OAT Practice Test 2023
Optometry Admission Test

The Optometry Admission Test, more commonly known as the OAT exam, is an examination required for admission to optometry schools in the US and Canada. It is administered year-round by the American Dental Association (ADA) at Prometric Test Centers on behalf of the Association of Schools of Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The OAT is conducted solely by machine and can be taken at almost any time of the year.

The OAT test is somewhat different from other academic tests. It is not a knowledge-based exam that focuses on memorizing information. Instead, optometry schools will use your OAT exam scores to assess whether you possess the foundational knowledge and skills needed to build a successful optometry career.

Although you need to know the content to do it well, the emphasis is on the application of your knowledge. The OAT stresses logic, critical thinking, comprehension skills, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.

 

Getting Started With the OAT Exam

How long is the OAT exam?

The OAT test requires roughly five hours to finish, including the optional tutorial, break, and post-test survey.

What is on the OAT exam?

The OAT consists of four sections with 230 multiple-choice test questions presented in the English language. The test shall be developed following the developed test requirements. The OAT comprises a series of four timed exams: the Survey of Natural Sciences (including Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Physics, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.

 

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OAT Exam Format

SectionsAllotted TimeFormat
Optional Tutorial15 minutes

Survey of the Natural Sciences

  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
90 minutes ( 54 seconds per question)100 multiple-choice questions, subdivided into Biology (40 questions), General Chemistry (30 questions), and Organic Chemistry (30 questions)
Reading Comprehension60 minutes (20 minutes per passage)50 multiple-choice questions; three passages followed by 16– 17 questions each
Scheduled Break (optional)30 minutes
Physics50 minutes (75 seconds per question)40 multiple-choice questions
Quantitative Reasoning45 minutes (67.5 seconds per question)40 multiple-choice questions
Optional Post Test Survey15 minutes
Total5 hours and 5 minutes230 questions

OAT Scoring System

The OAT is measured on a scale of 200 to 400. For each portion of the exam, the number of multiple-choice questions you correctly answered per portion is your raw score. All multiple-choice questions are worth one raw point, and there is no penalty for wrong answers.

In your official score report, you and the schools you are applying for won’t receive raw scores but a scaled score. Converting your raw score into a scaled score ranges allows each exam to be optimized for group performance and complexity using matching procedures.

The OAT is measured on a scale of 200 to 400. For each portion of the exam, the number of multiple-choice questions you correctly answered per portion is your raw score. All multiple-choice questions are worth one raw point, and there is no penalty for wrong answers.

In the score scale, the average mean score is 300 points with a 10-point interval value and a standard deviation of about 40 points. It allows scores of different tests to be equally compared to each other by optometry colleges. Once you receive your score report, you will see eight scores:

  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Total Science
  • Academic Average

The Total Science rating is the total amount of your initial, raw performance in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics, which is then normalized and converted into a scaled score of 200 to 400. The Academic Average is the mean score for all OAT exam sections:

  • Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Reading Comprehension

Furthermore, your score report will also tell you and the optometry schools your percentile ranking that corresponds with your scaled score for each section. Percentile ranks are used to express the standing of a candidate to other people who have taken the admission test. His/her percentile rank does not decide the candidate’s admission to optometry schools.

Standard ScorePercentile RankingOAT Score (Qualitatively)
30050thAverage
35075thGood
39098thVery High

How much does the OAT test cost?

The OAT exam cost are in US dollars and are non-refundable and non-transferable. The following table indicates the optometry exam cost:

Fee TypeDescriptionAmount
OAT FeeIncludes test administration and official score reporting to all listed optometry schools; non-official score report released at the test center; and score reporting to the pre-optometry consultant (if selected)$490
Score Report (optional)Covers requests for score report for other recipients made after the time of the application.$45 per recipient
Score Audit (optional)The OAT Program will audit the applicant’s results for a fee within a period of 30 days after the testing day.$65
Eligibility ExtensionThe extension for eligibility is for 45 days within the designated testing window and is only available once per application.
2019881750

Rescheduling Fees

The fee for the rescheduling of a test appointment shall be based on the amount of the notice given. The fee for rescheduling is as follows:

Number of days before testing appointmentFee
1 to 5 business days before testing day, and at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment starts.$150
6 to 30 business days before testing day.$60
31 or more business days before the testing day.$25

Note: Saturdays and Sundays are not business days.

 

OAT Exam Registration

If you are planning to take the OAT, you must register for OAT exam online at least 6-8 weeks before your test date to ensure proper accommodation at the Prometric Testing site. Before registering for the examination, applicants must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply for a new PIN or obtain an existing PIN at ADA.org/OAT/PIN.

Once the PIN has been obtained, applicants may make an application through the Examination Program website. A new application should be submitted before each test attempt is made. You may apply an online application to ada.org using your credit card. To apply through paper, call 1-800-232-21559.

The application will be accepted if the applicant complies with the eligibility requirements. Processing occurs from Monday to Friday during regular business hours. Once your application and fee have been processed, you will receive advice to contact Prometric (prometric.com) to schedule a date, time, and location of your test. Prepare to register a few weeks ahead of time if you want to take the test so that you can arrange the appropriate time and place.

All the data provided on the application must be correct. Applicants must make use of their legal name. When you include a middle name, use either a full middle name or a middle initial. Any changes to your application must be done at least two weeks before your test date, and the rescheduling of your test is subject to a rescheduling fee that differs as per the advance notice you give.

 

OAT Exam Schedule

All applications are due by 9 PM Eastern Time (ET) of the application or late application deadline date.

OAT Test Dates

Application Deadline

($50 late fee for applications submitted after this date)

Late Application Deadline

(Applications made after this date will not be accepted)

February 15-29Thursday, January 2, 2022Wednesday, January 15, 2022
May 2-16Wednesday, March 18, 2022Wednesday, April 1, 2022
August 1-15Wednesday, June 17, 2022Wednesday, July 1, 2022
November 7-21Wednesday, September 23, 2022Wednesday, October 7, 2022

OAT Test Prep and Test-Taking Strategies

Even someone with sufficient knowledge of all science and math at the OAT is unlikely to meet the highest score without appropriate testing strategies. Learning the formats of the test questions and having a solid strategy on how to deal with each question when completing each section on time can be as critical as the knowledge of the material.

The OAT exam has only one type of question, which is multiple choice. You’re not going to find any fill-in-the-blank, matching type, quick answer, or true/false test questions. Instead, each question will give you the option of choosing one out of four or five responses. This means that your concentration, when studying and answering questions, must be more on identifying relationships and patterns than on memorization.

To help you to develop a surefire approach for your upcoming OAT test, below the are a few of the most effective strategies:

  1. Know what the OAT tests. Don’t forget the purpose of the OAT: to measure your logical reasoning powers. You have to know the content since each segment has its specific language, but the fundamental purpose of the OAT is constant throughout the examination.
  2. Build up your endurance. Prepare your brain for the Testing Day by taking practice tests and training in three-hour blocks while ensuring to take breaks every hour and one day off each week.
  3. Skip questions and answer questions you can correctly answer. Strike each of the sections confidently. You’re in charge of that. Since each item is worth the same point, first work out your best areas to maximize your chance for OAT points. Do not be a victim of the test structure, and don’t let a single question bring you down.
  4. Master the art of predicting. Cautiously decide what the question is really asking, then predict the answers before you read the choices. It helps to protect you from compelling, difficult, and time-consuming wrong choices.

 

Best OAT Study Materials

This collection contains both free and paid OAT prep courses that will assist you in passing the OAT Test. It is also appropriate for beginners, intermediates, and professionals.

Kaplan OAT Test Prep: Kaplan is well-known for offering some of the top coaching and courses to help people pass any certification test. This OAT Test prep course includes all you need to know to pass the exam, including a scientific review and a strategy. What makes this prep course even more special is that you receive a Qbank created by Kaplan professionals to help you prepare more effectively. It also includes seven full-length Kaplan OAT practice test to assist you grasp the exam structure as well as the approach for passing the exam.

Kaplan OAT Prep Free Practice: If you’re studying for the OAT Test but don’t have enough time to complete entire OAT test practice, Kaplan offers free practice tests in discrete parts that will help you obtain enough information and enhance your abilities to pass the OAT Tests. You can begin the twenty-minute exam right away if you’re in a rush and just want to run through practice questions fast.

ASCO OAT Test Preparation: ASCO offers not just practice tests but also exam preparation for people who wish to obtain OAT test preparation created by OAT Test builders.

The major objective of these practice tests is to assist students in comprehending the exam format and gaining access to the questions that may appear on the exam. These practice exams are structured in the same way as the original OAT tests, with similar question styles.

TPR OAT Practice Test Review: The OAT test is one of the most difficult tests in the world; passing it allows you to practice as an optometrist in the United States. Test Prep Review is a Mometrix resource that provides you with an excellent platform to prepare for the OAT Test.

 

OAT Practice Exam PDF

If you’re planning to be an optometrist, you must first take the Optometry Admission Test (or OAT test) before enrolling in optometry school. You must be well-prepared to pass the exam. Allow at least two to four months to prepare for the OAT. The greatest way to maximize your score and earn the best outcomes on the OAT test is to prepare properly. We provide free OAT test for excellent study resources such as OAT PDF, OAT practice test PDF, and OAT sample test PDF to ensure the best preparation. The greatest way to maximize your score and earn the best outcomes on the OAT test is to prepare properly.

 

OAT Questions and Answers

It isn’t a particularly challenging exam. Study until you’re confident in your understanding of the content. Once you’ve been accepted into a program, your grade doesn’t matter.

The OAT exam is a four-and-a-half-hour exam with four sections: Natural Sciences Survey, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.

It costs $465 to take the OAT.

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent is required for optometry programs, which includes grade 12 English, grade 12 mathematics, and grade 11 or 12 biology credit. Note that in order to become a Registered Optician, you must pass the College of Opticians of Ontario’s provincial registration examination.

The OAT is an optometrist admissions test that is used by optometry school programs to evaluate applicants’ chances for success. The OAT is made up of four different tests: Survey of Natural Sciences, Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.

The OAT is a computer-based test that is available all year. You must take action. the OAT following completion of the prerequisite curriculum, which includes Biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics classes are all available.

There is no set OAT Exam Date for candidates to take their exam on. Prometric Inc. has set the date and time for this test. However, there are some restrictions when choosing an OAT Test Date that must be considered while registering for the test.

The OAT is a high-speed, time-intensive test that is designed to predict performance in the first year of optometry school. To put yourself in the best possible position to obtain your target score, make sure you have a sound study strategy in place. Creating and keeping to an organized, targeted study calendar will provide you the confidence and organization you need to succeed on the OAT.

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized exam used by optometry schools and colleges in the United States and its territories to select qualified individuals for a career in optometry. The OAT is also used in the admissions process at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.

Planning to take the OAT in early August is a smart idea because you can retake it in November or December. As soon as you finish the exam, you will receive your unofficial score. Most colleges will accept a faxed or emailed copy of your test results and add them to your file.

The OAT Exam is made up of multiple-choice test items that are presented in English. The test is created in accordance with test specifications. The OAT is made up of four different tests: Survey of Natural Sciences, Physics, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Both the American customary system and the metric system (Imperial System) are employed in the OAT.

OAT Sample Test Questions

Question #1

All of the following are components of the Cell Theory EXCEPT the idea that

  • all living things are composed of cells.
  • all living things contain mitochondria.
  • cooperation among cells allows for complex functioning in living things.
  • all cells arise from preexisting cells.
  • cells carry genetic information in the form of DNA.

Question #2

A scientist is setting up an experiment with 20 samples, each consisting of 0.5 g of a solid. He will pipet 2 mL of liquid into each sample, allow them to stand for 1 hour and then remove 1 mL for analysis. Which of the following is the best glassware to use?

  • Erlenmeyer flasks
  • Beakers
  • Volumetric flasks
  • Round-bottom flasks
  • Test tubes

Question #3

Which of the following are always considered terminal functional groups?

  • Aldehydes
  • Ketones
  • Carboxylic acids
  • Alkenes
  • Both A and C

Question #4

The average of 3, 15, 18, and 8 is

  • 5
  • 9
  • 11
  • 15
  • 18

Question #5

The average of 3, 15, 18, and 8 is

  • 5
  • 9
  • 11
  • 15
  • 18