Your Step-by-Step Application Guide for the OAT

Applying for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) can feel confusing if you do not understand the registration process, deadlines, and requirements. This detailed guide walks you through each step so you can register correctly, avoid delays, and stay organized from start to finish.

1. Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before you begin your OAT application, make sure you qualify.

Most students should have:

• At least one year of college coursework
• Completed classes in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry
• Plans to apply to optometry school within the next year
  
  

You can take the OAT three times without special permission. Any additional attempts require approval from the American Dental Association (ADA).

2. Create Your DENTPIN

A DENTPIN (Dental Personal Identification Number) is required to apply, schedule your exam, and view official scores.

How to get your DENTPIN:

• Go to the ADA DENTPIN registration page
  
  
• Enter your personal information
  
  
• Save your login details for future use
  
  

If you have previously registered for the DAT, you may already have one.

3. Submit Your OAT Application Online

Once you have your DENTPIN, complete your OAT application through the ADA portal. If you need help with where to complete the process, read this guide on where to register for the OAT.

You will need to:

1. Log in using your DENTPIN
2. Provide your academic and personal details
3. Select the optometry schools that should receive your scores
4. Pay the testing fee (currently 515 dollars)
   
   

After submission, you will receive confirmation of your eligibility within one to two business days.

4. Receive Your Eligibility ID

The ADA will send you an email once your application is processed. This message will include:

• Your Eligibility ID
• Your test window, typically six months from your approval date
  
  

Save this information. You cannot schedule your test without it.

5. Schedule Your OAT Test Date

Testing is available at Prometric centers and, in some regions, through Prometric’s online ProProctor system. If you are unsure about timing, you can read about you may want to see which OAT test date you’d like to apply for.

To schedule:

1. Go to Prometric.com
2. Select the OAT
3. Enter your Eligibility ID
4. Choose a date, time, and location

Test dates fill quickly during summer and holiday breaks, so schedule early.

6. Plan Your OAT Study Timeline

A strong OAT score begins with an organized study plan. Most students prepare for eight to twelve weeks.

A sample timeline:

• Three to five months before: gather materials and choose a target test date
• Eight to ten weeks before: start full content review
• Four to six weeks before: add practice exams and timed sections
• One to two weeks before: focus on weak areas and test-day strategies

Popular OAT prep resources include OAT Bootcamp, Chad’s videos, Anki flashcards, and full-length practice tests.

7. Know What to Bring on Test Day

Test centers have strict requirements. You should bring:

• Two valid forms of ID, one with a photo and signature
• Your scheduling confirmation
  
  

You should not bring:

• Phones
• Watches
• Calculators (one is provided on screen)
• Paper, notebooks, or personal items
  
  

Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in and biometric screening.

8. Understand the Structure of the OAT Exam

The OAT is completed in one day on a computer. Here is the test breakdown:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Section</th>
      <th>Number of Questions</th>
      <th>Time Allowed</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Survey of Natural Sciences</td>
      <td>100</td>
      <td>90 minutes</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Reading Comprehension</td>
      <td>50</td>
      <td>60 minutes</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Physics</td>
      <td>40</td>
      <td>50 minutes</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Quantitative Reasoning</td>
      <td>40</td>
      <td>45 minutes</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

There is an optional 15-minute break halfway through the test.

9. Review and Send Your OAT Scores

Immediately after finishing, you will see an unofficial score report. Official scores are automatically sent to the schools you selected during your application.

• Scores range from 200 to 400
• A competitive score for most programs is between 310 and 350
• Scores are valid for two years
  
  

Additional score reports can be requested later for an extra fee.

10. Know Your Options if You Need to Retake the OAT

If your score is lower than expected:

• You must wait 90 days before retaking
• You can test up to three times without ADA approval
• Use your first test to identify weak areas and adjust your study strategy
  
  

A structured prep schedule and focused review can improve your score significantly on a retake. Or just make it so you don’t have to retake at all. OAT Bootcamp offers a supportive community of students to study with, an iOS and Android app for studying on the go, and test-accurate quizzes to help you prepare for the OAT.