A Full Guide to the OAR Test (2024)
Updated December 1, 2023
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- What Is the OAR Test?
- Who Is Eligible For The OAR Test?
- The Three Sections of the OAR Exam
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- Example Questions in the OAR Exam (2024)
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- Variable Questioning on the OAR Exam
- The Scores of the OAR Exam
- How to Prepare for the OAR Exam in 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The OAR test is a computer-adaptive aptitude test that measures math, reading and mechanical comprehension. It is used as an entry exam for military roles such as the Navy Officer Candidate School and consists of 80 questions and takes no more than 90 minutes to complete.
What Is the OAR Test?
The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test is a computer-adaptive aptitude test that is part of the larger Aviation Standard Test (ATSB-E) battery used by the US Armed Forces (Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard).
It has three sub-tests consisting of math, reading comprehension and mechanical reasoning.
Those applying for individual programs, such as the Navy Officer Candidate School, will only need to sit the OAR or Navy Officers' test.
The scores from the OAR test decide whether a candidate qualifies for officer training and which roles within the organization are most suited to them.
The OAR test can be taken a maximum of three times.
Take a Practice OAR Test on JobTestPrep
Who Is Eligible For The OAR Test?
To apply for the officer aptitude rating test, you will need to meet these minimum requirements:
- Be a US citizen
- Aged between 19 to 35
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Be willing to undergo a thorough background check
If you meet these requirements, you can schedule your OAR exam by talking with recruiting personnel.
Before confirming your test date, ensure you have given yourself enough time for OAR test prep.
The Three Sections of the OAR Exam
The OAR test consists of three mandatory sections:
- Math Skills Test (MST)
- Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)
- Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT)
1. OAR Math Skills Test (MST)
The MST consists of 30 questions with a 40-minute time limit.
The questions on this Navy Officer test are more challenging than the knowledge required for the standard entry military tests, so completing a Navy OAR practice test is recommended.
The test assesses your knowledge of college-level math concepts such as
- Basic arithmetic
- Geometry
- Algebra
- Word problems
You are not allowed to use a calculator.
2. OAR Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)
The section assesses your ability to read and comprehend passages and has 20 questions and a 30-minute time limit.
In this Navy Officers test, you will need to read several passages and answer questions about them.
3. OAR Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT)
The OAR mechanical comprehension subtest measures your knowledge of basic principles of physics and mechanics. Topics covered include:
- Gases and liquids
- Pressure
- Volume
- Velocity
- Components and performance of engines
- Principles of electricity
- Gears
- Weight distribution
- Operation of simple machines
The level of understanding required to complete an OAR test or Navy Officer exam is high school physics. However, the more challenging aspect is that you only have 15 minutes to answer 30 questions.
Example Questions in the OAR Exam (2024)
Below are several examples of the types of questions you might encounter in a Navy Officer's test.
As the OAR test is so competitive, it is recommended that you complete a Navy OAR practice test online and commit to a study schedule to ensure you achieve the best possible score.
OAR Math Skills Example Questions
1. ’A $15,000 van depreciates every year until its only value is the metal and parts. If it takes 17 years to lose all value (other than the metal and parts) and the metal/parts are worth $545’.
Which of the following expressions represents the van's value at 'X' years post-purchase?
a) 850X – 15,000
b) 850X + 15,000
c) –850X + 15,000
d) –850X – 15,000
Which of the following are complementary angles?
a) 51° and 50°
b) 43° and 47°
c) 90° and 180°
d) 45° and 47°
Read the passage below:
’The sharp decrease in medical students in tertiary education institutes suggests a massive decline in expected graduates over the next few years. This is a worrying and direct contrast to the boom we saw in the previous decade.
'The potentially dire issue of filling graduate job placements will only worsen as the need for medical professionals exceeds the supply currently coming through.
'Current medical professors, teachers and practitioners are worried that the current state and expectations of the profession are turning people away from careers in medicine. To change this situation before it becomes catastrophic, industry leaders must make some tough decisions and changes’.
Which of the below statements is not reflected in the passage?
a) The situation is catastrophic
b) The medical industry needs to make changes
c) The number of people pursuing medical careers is reducing
d) The situation is only going to get worse
Who is to blame for the current situation?
a) The stakeholders
b) Industry leaders
c) Those who could be medical professionals but are choosing not to
d) The passage doesn’t specify
When dropped from a height, which ball will land first?
a) Ball A
b) Ball B
c) Same time
If Gear A travels at 15 rpm, how many times will Gear C travel in 6 minutes?
Gears A and C need to be the same size and Gear B can be in the picture position, middle or bottom of the gears, but always in the middle.
a) 30
b) 60
c) 90
d) 120
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You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.
Variable Questioning on the OAR Exam
The adaptive nature of the OAR exam means that you will only receive questions you can answer.
For example, if you get the first question right, the next question will be harder. If you get that wrong, the following question will become easier.
The Scores of the OAR Exam
When you have completed your OAR test, you will receive a cumulative score that ranges from 20 to 80.
The average score is between 40 and 60, and the passing score depends on the branch you have applied to.
For example, the Navy OAR test has a minimum score of 35.
However, as spaces in these programs are limited, and they only take the top performers, it is highly recommended that candidates try to get the best score by completing an OAR practice test.
OAR test scores will depend on the number of correct answers, but test preparation is possible.
How to Prepare for the OAR Exam in 2024
The Officer Aptitude Rating test is highly competitive, so preparation is essential.
The best ways to do this are:
Step 1. Complete a Navy OAR Test with Navy Aptitude Test Practice
Working through the Navy officer test is the only way to familiarize yourself with the format and question types.
Complete as many practice test questions as you need to feel confident.
Step 2. Complete a Navy Officer Practice Test Under Timed Conditions
Once you are comfortable with the test format, add time constraints until you reach the exam limits.
This is especially important when working through an OAR mechanical comprehension practice test as you only have 15 minutes to answer 30 questions.
Step 3. Brush Up on Your Math Skills
Use an OAR math practice test to see which mathematical areas you struggle with and which ones you are comfortable with. Dedicate more time to improving those weaker areas.
Step 4. Invest in an OAR Study Guide
If you are completing a Navy Officer test of this nature, it probably means you are serious about a career in the military.
If so, investing in an accredited study guide might give you an edge over your peers.
Explore forums such as Reddit and ask your recruiter for the best OAR study guide.
Step 5. Choose Your OAR Test Date Wisely
There are around 250 test locations worldwide. Choose a time and place you can easily get to and that gives you enough OAR test prep.
Step 6. Take Care of Yourself
Dehydration, sleep deprivation and lack of nutrition will slow reaction and thinking times.
Ensure you are fit and well if you want to perform your best.
Step 7. Learn From Incorrect Answers
After completing an OAR practice test, go back through and check which questions you got wrong.
Most OAR tests come with solutions, so read over them, see where you went wrong and work through the problem backwards.
This should clarify the thinking process and make it easier the next time you are asked something similar
Step 8. Confirm What You Need on the Day
For the Navy OAR exam, you need a Government-issued photo ID and proof of your social security number.
You are not allowed any additional equipment, such as calculators, and you must leave all electrical devices outside.
Inside, you will be given scrap paper and pencils
The OAR test is a computer-adaptive aptitude test that measures math, reading and mechanical comprehension. It is used as an entry exam for military roles such as the Navy Officer Candidate School.
The OAR test is just under 90 minutes. The math section has a 40-minute time limit, the reading test is 30 minutes, and mechanical reasoning is a quick 15 minutes long.
The OAR test is designed to find the most suitable candidates for military programs and, as such, is meant to be challenging. However, with correct and sufficient preparation, you should be able to achieve the best possible score.
You can prepare for the OAR test on websites such as JobTestPrep and through your local recruitment office.
There are a total of 80 questions on the OAR test: 20 on the reading comprehension subtest and 30 on the mechanical comprehension and math tests.
You can schedule your OAR test through a recruitment officer. It is best to book your test for a date that gives you enough time to sufficiently prepare.
The OAR test consists of three subtests; math, reading and mechanical comprehension.
The math test assesses college-level mathematics, including algebra, geometry and basic arithmetic.
The reading test assesses how quickly and accurately you can read and interpret information.
The mechanical reasoning portion measures your understanding of mechanical equipment and processes.
You can get sample questions of the OAR test on websites such as JobTestPrep.
Your recruitment officer will also have military issued resources for you to use.
You are not allowed any additional equipment in the OAR test. The only items you are allowed are a photo ID and proof of your social security number.
Calculators are not allowed, and scrap paper and pencils will be provided.
Your recruitment officer will advise you on what to wear to the OAR test.
You receive your OAR test results immediately after completing the test.
You can find a complete guide for the OAR test on JobTestPrep. Your recruitment officer will also have military issued resources and packs for you to use.
Final Thoughts
The OAR test is a highly competitive computer-adaptive test, and spaces on the program you are applying for are limited.
To achieve the best score possible, complete a free OAR practice test or invest in an OAR study guide and stick to a study schedule.
Use practice questions to find your strengths and weaknesses, and remember to focus on timing.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself and believe you have what it takes.
