Last Updated on June 24, 2024
OAT Practice Test 2024 With Study Guide (Free PDF): Try our free online quiz ADA OAT Review test prep. In addition, you can also download a printable PDF. There are more than 300 multiple choice questions in Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) on behalf of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). It is a critical thinking test, and high scores are achieved through content knowledge and effective strategy.
The test determines applicants’ qualifications for admission to a school of optometry. All colleges of optometry in the United States and the University of Waterloo in Canada use scores from the exam and work done at the undergraduate level of study to decide whether to accept candidates.
All 22 optometry schools in the United States, the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, and the University of Waterloo in Canada require applicants to have taken the OAT.
OAT Practice Test 2024
In this OAT Practice Test, we’ll examine each section in-depth, reviewing its content, asking sample questions, and providing specific, test-smart hints. The OAT Program also offers an online practice test to help candidates prepare for the examination. The questions on the ADA OAT practice test previously appeared on an official OAT form but have been retired from active users.
Untimed Tests with Explanation- Biology Practice Test
- General Chemistry Practice Test
- Organic Chemistry Practice Test
- Physics Practice Test
- Quantitative Reasoning Practice Test
ADA OAT Exam
The Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) is required for admission to most optometry schools in the United States and Canada. The American Dental Association (ADA) Department of Testing Services administers the OAT at Prometric Test Centers on behalf of the Association of Schools of Colleges of Optometry (ASCO).
| Test Name | Optometry Admission Test |
| Test Purpose | Admission into optometry schools |
| Test Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Time Duration | 5 hours 5 minutes including brakes |
| Total Questions | 230 MCQs |
| Total Test Sections | Four |
| Score Scale | 200 to 400 |
| Guessing penalty | NO |
| Test Retake | Yes, you must wait at least 90 days |
| OAT Fee | $505 |
| Official Website | https://oat.ada.org/ |
The test lasts, at most, 4 hours and 50 minutes. This time estimate includes three optional components: a 15-minute pre-test tutorial, a 30-minute mid-test break, and a 15-minute post-testing survey.
An on-screen periodic table is provided for the Survey of Natural Sciences section, and an on-screen calculator is provided for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
Your score is integral to the optometry school admissions process because it provides a universal factor for schools to compare applicants. The OAT is likely different from other tests you have encountered in your academic career.
Unlike the knowledge-based exams standard in high school and college that emphasize memorizing information, optometry schools can assess your academic prowess by looking at your transcript instead. Optometry schools use OAT scores to assess whether you possess the foundational skills to build a successful optometry career.
Though you need to know the content to do well, the focus is on knowledge application. The OAT emphasizes reasoning, critical thinking, reading comprehension, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Eligibility
Successful participants in the OAT Program typically complete at least one year of college education, including biology courses and general and organic chemistry. Advanced-level biology and physics are not required. Most applicants complete two or more years of college before taking the test.
OAT Test Format
The OAT consists of four timed sections: the Survey of Natural Sciences (including Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning.
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
| Survey of Natural Sciences | 100 | 90 |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 | 60 |
| Physics | 40 | 50 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 45 |
Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Biology Test (40 Items)
- General Chemistry (30 items)
- Organic Chemistry (30 items)
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages on various scientific topics. Prior understanding of the science topics is not a prerequisite to answering the test items. The reading passages require the ability to read, comprehend, and thoroughly analyze basic scientific information.
Physics
Units and vectors, linear kinematics, statics, dynamics, rotational motion, energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, waves, fluid statics, thermal energy and thermodynamics, electrostatics, D.C. circuits, and optics.
Quantitative Reasoning
A basic four-function calculator is available on the computer screen in this section.
- Mathematical Problems: algebra (equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation, absolute value, ratios, proportions, and graphical analysis); Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Sufficiency; Quantitative Comparison; and Probability and Statistics
- Applied Mathematics (Word) Problem
What’s OAT’s Good Score?
What defines a good score can vary significantly based on your situation. Much depends on the strength of the rest of your application (e.g., if your transcript is first-rate, then the pressure to do well on the OAT isn’t as intense) and on where you want to go to school (e.g., different schools have different score expectations).
Each administration’s average scaled scores are approximately 300 for each section; this equates to the 50th percentile. You’ll likely want to score above the 50th percentile to be considered competitive.
Highly competitive schools may want scores above the 70th percentile range. It’s important to check score expectations for each school. One commonality is that most schools will consider scores evenly distributed across sections to be more favorable than a very high performance on one section offset by a very low performance on another. Performing consistently across the board is preferred.
Resources
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) 2022 Candidate Guide [PDF]
If you have questions not covered in the OAT Guide, contact the Department of Testing Services for additional information.
Phone: 1-800-232-1694 Email: oatexam@ada.org In writing: American Dental Association, Department of Testing Services, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
OAT is a registered trademark of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, which neither sponsors nor endorses this Practice Test.