Who Takes the OAR and Why
Key Takeaways
- The OAR is required for most Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard officer commissioning programs.
- Non-aviation officer candidates typically only need the OAR portion, while aviation candidates must take the full ASTB-E.
- Programs requiring the OAR include OCS, NROTC, STA-21, CEC, and various direct commission programs.
- Your OAR score is one component of a holistic selection package that includes GPA, fitness, leadership experience, and interviews.
- A competitive OAR score (50+) significantly strengthens your officer application package.
Who Takes the OAR and Why
Officer Programs That Use OAR Scores
The OAR is a critical component for candidates pursuing officer commissions through several programs:
Navy Programs
| Program | Full Name | OAR or Full ASTB-E? |
|---|---|---|
| OCS | Officer Candidate School | OAR (minimum) |
| NROTC | Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps | OAR (minimum) |
| STA-21 | Seaman to Admiral 21st Century | OAR |
| CEC | Civil Engineer Corps | OAR |
| Direct Commission | Various specialties | OAR |
| Student Naval Aviator | Pilot training | Full ASTB-E |
| Student Naval Flight Officer | NFO training | Full ASTB-E |
Marine Corps Programs
Marine Corps officer candidates may take the OAR as part of their ASTB-E requirements, particularly for aviation selection. All Marine officer aviation applicants take the full ASTB-E, which includes the OAR subtests.
Coast Guard Programs
The Coast Guard uses ASTB-E scores, including the OAR composite, for certain aviation and officer selection boards.
What Makes a Competitive Score
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 20-34 | Below minimum — does not qualify |
| 35-39 | Meets minimum — but not competitive |
| 40-49 | Average range — competitive for some programs |
| 50-59 | Above average — competitive for most programs |
| 60-80 | Top 10% — strong addition to any package |
The Whole-Person Concept
Your OAR score does not exist in a vacuum. Selection boards evaluate the complete package:
- OAR/ASTB-E score — Academic and mechanical aptitude
- GPA — College academic performance
- Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) — Physical readiness
- Leadership experience — Extracurriculars, work history, military service
- Letters of recommendation — Character and capability references
- Interview performance — Composure and motivation
- Technical qualifications — Degree type, relevant certifications
A strong OAR score can offset a weaker GPA, and vice versa. But a very low OAR score is hard to overcome even with excellent marks in other areas.
When to Take the OAR
Scheduling
The OAR is administered at Navy Operational Support Centers (NOSCs), Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), university NROTC units, and other authorized testing facilities. Your recruiter or Officer Selection Officer (OSO) coordinates scheduling.
Timing Tips
- Start studying at least 4-6 weeks before your planned test date
- Take it before board deadlines — most selection boards meet quarterly
- Do not rush — a poor score wastes one of your three lifetime attempts
- Plan for the score you need, not just the minimum passing score
The Retake Reality
You may take the OAR up to three times in your lifetime. Critical rules:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum attempts | 3 lifetime |
| Which score counts | Most recent only |
| Waiting period | Check with your recruiter (often 30+ days) |
| Risk of retaking | A lower retake score replaces a higher previous score |
Important: Your most recent score is the only score that counts. If you score a 55 on your first attempt and retake the test hoping for a 60 but score a 48, your official score becomes 48. Retake only when you are confident that additional preparation will produce a meaningful improvement.
How many lifetime attempts are allowed for the OAR?
Which officer program typically requires the full ASTB-E rather than just the OAR?