OAT

The OAT is a standardized, computer-based examination that assesses academic readiness for optometry school. It is sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), developed and administered by the American Dental Association's Department of Testing Services on ASCO's behalf, and delivered year-round at Prometric testing centers. Optometry programs in the United States use it in admissions; applicants to Canadian programs should confirm that each school accepts the OAT.

Exam Structure and Timing

The OAT consists of four separately timed tests given in a fixed order, with an optional break after Reading Comprehension. The Survey of the Natural Sciences combines three subject areas under one 90-minute clock.

Thefourtests,Intest-Dayorder

Test	Questions	Time	ReviewedinThisGuide
SurveyoftheNaturalSciences	100	90min	Biology(40):Section1·GeneralChemistry(30):
			Section2·OrganicChemistry(30):Section3
ReadingComprehension	50	60min	Section4
Physics	40	50min	Section5
QuantitativeReasoning	40	45min	Section6

Test-Daytimeline

➜

➜

➜

100 Q · 90 min

50 Q · 60 min, then optional 30-

40 Q · 50 min

40 Q · 45 min

min break

An optional 15-minute tutorial at the start and an optional 15-minute survey at the end bring the full appointment to 5 hours 5 minutes. A periodic table is available on screen during General Chemistry, and a basic on-screen calculator is available only during Quantitative Reasoning.

What Each Test Covers

Shareofthe230Questionsbytest

	Survey of the Natural Sciences 100 Biology40·GeneralChemistry30·OrganicChemistry30
230	Reading Comprehension 50 Threescientificpassages
QUESTIONS	Physics 40 Introductorycollegephysics
	Quantitative Reasoning 40 Algebra data comparison probability wordproblems , , , ,

SubjectArea	TopicsTested
Biology	Cellandmolecularbiology diversityoflife structureandfunctionofsystems genetics evolutionand , , , ,
	ecology
GeneralChemistry	Stoichiometryandgeneralconcepts gases liquidsandsolids solutions acidsandbases chemical , , , , ,
	equilibria thermodynamics and thermochemistry chemical kinetics oxidation-reduction reactions , , , ,
	atomicandmolecularstructure periodicproperties nuclearreactions laboratory , , ,
OrganicChemistry	Mechanisms chemical synthesis acid -base chemistry chemical and physical properties of , , ,
	molecules(includingspectroscopyandlaboratorytechniques) andstructuralevaluation ,
	(nomenclature stereochemistry structureandbonding) , ,
ReadingComprehension	Reading analysis andinterpretationofthreescientificpassages;nopriorscienceknowledgeis , ,
	required
Physics	Unitsandvectors linearkinematics statics dynamics rotationalmotion energyandmomentum , , , , , ,
	simpleharmonicmotion waves fluidstatics thermodynamicsandthermalenergy electrostatics DC , , , , , . .
	circuits optics ,
QuantitativeReasoning	Algebra(equationsandexpressions inequalities exponentialnotation absolutevalue ratiosand , , , ,
	proportions graphicalanalysis);dataanalysis interpretation andsufficiency;quantitative , , ,
	comparison;probabilityandstatistics;applied(word)problems

Scoring

Raw scores are converted to scale scores through equating, which adjusts for small differences in difficulty between test forms. There is no passing score: each optometry program decides how it weighs OAT results alongside grades, experience, and interviews. You receive an unofficial score report at the testing center, and official scores reach the schools you select within about three to four weeks.

Exam at a Glance

ExamAspect	Details
Sponsorandadministration	SponsoredbyASCO;administeredbytheADADepartmentofTestingServices;deliveredatPrometric
	testingcenters
Format	Computer-based; 230 multiple-choice questions in four timed tests
Time	4hours5minutesoftesting;5hours5minutesincludingtheoptionaltutorial break andsurvey , ,
Scoring	200–400 per subject area plus Total Science and Academic Average; no penalty for wrong answers ,
Examinationfee	$520inthemostrecentpublishedfeeschedule whichincludesscorereportstotheschoolsselected ,
	atapplication;additionalscorereportsare$55each
Retesting	Wait at least 60 days between attempts; no more than four attempts in any 12 -month period After .
	threeattempts candidatesneedpermissiontoretestwithproofofarecentoptometryschool ,
	application andafterfiveattemptstheymayretestonlyonceper12months ,
Scorehistory	Schoolsreceiveahistoryofallattempts
Eligibility	Typicallyatleastoneyearofcollege includingbiology generalchemistry andorganicchemistry , , ,
Testday	Two valid government-issued IDs; the name must match your application exactly Biometric data is , .
	collected at check -in

Why the OAT Matters

Admissions committees use OAT scores as a standardized measure of academic preparation, allowing a fair comparison of applicants from different colleges. A strong score shows that you can handle the demanding science coursework of optometry school, and the preparation itself strengthens the biology, chemistry, physics, and optics foundations you will use throughout your training and career.