Free OAR Practice Test : Exam Questions & Study Guide
The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) is a critical examination used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to evaluate potential officer candidates. Unlike the full ASTB-E, the OAR test focuses exclusively on academic skills in math, reading, and mechanical comprehension, omitting the aviation and nautical sections found in the larger battery.
Achieving a high score on the OAR exam is essential for competitive selection into Officer Candidate School (OCS). Our comprehensive guide and free OAR practice test questions will help you master the key concepts needed to secure your future as a commissioned officer. Start your OAR test prep journey here with realistic simulations and expert tips.
The OAR test uses computer-adaptive testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. A higher difficulty level generally yields a higher final OAR score, emphasizing accuracy over speed.
Free OAR Practice Test Questions
Our free OAR practice test modules are designed to simulate the actual exam environment. Test your knowledge with these targeted OAR test questions covering key areas like math skills and mechanical reasoning.
OAR Exam Flashcards
Quick review for key OAR concepts
OAR Exam Study Guide
Prepare effectively with our comprehensive OAR study guide. Understanding the test format and requirements is crucial for achieving a high Navy OAR test score.
| What is the OAR exam? | The OAR exam (Officer Aptitude Rating) assesses math, reading, and mechanical skills for Navy officer candidates not seeking aviation roles. |
| Who takes the OAR test? | Applicants for Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) in fields like Intelligence, Supply, and Surface Warfare take the OAR test. |
| Is the OAR exam hard? | Yes, the OAR exam is adaptive, meaning questions get harder as you answer correctly. It requires strong math and physics foundations. |
| Does the OAR have aviation questions? | No, the OAR test excludes the aviation and nautical sections found in the full ASTB-E exam. |
| How many questions on the OAR exam? | The OAR exam typically has 30-100 questions per section, depending on the adaptive nature of the test. |
| What subjects are on the OAR test? | The OAR test covers Math Skills (MST), Reading Comprehension (RCT), and Mechanical Comprehension (MCT). |
| How long is the OAR test? | The total time for the OAR exam is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, varying by candidate speed. |
| Is the OAR test multiple choice? | Yes, all questions on the OAR test are multiple-choice, delivered via a computer-adaptive interface. |
| How do I register for the OAR test? | You must contact a Navy Officer Recruiter to schedule your OAR test at a MEPS station or testing center. |
| What is the OAR exam cost? | There is no fee; the OAR exam is free for eligible officer candidates working with a recruiter. |
| Where can I take the OAR test? | The OAR test is administered at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) and NROTC units nationwide. |
| What do I need for OAR registration? | You will need valid ID and sponsorship from a recruiter to complete your OAR registration. |
| What is a good OAR score? | A competitive OAR score is typically 50 or higher. Scores range from 20 to 80. |
| When do I get my OAR results? | OAR results are usually available immediately after completing the computer-based exam. |
| What is the minimum OAR passing score? | Minimum OAR scores vary by designator, but most programs require at least a 35-45 to qualify. |
| How long are OAR scores valid? | Your OAR test scores are valid for your entire lifetime, though retakes are limited. |
| How to study for the OAR exam? | Use an OAR study guide and take timed practice tests to build speed and accuracy for the adaptive format. |
| Can I retake the OAR test? | Yes, you can retake the OAR test up to 3 times in your lifetime, with waiting periods between attempts. |
| What is the best OAR test prep? | The best OAR test prep includes reviewing physics concepts and practicing high school level algebra and geometry. |
| Are calculators allowed on the OAR? | No, calculators are not permitted on the OAR exam; you must do calculations by hand. |
OAR Test Requirements & Format
The OAR test structure is designed to rigorously evaluate your academic potential. Understanding the breakdown of the OAR exam sections will help you allocate your study time effectively.
Tests arithmetic and algebraic reasoning.
- Topics: Equations, distance, time.
- Questions: Adaptive (approx. 30)
Measures ability to extract info from text.
- Topics: Military and general text.
- Questions: Adaptive (approx. 20-30)
Evaluates understanding of physics.
- Topics: Force, motion, machinery.
- Questions: Adaptive (approx. 30)
Each section is timed differently.
- Topics: Time management is key.
- Questions: Varies by speed.
Difficulty changes based on answers.
- Topics: Computer algorithm.
- Questions: Ends when ability determined.
Standard scores from 20 to 80.
- Topics: Percentile ranking.
- Questions: Accuracy matters most.
Focus heavily on OAR mechanical comprehension concepts. Many candidates struggle here because they haven't taken physics recently. Understanding how gears, pulleys, and levers work is essential for a high score.
OAR Score Calculator
Estimate your Navy OAR score based on practice test performance. The actual exam uses a complex adaptive algorithm.
Navy Officer Salary & Pay
Passing the OAR test leads to commissioning as an Ensign (O-1). Navy Officer salary includes base pay plus housing and subsistence allowances.
| Rank / Grade | Annual Comp (Est) | Monthly Base | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ensign (O-1) | $68,000+ | $3,800+ | 0-2 Years |
| LTJG (O-2) | $85,000+ | $4,400+ | 2-4 Years |
| Lieutenant (O-3) | $105,000+ | $5,500+ | 4-10 Years |
| LCDR (O-4) | $125,000+ | $7,000+ | 10+ Years |
Beyond the salary, Navy Officers receive free healthcare, tax-free housing allowances, 30 days of paid vacation annually, and a comprehensive pension plan after 20 years of service.
How to Become a Navy Officer: OAR Steps
The journey to commissioning starts with the Navy OAR test. Follow this timeline to navigate the recruitment and testing process effectively.
- Contact Recruiter - Verify eligibility for Navy Officer programs.
- Schedule OAR - Book your OAR exam at a local MEPS or testing site.
- Study & Prep - Use OAR practice tests to improve math and mechanical skills.
- Take the Test - Complete the adaptive OAR test (approx. 2 hours).
- Receive Scores - Get immediate results; check against designator requirements.
- Submit Package - Include OAR scores in your full officer application.
- Select & Commission - Upon acceptance, attend OCS and earn your commission.
OAR Exam Costs
Good news: The OAR exam itself is free for candidates. However, preparing for the test and the application process may incur some personal costs.
The primary investment for the OAR test is your time. While the exam is free, investing in quality OAR test prep materials is highly recommended to secure a competitive score.
Navy Officer Career Paths
Top designators requiring the OAR exam
OAR Testing Contacts
Official resources for scheduling your OAR test.
You cannot schedule the Navy OAR test alone. Locate a "Navy Officer Recruiter" near you to start the process. They are distinct from enlisted recruiters and specialize in the OAR exam process.
OAR Test Day Checklist
Ready to Become a Navy Officer?
Don't leave your commissioning to chance. Start practicing with our free OAR test questions today and secure your future.
START FREE OAR PRACTICE TESTOAR Score Validity & Retakes
Your OAR scores are generally valid for your entire naval career, but there are rules for retaking the exam to improve your standing.
Be aware that the Navy uses your most recent OAR score, not your highest. If you retake the OAR exam and score lower, the lower score stands. Only retest if you are confident you can improve.
OAR Exam Frequently Asked Questions
The OAR test determines academic eligibility for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Officer Candidate Schools (OCS) for non-aviation programs.
The exam is adaptive, but typically includes 30 questions for math, 20 for reading, and 30 for mechanical comprehension, though this can vary.
You can find an OAR test center near me by contacting a local Navy Officer Recruiter. Tests are held at MEPS and NROTC units.
Yes, each section of the OAR exam is timed. You generally have about 1.5 to 2 hours total to complete the three sections.
No, the official OAR test cannot be taken online from home. It must be proctored at an official military testing site.
A competitive OAR score is usually 50 or above. Highly selective programs like Intelligence often prefer scores of 55+ or 60+.
Yes, the OAR mechanical comprehension section heavily tests physics concepts like force, motion, fluids, and simple machines.
No, calculators are not allowed on the OAR math section. You must perform calculations by hand using provided scratch paper.
If you don't achieve the minimum OAR score, you can retake the test after a mandatory waiting period (usually 31-90 days), up to 3 times total.
Yes, the OAR test consists of the first three subtests of the ASTB-E. Aviation candidates take the full ASTB; others take only the OAR.