OAT Optometry Admission Test 2027: Complete Guide

The OAT can feel complicated at first: when should the exam be taken, what subjects are included, how is it scored, and which deadlines matter for 2027 admission?

In this guide, we explain the entire process in simple terms. We cover the OAT format, registration, costs, scores, retakes, test-day rules, application deadlines, and the study steps students should follow.

What is the OAT?

The Optometry Admission Test, commonly called the OAT, is a computer-based admission exam for optometry programs.

It measures:

• Scientific knowledge
• Reading comprehension
• Physics knowledge
• Quantitative reasoning
• General academic ability

The exam is administered throughout the year at Prometric testing centers.

OAT scores are accepted by:

• All optometry schools in the United States
• Selected optometry schools in Canada

However, some schools also accept exams such as the DAT, MCAT, GRE, or PCAT. Each program sets its own admission policy, so students must check every school individually.

The OAT is only one part of the application. Schools may also evaluate:

• University grades
• Required prerequisite courses
• Personal statements
• Recommendations
• Interviews
• Relevant experience

Important OAT updates for 2027

At the time this information was collected, the OAT Program had not yet published a separate 2027 Candidate Guide.

The latest public guide was the 2026 edition. It also states that policies may change and that students must follow the rules in force on their actual test date.

Before registering, students should verify:

• The current examination fee
• The latest Organic Chemistry specifications
• Rescheduling fees
• Fee-waiver availability
• Identification requirements
• Retake policies

Organic Chemistry update

The OAT Program has published updated Organic Chemistry specifications.

The revised content places greater emphasis on:

• Reaction mechanisms
• Curved-arrow notation
• Reaction-coordinate diagrams
• Multistep synthesis
• Functional-group reactivity
• Spectroscopy
• Laboratory techniques
• Stereochemistry
• Structure and bonding

The public OAT page originally described implementation as expected in June 2026.

Students taking the exam in 2027 should study from the new specifications, but they should still verify the latest Candidate Guide before finalizing their study plan.

When should the OAT be taken?

The OAT is available throughout the year, so there is no single national examination date.

The best test date depends on:

• The earliest application deadline
• The last OAT date accepted by each school
• The time needed for official score delivery
• The possibility of needing a retake

Official scores normally take 3 to 4 weeks to reach designated schools.

A retake requires a minimum wait of 60 days.

For this reason, students should avoid booking the exam immediately before an application deadline.

A safer approach is to take the OAT:

• After completing the main tested subjects
• At least several weeks before the earliest school deadline
• Early enough to allow a retake if necessary

The OAT Program generally recommends taking it during:

• The second semester of junior year
• The summer between junior and senior year

Main dates for the 2026-2027 OptomCAS cycle

The 2026-2027 OptomCAS cycle is used by students applying to begin optometry school in the 2027-2028 academic year.

These are platform-level dates.

Individual schools may close applications much earlier, including in:

• December 2026
• February 2027
• March 2027
• April 2027

Students should create a separate deadline list for every program.

Canadian schools may follow completely different timelines. For example, the University of Waterloo required applicants for September 2027 admission to take the OAT by September 30, 2026.

Where can the OAT be taken?

The OAT is delivered through Prometric testing centers in:

• The United States
• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• The U.S. Virgin Islands
• Selected Canadian locations

The exam is not currently offered in Quebec.

Testing appointments may fill, especially during popular application periods.

Students should normally book their appointment 60 to 90 days in advance.

Who is eligible to take the OAT?

The OAT Program does not require students to complete an entire university degree before taking the exam.

Successful candidates usually complete at least 1 year of university-level coursework in:

• Biology
• General Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry

Most candidates have completed at least 2 years of college before testing.

Advanced Biology and Physics courses are not formal OAT eligibility requirements. However, students still need enough knowledge to answer the tested material.

Optometry-school prerequisites are separate from OAT eligibility. A student may be allowed to take the exam but still lack courses required by a specific university.

How to register for the OAT

The registration process follows these steps:

1. Obtain or retrieve an OAT PIN
2. Read the current Candidate Guide
3. Complete the online OAT application
4. Pay the examination fee
5. Wait for the eligibility confirmation email
6. Schedule the examination through Prometric

The standard eligibility period lasts 6 months after the application is processed.

A one-time 45-day extension may be available if:

• The student has not already used an extension
• No examination appointment is currently scheduled
• The extension fee is paid

Every testing attempt requires:

• A new application
• A new examination fee

OAT structure and duration

The published OAT blueprint contains 230 content questions across 4 tests.

The testing schedule also includes:

• Optional tutorial: 15 minutes
• Scheduled break: 30 minutes
• Optional post-test survey: 15 minutes

The maximum total administration time is approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes.

The actual timed examination sections total 245 minutes.

The exam may contain additional experimental questions. These questions:

• Are not scored
• Look identical to scored questions
• Cannot be identified during the exam

There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so students should answer every question.

Survey of the Natural Sciences

The Natural Sciences section contains 100 questions.

Biology

Biology includes 40 questions covering:

• Cell and molecular biology
• Cellular metabolism
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Gene expression
• Evolution
• Ecology
• Diversity of life
• Biological structures and systems

General Chemistry

General Chemistry includes 30 questions covering:

• Stoichiometry
• Gases
• Liquids and solids
• Solutions
• Acids and bases
• Equilibrium
• Thermodynamics
• Thermochemistry
• Kinetics
• Electrochemistry
• Atomic structure
• Molecular structure
• Periodic properties
• Nuclear reactions
• Laboratory techniques and safety

A periodic table and selected physical constants are provided during this section.

Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry includes 30 questions.

Students should study:

• Reaction mechanisms
• Acid-base chemistry
• Functional groups
• Organic reactions
• One-step and multistep synthesis
• Nomenclature
• Stereochemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Molecular properties
• Laboratory methods
• Structure and bonding

Some questions may ask students to determine:

• The product of a reaction
• The necessary reactants
• The correct curved-arrow mechanism
• The order of a multistep synthesis

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension contains:

• 50 questions
• 3 scientific passages
• 60 minutes

It tests the ability to:

• Understand scientific information
• Identify important details
• Connect ideas
• Interpret the author’s reasoning
• Analyze information from a passage

Specialist knowledge of the passage topic is not required.

Students should practise reading efficiently without losing accuracy.

Physics

Physics contains 40 questions and lasts 50 minutes.

The main topics include:

• Units and vectors
• Linear kinematics
• Forces and dynamics
• Statics
• Rotational motion
• Energy
• Momentum
• Simple harmonic motion
• Waves
• Fluids
• Thermodynamics
• Electrostatics
• Direct-current circuits
• Optics

Because the available time is limited, students must be able to recognize the correct formula and apply it quickly.

Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning contains 40 questions and lasts 45 minutes.

It covers:

• Algebra
• Equations
• Inequalities
• Exponents
• Absolute values
• Ratios and proportions
• Graphs
• Probability
• Statistics
• Data analysis
• Quantitative comparison
• Applied word problems

A basic on-screen calculator is available only during this section.

Students should still practise mental arithmetic and estimation because opening the calculator for every operation can waste time.

How OAT scoring works

OAT scores range from 200 to 400, in increments of 10.

The scores are scaled. They are not:

• Raw numbers of correct answers
• Percentages
• Automatic percentiles

There is no universal passing score.

Every school decides what score is acceptable or competitive.

Academic Average

The Academic Average, or AA, is calculated from the 6 standard scores for:

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

Total Science

The Total Science, or TS, score is based on overall performance across:

• The 100 Natural Sciences questions
• The 40 Physics questions

It is not simply the average of the 4 science-section scale scores.

What is a good OAT score?

A good score depends on the schools being targeted.

The latest published examinee data reported an average Academic Average of approximately 308. This is an examinee average, not an admission cutoff.

Average scores among admitted students vary significantly by university. Some entering classes report averages around the low 300s, while more selective programs may report averages near 350 or higher.

The University of Waterloo, for example, requires:

• At least 300 overall
• At least 300 in Total Science
• At least 300 in each individual section

These requirements apply specifically to Waterloo.

Students should compare their target score with the recent admitted-student profile of each school.

When are OAT scores released?

Students normally receive an unofficial score report at the testing center after completing the exam.

Official scores are generally:

• Added to the student’s OAT account
• Delivered electronically to selected schools
• Available within 3 to 4 weeks

Students can designate any number of optometry schools without an additional score-report fee when completing the initial OAT application.

Selecting at least 1 optometry school also sends the scores to OptomCAS.

The recipient list cannot be changed or cancelled after the application is submitted. Additional score reports requested later require a separate fee.

Are all OAT attempts reported?

Yes.

The OAT Program reports all testing attempts.

Students cannot:

• Choose to send only their highest score
• Remove a completed attempt
• Void a score after completing part of the examination

Each school decides how multiple attempts are evaluated.

A university may consider:

• The most recent score
• The highest score
• All scores together
• Improvement between attempts

Students should not take an official OAT attempt only to see what the exam is like. Full practice tests should be used for that purpose.

OAT retake rules

Students must wait at least 60 days between OAT attempts.

They may take the exam no more than 4 times within a rolling 12-month period.

Additional conditions apply to repeated attempts:

• From the third previous attempt onward, permission may be required
• Evidence of a recent optometry-school application may be requested
• After the fifth attempt, testing is limited to once every 12 months

Every retake requires a new application and full payment.

Partial testing is not allowed. If a student leaves an assigned section incomplete, the lowest possible scale score may be assigned to that section.

OAT fees for 2027

The final official 2027 examination fee should be checked before registration.

The previous official guide listed $520 through June 30, 2026 and stated that the fee would change for the following period.

A current optometry-school admissions page lists a registration fee of approximately $535, but the amount displayed in the OAT application portal should be treated as definitive.

Additional published charges include:

• Additional score report: $55 per recipient
• Score audit: $105
• Eligibility extension: $150

Fees may change and taxes may apply.

Rescheduling and cancellation fees

The published rescheduling charges are based on the amount of notice provided:

• At least 30 business days: $50
• Between 5 and 29 business days: $70
• Between 1 and 4 business days: $150

Appointments normally must be cancelled or rescheduled:

• By the preceding business day
• At least 24 hours before the appointment

Students may lose the full examination fee if they:

• Miss the appointment
• Cancel too late
• Arrive more than 30 minutes late and are refused admission
• Bring invalid identification

OAT fee waivers

A limited number of partial fee waivers may be offered each year.

The waiver generally covers 50% of the examination fee.

Typical eligibility requirements include:

• Taking the OAT for the first time
• Not having received a previous waiver
• Demonstrating financial hardship
• Receiving financial aid from the student’s school
• Meeting the required citizenship or residency conditions

Waivers are limited and usually distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students interested in a 2027 waiver should check availability at the beginning of the calendar year.

What to bring on test day

Students must arrive at least 30 minutes before the appointment.

They need 2 original and valid physical identification documents.

The primary identification must normally include:

• A photograph
• The student’s name
• A signature
• Government issuance

The secondary identification must include:

• The student’s name
• A signature

The name must match the OAT application exactly.

The following are not accepted:

• Expired documents
• Photocopies
• Digital identification
• Paper copies of digital documents

Students should resolve any name discrepancy before test day.

Prometric security rules

Testing-center procedures may include:

• Identity verification
• Biometric identification
• Inspection of glasses
• Inspection of hair accessories
• Electronic detection screening
• Continuous observation
• Video recording

Personal items must normally remain in a locker.

Jewelry is generally prohibited, except for wedding and engagement rings.

Phones, notes, watches, calculators, and study materials cannot be used during the examination.

Break rules

The OAT includes one scheduled 30-minute break after Reading Comprehension.

During the scheduled break, students must follow the testing center’s check-out and check-in procedures.

Unscheduled breaks are more restrictive:

• The test timer continues
• Lockers cannot normally be accessed
• Phones cannot be used
• Notes cannot be reviewed
• Food and drinks cannot normally be accessed

Students should plan hydration, meals, and restroom use before entering the testing room.

Testing accommodations

Accommodations are available for documented disabilities and medical conditions.

Students must submit:

• The OAT application
• The official accommodations request
• Supporting documentation

Approval must be received before scheduling the examination.

Accommodations cannot simply be added to an existing appointment.

Approved accommodations are not identified on the score report sent to schools.

How to prepare for the OAT

OAT preparation should start with a clear measurement of the student’s current level.

A practical study process is:

1. Complete an initial diagnostic simulation
2. Identify weak subjects and topics
3. Review the necessary theory
4. Complete focused questions by topic
5. Analyse every incorrect answer
6. Repeat weak topics
7. Begin timed section practice
8. Complete full-length simulations
9. Track score changes over time
10. Adjust the study plan according to performance

Students can review the complete OAT preparation page to understand the exam and organize their study.

Prioritize weaknesses

Students should not divide study time equally across every subject.

More time should be assigned to:

• Topics with low accuracy
• Sections completed too slowly
• Frequently repeated mistakes
• Foundational concepts affecting multiple chapters

Strong topics still need regular review, but they should not consume most of the available study time.

Practise under timed conditions

Knowing the theory is not enough.

Students must also learn to:

• Read questions quickly
• Recognize the required method
• Avoid spending too long on one item
• Make educated guesses
• Maintain concentration for several hours

Timed practice should become more frequent as the exam approaches.

Review mistakes properly

Every mistake should be classified.

Common categories include:

• Missing knowledge
• Incorrect formula
• Misreading the question
• Calculation error
• Poor time management
• Guessing without eliminating options

This makes study decisions more objective.

With OAT practice on TestBuddy, students can work on simulations and targeted exercises, monitor strengths and weaknesses, and use the TB™ Score to understand their current test level. It is possible to start for free.

Official OAT practice materials

The OAT Program offers official practice modules.

The complete practice package costs $100 and includes 6 modules.

Individual modules cost $20 each.

The modules cover:

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

The official package is useful for understanding question style, but it is not an exact full-length reproduction of the real exam.

For example, its Reading Comprehension module contains 25 questions, while the actual examination contains 50.

Practice-question performance should not be treated as a guaranteed OAT score.

OAT 2027 application checklist

Before registering:

• Check the latest Candidate Guide
• Confirm the examination fee
• Review the current content specifications
• List every target school
• Record each application deadline
• Record each school’s last accepted OAT date
• Check alternative-exam policies
• Check score-age limits
• Choose a test date early enough for score delivery
• Leave room for a possible retake
• Confirm identification documents
• Request accommodations before scheduling
• Select score recipients carefully
• Book the Prometric appointment 60 to 90 days ahead

Before test day:

• Complete full-length timed simulations
• Review recurring mistakes
• Practise with the permitted on-screen tools
• Confirm the testing-center address
• Check the appointment time
• Prepare 2 valid identification documents
• Arrive at least 30 minutes early

Official reference summary

• The examination format, eligibility rules, registration process, scoring policies, identification requirements, fees, retakes, and test-day procedures are based on the OAT Program website and the current OAT Candidate Guide.
• Score calculations and the latest published examinee averages come from the official OAT User Guide.
• The application-cycle timeline comes from OptomCAS and its official application-cycle dates.
• School deadlines and accepted-exam policies should be checked in the OptomCAS program information table.
• Testing-center availability and scheduling procedures are managed through the Prometric OAT page.
• The Canadian deadline and score examples come from the University of Waterloo admission requirements.
• The currently reported examination fee was cross-checked against the Southern College of Optometry application information.
• Entering-class score comparisons are based on the ASCO entering-class profile.