OAT (Optometry Admission Test)
The OAT is accepted by all U.S. optometry schools: four tests in 5 hours 5 minutes at Prometric centers all year, scored 200–400. The 2026 fee is $520.
Made by Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by the ADA Department of Testing Services). Who: Pre-optometry college students, usually in the spring of junior year or the summer after. Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.
Who takes it
- All U.S. and Canadian optometry schools require it. Take it in the second semester of junior year or the summer before senior year, after biology, general chemistry and organic chemistry.
OAT
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT): about the test and FAQAssociation of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Most test takers have finished two or more years of college; advanced biology and physics courses are not required.
OAT
Optometry Admission Test (OAT) 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF)Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Retest rules: wait 60 days, at most four attempts in 12 months; from the third attempt you need permission and proof of a recent optometry school application; after the fifth, once every 12 months.
OAT
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT): about the test and FAQAssociation of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Format and sections
Multiple-choice questions in English. The 5 h 5 min includes an optional 15-minute tutorial, an optional 30-minute break after Reading Comprehension and a 15-minute survey. OAT
View source
| Test | Items | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology 40, general chemistry 30, organic chemistry 30) | 100 | 90 min |
| Reading Comprehension | 50 | 60 min |
| Physics | 40 | 50 min |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 40 | 45 min |
Scoring
- Scale scores from 200 to 400 in 10-point steps; there is no curve and no official passing score.
OAT
Optometry Admission Test (OAT) 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF)Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Official scores reach the schools you chose within 3–4 weeks. Every attempt is reported and scores cannot be voided.
OAT
Get your OAT Score (results in 3–4 weeks, all attempts reported)Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Fees and fee waivers
2026 Candidate Guide, U.S. dollars: OAT
View source
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Examination fee | $520 |
| Score report requested later | $55 each |
| Score audit | $105 |
| Eligibility extension | $150 |
| Reschedule 30 or more business days ahead | $50 |
| Reschedule 5–29 business days ahead | $70 |
| Reschedule 1–4 business days ahead | $150 |
- Name as many optometry schools as you like when you apply, at no extra charge.
OAT
Apply for the OAT (practice tests, score recipients)Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
- Partial fee waivers (50% of the exam fee) are first come, first served; all 2026 waivers have been granted.
OAT
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT): about the test and FAQAssociation of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Test dates
- Year-round at Prometric centers in the U.S., Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and some Canadian cities (not Quebec). Book 60–90 days ahead after your eligibility email.
OAT
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT): about the test and FAQAssociation of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Official practice
- Full practice tests and single-section test modules, written by OAT test constructors, are offered through Prometric.
OAT
Apply for the OAT (practice tests, score recipients)Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Used by these careers and colleges
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Where these facts come from
Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.
- The Optometry Admission Test (OAT): about the test and FAQ · Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services) checked 2026-10-21
- Optometry Admission Test (OAT) 2026 Candidate Guide (PDF) · Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services) checked 2026-10-21
- Get your OAT Score (results in 3–4 weeks, all attempts reported) · Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services) checked 2026-10-21
- Apply for the OAT (practice tests, score recipients) · Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (run by ADA Department of Testing Services) checked 2026-10-21