Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Practice Test

137 questions available

Build your confidence for Optometry Admission Test (OAT). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
230 Exam questions
4 hours 50 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
137 Practice questions
2 hours 17 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
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ASCO (OAT)137 practice questions
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Exam overview and details

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized examination required for admission to schools and colleges of optometry in the United States and Canada. Administered by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), the OAT is designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information essential for success in a doctoral-level optometry program. The exam is a critical, objective component of the holistic admissions process, allowing programs to assess foundational knowledge in natural sciences, reading comprehension, physics, and quantitative reasoning. A competitive OAT score demonstrates a candidate's readiness for the rigorous didactic curriculum of optometry school and is a significant factor in admissions decisions. By standardizing the assessment of core competencies, the OAT ensures a baseline level of preparedness for all entering students, thereby supporting the academic integrity and high standards of the optometric profession.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Survey of Natural Sciences: Organic Chemistry

Which hybridization describes the carbonyl carbon in an aldehyde?

Quantitative Reasoning

If x^2 = 49 and x is negative, what is x?

Survey of Natural Sciences: General Chemistry

Which quantum number primarily determines the energy level and average distance of an electron from the nucleus in a hydrogen atom?

Quantitative Reasoning

Simplify (x^3)(x^4).

Physics

A positive test charge is placed near a fixed positive source charge. What happens to the test charge?

Exam insights and study advice

A strong performance on the OAT is a non-negotiable gateway to a career in optometry. It serves as a primary differentiator in highly competitive applicant pools, directly impacting admission to accredited Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs. Success on this exam validates your foundational scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills, signaling to admissions committees your capacity to handle the demanding graduate-level coursework. Ultimately, excelling on the OAT is the first essential step toward obtaining your professional license, gaining clinical expertise, and achieving recognition as a healthcare provider dedicated to eye and vision care.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Survey of Natural Sciences: Biology

22%

02Survey of Natural Sciences: General Chemistry

22%

03Physics

15%

04Quantitative Reasoning

15%

05Reading Comprehension

15%

06Survey of Natural Sciences: Organic Chemistry

11%

Exam Details OAT | $475 USD | 4 hours 50 minutes

Exam Code OAT
Vendor ASCO (OAT)
Exam Cost $475 USD
Time Limit 4 hours 50 minutes
Exam questions 230
Question Types Multiple choice (100%), Scenario-based (65%)
Exam Format Computer-based; multiple-choice; Prometric administration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure and format of the OAT?

How often can I retake the OAT, and what are the limitations?

How are OAT scores calculated and reported?

What is considered a competitive OAT score for optometry school admission?

When should I take the OAT in relation to my application cycle?