If you need help studying for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place!
Click below to take a free OAT practice test!
What’s on the Test?
How to Register
OAT Scores
Retaking the Test
FAQs
Self-Assessment Modules
Subject-Specific OAT Practice Tests
If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific OAT practice test.
What’s on the Test?
The OAT test contains 230 questions, which are grouped into four sections.
Here’s a closer look at each section:
SURVEY OF THE NATURAL SCIENCES
100 questions
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Diversity of life
- Structure and function of systems
- Developmental biology
- Genetics
- Ecology and behavior
General Chemistry (30 questions)
- Stoichiometry and general concepts
- Gases, liquids, and solids
- Solutions
- Acids and bases
- Chemical equilibria
- Thermodynamics and thermochemistry
- Chemical kinetics
- Oxidation-reduction reactions
- Atomic and molecular structure
- Nuclear reactions
- Laboratory techniques
Organic Chemistry (30 questions)
- Functional groups
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols, ethers, and epoxides
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Amines
- Stereochemistry
- Organic reactions mechanisms
- Spectroscopy
READING COMPREHENSION
40 questions
- Understand the main ideas and supporting details of a passage
- Analyze an author’s purpose and arguments
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses of evidence presented in a passage
- Draw inferences and conclusions based on the information in a passage
PHYSICS
40 questions
- Mechanics
- Optics
- Electricity and magnetism
- Waves and sound
- Measurement and error analysis
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
40 questions
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Percents and proportions
- Problem-solving strategies
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll first need to register for a PIN from the ADA via their website. Once you’ve acquired your PIN, you can use it to submit an application, which includes a testing fee of $520.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to register for and schedule a testing appointment.
OAT Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
OAT Test Scores
The OAT test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 200 and 400. The passing score is determined by the school you’re applying to.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the OAT test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
FAQs
How many questions are on the OAT test?
The test contains 230 multiple-choice questions.
What is the time limit for the OAT test?
The test is timed at 4 hours and 5 minutes.
What is a passing score for the OAT test?
Each school chooses its own passing score requirements, so there is no universal passing score for this test.
How much does the OAT test cost?
The testing fee is $520.
Self-Assessment Modules
One of the most important parts of preparing for a test is determining which topics you need to brush up on as you study.
To get started with a self-assessment of your knowledge, click on one of the modules below!