About the OAR
Key Takeaways
- The OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating) is a subset of the ASTB-E used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to evaluate officer candidates.
- The OAR consists of three subtests: Math Skills Test (MST), Reading Comprehension Test (RCT), and Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT).
- Scores range from 20 to 80, with 35 as the minimum passing score and 50+ considered competitive for most programs.
- The test is computer-adaptive, meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your performance.
- No calculator is allowed, but some math formulas are provided during the Math Skills Test.
- You may retake the OAR up to three times in a lifetime, and only your most recent score counts.
About the OAR
Quick Answer: The OAR (Officer Aptitude Rating) is a computer-adaptive test within the ASTB-E (Aviation Selection Test Battery) used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to evaluate candidates for officer commissioning programs. It covers 3 subtests — Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, and Mechanical Comprehension — scored on a 20-80 scale with a minimum passing score of 35. The test takes approximately 1 to 2.5 hours and does not allow a calculator.
The OAR is the gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the United States naval services. Whether you are applying for Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS), Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), or other officer accession programs, your OAR score plays a significant role in your selection package. Unlike the full ASTB-E, which includes additional aviation-specific subtests, the OAR focuses exclusively on academic aptitude and mechanical reasoning.
Exam Snapshot
| Detail | Current Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Officer Aptitude Rating |
| Part of | Aviation Selection Test Battery — Edition E (ASTB-E) |
| Administered by | Navy Personnel Command / authorized testing centers |
| Format | Computer-adaptive, multiple-choice |
| Subtests | 3 (MST, RCT, MCT) |
| Score range | 20-80 |
| Minimum passing score | 35 |
| Competitive score | 50+ (top 10% score above 60) |
| Total time | Approximately 1 to 2.5 hours |
| Calculator | Not allowed |
| Cost | Free (administered at military testing sites) |
| Retakes | Up to 3 lifetime attempts; most recent score counts |
The Three OAR Subtests
| Subtest | Questions | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math Skills Test (MST) | 30 | 40 min | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems |
| Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) | 20 | 30 min | Passage analysis, inference, main idea |
| Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT) | 30 | 15 min | Physics, simple machines, fluids, electricity |
Total timed testing: approximately 85 minutes. Additional time is needed for instructions, transitions, and test administration, bringing the real appointment to roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
OAR vs. Full ASTB-E
The full ASTB-E includes additional subtests beyond the OAR:
| Component | Included in OAR? | Included in Full ASTB-E? |
|---|---|---|
| Math Skills Test (MST) | Yes | Yes |
| Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) | Yes | Yes |
| Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT) | Yes | Yes |
| Aviation and Nautical Information Test (ANIT) | No | Yes |
| Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory (NATFI) | No | Yes |
| Performance Based Measures Battery (PBM) | No | Yes |
| Biographical Inventory with Response Validation (BI-RV) | No | Yes |
If you are applying for aviation programs (pilot or flight officer), you will need to take the full ASTB-E. If you are applying for non-aviation officer programs, the OAR portion alone is usually sufficient.
Computer-Adaptive Testing Explained
The OAR uses a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) format. This means the test adjusts the difficulty of each question based on your previous answers:
- Answer correctly and the next question gets harder
- Answer incorrectly and the next question gets easier
- The algorithm zeroes in on your true ability level efficiently
What This Means for You
- Harder questions are a good sign. If the test feels increasingly difficult, you are likely performing well.
- You cannot skip or go back. Once you answer a question, it is final.
- Every question matters. Early questions carry more weight because the algorithm is still calibrating your ability level.
- Not everyone sees the same test. Your version will differ from other test-takers based on your response patterns.
What Has Not Changed
As of March 31, 2026, the OAR format described above remains current based on publicly available Navy testing guidance. The three-subtest structure, 20-80 scoring scale, and computer-adaptive format have been stable for several years. If you encounter claims of a major redesign, verify them through your recruiter or the Navy Personnel Command before adjusting your study plan.
What is the minimum passing score on the OAR?
Which of the following is NOT one of the three OAR subtests?
What does "computer-adaptive" mean for the OAR?