should I take the OAT exam? Most students prefer to take the OAT after they have completed their optometry school prerequisite classes, in the summer between junior and senior year. However, some students take the test before their junior year, so that if they do poorly they will have a second chance to take the test again. ## OAT Test Tips 1. Find the easy questions Unlike other tests, the OAT questions are not presented from easiest to hardest. You are just as likely to find an easy question towards the end of the section as at the beginning. If you find yourself working on questions that are difficult, move along to the next question, which might be easier. Remember, easy questions are worth as many points as difficult questions. 1. Find your favorite sections If your strength is organic chemistry, skip ahead to that section on the test and do them first. There’s no need to answer questions in order. Just don’t forget to go back and get to the questions you may have missed. 1. Eliminate obvious wrong answers There is more than one way to figure out the right answer. Sometimes, you just have to eliminate answers that are obviously wrong. Eliminate a few answers, and you’ll improve your odds if you have to guess on an answer. 1. Track your time Be aware of how much time you have, and how much time you expect certain sections to take. Don’t waste time by focusing your energy on questions that will take too long to answer until you’ve gone through the test and answered the questions in the subjects in which you are strongest. 1. Breathe Stay calm, eat a healthy meal beforehand, and show up to the test mentally prepared. The test is long and can be grueling. Staying calm and coming in well-rested will help keep your brain clear and ready. ## Administration • Test Location: Tests are given at Prometric testing centers • Test Schedule: You can take the test almost any time of year. However, you’ll want to schedule a date a few months in advance to get the date you want, especially in the busier summer season. • Test Format: Multiple choice taken on computer. • Test Materials: Taken on a computer with a calculator built into the platform. You will be provided with scratch paper. • Cost: The fee for the basic test is$490.
• Retake Policy:  You must wait 90 days to retake the test. To take the test a third time, you must wait 12 months.

Free OAT Practice

## Test Provider

The OAT test is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) on behalf of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The test is endorsed by the American Optometric Association (AOA). The test is administered by Prometric at their testing centers.

The test is designed to provide admissions offices with unbiased information regarding the likelihood of a candidate succeeding in an optometry program.

Disclaimer – All the information and prep materials on iPrep are genuine and were created for tutoring purposes. iPrep is not affiliated with the ADA, ASCO, AOA, Prometric testing centers, or any other company mentioned.

Get to know what the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) will be like by practicing with these sample questions: