The OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating) is part of the Aviation Standard Test Battery (ASTB-E) used by the US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to assess candidates for officer programs. It measures math, reading, and mechanical reasoning skills.
What sections are on the OAR?
The OAR consists of three subtests: Math Skills Test (MST), Reading Comprehension Test (RCT), and Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT). Each section is computer-adaptive, meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your answers.
What is the minimum OAR score to qualify?
The minimum OAR score required varies by program. For most Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) programs the minimum is 35, while some competitive designators such as Nuclear Power may require scores of 50 or higher. Always confirm requirements with your recruiter.
How long is the OAR test?
The OAR is computer-adaptive and does not have a fixed number of questions or a strict per-section time limit for most sections. The entire ASTB-E battery (which includes the OAR) typically takes 2.5–3.5 hours to complete.
How many times can I take the OAR?
You may take the ASTB-E (which contains the OAR) a maximum of three times in your lifetime. There must be at least 90 days between your first and second attempts, and at least 6 months between your second and third attempts.
What topics should I study to improve my OAR score?
Focus on arithmetic and algebra for the Math Skills Test, on passage analysis and main-idea questions for Reading Comprehension, and on gears, pulleys, levers, and fluid dynamics for Mechanical Comprehension. Timed practice under test-like conditions is the most effective preparation strategy.