OAT Test Dates 2025

I. Understanding the OAT

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized examination designed for admissions to most Optometry programs in both the United States of America and Canada. It is meant to measure general academic ability and scientific knowledge. The OAT consists of the following sections: Natural Sciences (including Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry), Physics, Quantitative Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a critical component of the admissions process as it provides schools with a consistent way to compare applicants beyond solely GPA and extracurricular activities. Many students aim to schedule the Optometry Admission Test after completing a majority of the prerequisites required by the Optometry schools of their choice. While the test date is offered year-round at Prometric test centers, it is important to book your desired test date in advance as the seats can fill up quickly during peak application periods. Thus, early registration allows applicants to create an effective study plan, avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that the scores are submitted to the school of interest well before the deadline. For more details and resources, visit Booster Prep’s OAT page. In this article, we'll dive into OAT test dates and locations so you can stay ahead of your deadlines throughout this daunting process!

II. Annual OAT Schedule for 2025

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) will be administered year-round in 2025 at Prometric test centers across both the United States and Canada. Although there is no fixed test window, many students decide to schedule their exam during the summer or after completing certain prerequisite courses such as Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry. As such, there are certain seasonal peaks, meaning that it is important to register early to ensure you are able to book a convenient date and location.

Applicants seeking admission into Optometry schools should also understand that there are specific testing policies. One of the policies include a mandatory 60-day waiting period in between each testing attempt at the testing centre. Moreover, candidates only have a maximum of four testing attempts permitted within any 12-month period. Thus, careful planning during scheduling can make a meaningful difference in reducing stress and maximizing performance on this critical exam!

III. Registration and Deadlines

While the Optometry Admission Test is administered year-round at testing centres. prospective test-takers should be aware that the registration process is not instantaneous. To begin with, applicants must first apply for an OAT Personal Identification Number (PIN) through the official website: https://oat.ada.org/. This PIN is important as it not only allows you to schedule an exam but also helps schools identify your specific OAT scores during the admissions process. After you receive the PIN, you can submit your test application which will include: personal information, accommodation requests, and the selection of optometry schools that you want to receive your official scores. We would recommend you allocate around a week to complete this section.

Once this application becomes approved, applicants will receive an eligibility letter so that you can schedule your exam at a testing centre near you and complete paying the OAT fee. As mentioned previously, we advise you to complete this process well in advance as scheduling is generally competitive during peak seasons! For a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to register for the OAT examination, including tips to avoid common pitfalls, visit Booster Prep’s How to Register for the OAT?

IV. Choosing the Right Test Date

When you are selecting the optimal test date for the Optometry Admission Test, it is crucial to align with your personal schedule, application deadlines, and preparation level. As stated previously, the OAT exam is offered year-round at testing centres across the United States and Canadian locations, providing flexibility for applicants. However, careful planning is essential to ensure timely submission of scores to meet school application deadlines. For example, the University of Waterloo's School of Optometry and Vision Science has specific deadlines for the Optometry program, where OAT scores must be submitted by September 30, 2025.

Effective preparation for the OAT often spans 4 months. We recommend you assess your current academic commitments and personal schedule to determine when you can dedicate sufficient time for focused study. Avoid scheduling the test during periods of high stress or heavy coursework to ensure you have enough time to complete practice tests. Additionally, applicants seeking admissions should remember retake policies, which require a 60-day waiting period between the OAT attempts and limit candidates to four OAT attempts within a 12-month period. Therefore, scheduling your initial test date with potential retakes in mind is essential to stay within these limits.

For a comprehensive guide on strategizing your OAT test date, including detailed planning tips and considerations, visit Booster Prep’s Strategizing Your OAT Test Date. By thoughtfully selecting your Optometry Admission Test date, you can enhance your preparation, meet application deadlines, and approach the exam with confidence!

V. Official OAT Test Dates for 2025

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is offered year-round at Prometric testing centers across the United States and Canadian locations. However, specific test dates are not publicly listed, as scheduling is conducted on a rolling basis through Prometric's online system. It's essential to plan ahead, as test dates can fill quickly, especially during peak application periods. To secure your preferred date, it's recommended to schedule your exam well in advance.

VI. Testing Centres and Availability

When preparing for the Optometry Admission Test, it is important to select the right test centre, check for an optimal date availability, and plan for approximately four months of scheduling. After receiving your PIN, you can locate centres and available dates by entering your city and/or postal code on the official Prometric website. When you are choosing your testing centre location, consider the distance from your home to minimize any travel stress during the testing date. Choosing a testing centre that is within 30-45 minutes from your home can also help to account for typical traffic patterns to ensure timely arrival to your Optometry Admission Test. We also recommend that you visit the centre prior to your exam to check for amenities including parking, washrooms and to familiarize yourself with the environment. By planning carefully and selecting a convenient centre, you can reduce any anxiety and approach the OAT with greater confidence and focus.

VII. Preparing for the OAT

Preparing for the OAT exam requires you to have enough time for focused study but also have adequate rest to maximize your performance. Most individuals agree that around 3-4 months of preparation is adequate, which will include reviewing content, completing practice tests, and analyzing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. One platform for applicants is OAT Booster which is a comprehensive platform that offers many practice questions in all subjects (including the Natural Sciences section, encompassing Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, the Quantitative Reasoning section and the Physics section), instructional videos and study plans. When studying, consider active recall as it will allow you to test yourself on concepts rather than solely rereading notes. Through using platforms, such as OAT Booster, you can create a study schedule that allocates time for each subject and incorporates regular full-length exams to stimulate real test day. However, we do suggest that prioritizing 8 hours of sleep, maintaining regular breaks and using relaxation techniques to reduce stress is equally important as you embark on this journey. By combining these strategies with the resources from OAT Booster, you can maximize your preparation and approach the test with confidence. For more guidance, visit OATBooster’s How to Study for the OAT.

VIII. Rescheduling and Cancellation

Appointments for the OAT examination must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled test date. Any applicant who has failed to appear for the scheduled test date will forfeit the exam fee and will need to submit a new application and payment to schedule a new appointment. Thus, it is important to manage your OAT appointment to avoid rescheduling and cancellation fees. A comprehensive list of rescheduling fees will be outlined below:

Rescheduling fees:

• $40 USD if rescheduling 30 or more business days before your exam
• $70 USD if rescheduling 5-29 business days before your exam
• $150 USD if rescheduling 1-4 business days before your exam

For more detailed guidance on when to reschedule your OAT, visit OATBooster’s When to Reschedule Your OAT.

IX. Conclusion

As you prepare to take the OAT, make sure you confirm your test date, time, location and arrive early to the testing center. We recommend that you book a date and location most convenient for you to avoid any delays on test day! Make sure you are also preparing mentally through prioritizing sleep, using relaxation techniques and exercising. By handling logistics and preparation in advance, you can enter the exam confident and focused. For more guidance, visit OATBooster’s What to Expect on OAT Exam Day.

X. FAQ

Q: When should I register for the OAT in 2025? 

A: You should register as early as possible, ideally 60–90 days before your preferred test date, to secure a spot,

Q: Can I change my OAT test date after registering?

A: Yes, you can reschedule through Prometric testing services, but fees may apply and it must be done at least 24 hours before your test.

Q: How many times can I take the OAT in a year?

A: You can take the OAT up to four times within any 12-month period, with a 60-day wait between attempts.
Are OAT test dates the same across all testing centers?: No, test dates vary by location and availability at each testing center.