OAR Study Guide: A Comprehensive Plan
Navigating the OAR exam requires a focused approach, utilizing resources like Mometrix, Accepted, and Trivium Test Prep for effective preparation and practice.
Peterson’s and Effortless Math also offer valuable tools, ensuring comprehensive coverage of mathematics, reading, and mechanical comprehension skills.
Understanding the OAR Exam
The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam is a crucial step for individuals seeking opportunities within the United States Navy. Comprehensive study guides, such as those offered by Mometrix Media and Accepted, Inc., are designed to equip candidates with the necessary knowledge and strategies for success.
These resources typically include quick overviews of the test’s structure, detailed test-taking strategies, and focused reviews of core subject areas – mathematics, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension.
Trivium Test Prep further enhances preparation with practice tests and detailed answer explanations, while Effortless Math concentrates on building a strong foundation in mathematical skills. Understanding the exam’s format and content is paramount, and these guides aim to provide a thorough and accessible pathway to achieving a favorable score.
What is the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) Test?
The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test serves as a vital assessment tool for prospective Navy officers, evaluating their cognitive abilities and aptitude for naval service. It’s a standardized exam designed to predict success in officer training and subsequent career performance.
Study guides from providers like Mometrix Media, Accepted, Inc., and Trivium Test Prep offer comprehensive preparation, covering essential skills in mathematics, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension.
These resources emphasize not only content mastery but also effective test-taking strategies. The OAR assesses a candidate’s ability to quickly and accurately process information, solve problems, and apply fundamental principles. Success on the OAR is a significant factor in the selection process, making thorough preparation with quality study materials essential for aspiring naval officers.
Who Needs to Take the OAR?

The OAR exam is primarily required for individuals applying for Officer Candidate School (OCS) within the United States Navy. This includes candidates seeking a commission through various programs, such as those with a bachelor’s degree or those participating in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).
Aspiring officers pursuing specific career paths, like those in aviation or nuclear programs, will also likely encounter the OAR as part of their selection process.
Resources like Mometrix, Accepted, and Trivium Test Prep cater specifically to these candidates, offering targeted study materials. Preparation is crucial, as the OAR score significantly influences an applicant’s overall qualifications. Understanding the eligibility requirements and preparing diligently with appropriate study guides is paramount for success in the Navy’s officer selection process.
OAR Exam Format and Sections
The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s potential for success as a Navy officer. It’s a multiple-choice test covering three core subject areas: Mathematics Skills, Reading Comprehension, and Mechanical Comprehension.
Within Mathematics, expect questions on arithmetic reasoning, algebra basics, and geometry fundamentals. The Reading Comprehension section tests your ability to understand passages and extract key information.
Mechanical Comprehension assesses your understanding of physical principles and simple machines. Study guides from providers like Mometrix, Accepted, and Trivium Test Prep break down each section, offering practice questions and detailed explanations to help you master the format and content. Familiarity with the structure is key to maximizing your score.

Core Subject Areas
Success on the OAR hinges on mastering mathematics, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension – the three key areas thoroughly covered by available study guides.
Mathematics Skills
A strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for OAR success, encompassing arithmetic reasoning, and fundamental algebra concepts. Study guides from Mometrix Media, Accepted, Inc., and Trivium Test Prep dedicate significant sections to these skills, providing targeted practice questions and detailed explanations;
Arithmetic reasoning assesses your ability to solve practical math problems, while algebra basics cover essential equations and problem-solving techniques. Effortless Math resources specifically focus on helping students build confidence and a positive attitude towards mathematics, a key component for tackling the OAR’s quantitative challenges. Mastering these areas will significantly improve your overall score.
Peterson’s guide also provides a complete overview of the mathematical concepts tested on the OAR exam.
Arithmetic Reasoning
Arithmetic reasoning on the OAR assesses your ability to apply basic mathematical principles to real-world scenarios. Resources like Mometrix Media’s study guide and Accepted, Inc.’s materials offer extensive practice questions designed to hone this skill.
These questions often involve calculations with percentages, ratios, proportions, and basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Understanding how to interpret word problems and translate them into mathematical equations is paramount. Trivium Test Prep’s OAR guide provides detailed answer explanations to help you grasp the underlying concepts;
Effortless Math can help build confidence, while Peterson’s offers a comprehensive review of these essential arithmetic skills for optimal test performance.
Algebra Basics
Algebra forms a crucial component of the OAR’s mathematics section, testing your understanding of fundamental algebraic principles. Study guides from Mometrix Media and Accepted, Inc. dedicate significant portions to this area, providing practice problems and clear explanations.
Expect questions involving solving for unknowns, simplifying expressions, and understanding basic algebraic equations. Concepts like linear equations, inequalities, and factoring are frequently assessed. Trivium Test Prep’s resources offer step-by-step solutions to help you master these techniques.
Strengthening your algebra skills with resources like Effortless Math and Peterson’s will significantly improve your overall OAR score and build confidence.
Geometry Fundamentals

Geometry on the OAR assesses your knowledge of shapes, angles, and spatial relationships, demanding a solid grasp of foundational concepts. Comprehensive study guides, such as those offered by Mometrix Media and Accepted, Inc., provide targeted practice in this area.
Expect questions covering area, perimeter, volume, and basic geometric theorems. Understanding properties of triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals is essential. Trivium Test Prep’s materials break down complex problems into manageable steps.
Utilizing resources from Effortless Math and Peterson’s can further enhance your geometric reasoning skills, leading to improved performance on the OAR exam.
Reading Comprehension
The Reading Comprehension section of the OAR evaluates your ability to understand and analyze written passages effectively. Study guides from Mometrix Media and Accepted, Inc. emphasize strategies for identifying main ideas and drawing logical inferences.
Expect passages covering diverse topics, requiring you to discern author’s purpose and tone. Mastering context clues is crucial for deciphering unfamiliar vocabulary. Trivium Test Prep’s resources offer focused practice in critical reading skills.
Sharpening these skills with materials from Peterson’s and consistent practice will significantly boost your score on this vital OAR component.
Identifying Main Ideas
Successfully tackling the OAR’s reading passages hinges on quickly pinpointing the central theme or argument. Resources like Mometrix Media’s study guide stress the importance of focusing on topic sentences and recurring concepts.
Practice actively summarizing paragraphs after reading them, distilling the core message in your own words. Accepted, Inc.’s materials highlight techniques for eliminating distractors and recognizing the author’s primary intent.
Trivium Test Prep offers exercises specifically designed to hone this skill, while Peterson’s provides broader strategies for effective reading comprehension.
Understanding Context Clues
The OAR frequently tests your ability to decipher unfamiliar words using surrounding text – context clues. Study guides from Mometrix Media emphasize recognizing definitions, examples, and contrasts within passages.
Accepted, Inc.’s resources demonstrate how to infer meaning from the tone and purpose of the writing. Practice identifying signal words like “however,” “therefore,” and “for instance,” which often indicate contextual hints.
Trivium Test Prep’s materials provide targeted exercises to strengthen this skill, while Peterson’s offers broader reading comprehension strategies. Mastering context clues is crucial for maximizing your score on the OAR exam.
Critical Reading Skills
Success on the OAR’s reading comprehension section hinges on strong critical reading abilities. Resources like Mometrix Media’s study guide focus on analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions, and evaluating evidence presented in passages.
Accepted, Inc. emphasizes discerning between fact and opinion, and recognizing author bias. Trivium Test Prep provides practice questions designed to hone these skills, simulating the exam’s challenging format.
Peterson’s OAR Exam Guide offers strategies for effective note-taking and passage mapping. Developing these skills will enable you to confidently tackle complex texts and answer questions accurately, boosting your overall OAR score.
Mechanical Comprehension
The OAR’s mechanical comprehension section assesses your understanding of basic physics principles and simple machines. Mometrix Media’s study guide breaks down these concepts into manageable parts, offering clear explanations and illustrative examples.
Accepted, Inc. focuses on spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills related to mechanical systems. Trivium Test Prep provides extensive practice questions, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Understanding leverage, gears, and fluid dynamics is crucial for success. Resources emphasize visualizing how forces interact and predicting outcomes, ultimately improving your performance on this challenging section of the OAR exam.
Principles of Physics
The OAR exam’s mechanical comprehension relies heavily on fundamental physics principles. Resources like Mometrix Media’s study guide emphasize concepts such as force, motion, energy, and work, providing a solid foundation for tackling related questions.
Understanding Newton’s Laws of Motion is particularly important, as they frequently appear in problem scenarios. Accepted, Inc. helps clarify these laws and their applications in mechanical systems.
Trivium Test Prep offers practice questions that test your ability to apply these principles, while Peterson’s provides a comprehensive overview of relevant physics concepts. Mastering these basics is key to achieving a high score.
Simple Machines
The OAR exam frequently tests understanding of simple machines – levers, pulleys, wheels and axles, inclined planes, wedges, and screws. Mometrix Media’s OAR study guide dedicates sections to these, explaining how they manipulate force and work.
Focus on how each machine provides a mechanical advantage, reducing the force needed to perform a task. Accepted, Inc. provides clear explanations and examples of these principles in action.
Trivium Test Prep’s practice questions challenge your ability to identify and analyze simple machines in various scenarios. Peterson’s offers a broader context, linking these concepts to real-world applications, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
Spatial Reasoning
Spatial reasoning on the OAR assesses your ability to visualize and manipulate objects in three dimensions, a key component of mechanical comprehension. Mometrix Media’s study guide includes practice questions designed to hone these skills.
Expect questions involving pattern recognition, folding and unfolding shapes, and identifying missing sections of figures. Accepted, Inc. provides detailed explanations to help you understand the underlying logic.
Trivium Test Prep’s resources emphasize practice, offering numerous problems to build confidence and speed. Peterson’s guide contextualizes spatial reasoning within broader mechanical principles, aiding comprehension.

Effective Study Strategies
Prioritize consistent practice with OAR tests from resources like Mometrix and Trivium, analyzing results to pinpoint weaknesses and maximize your preparation efficiency.
Time Management for OAR Prep

Effective time management is crucial for OAR success. Create a realistic study schedule, allocating specific blocks for each subject area – mathematics, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension. Prioritize areas where you demonstrate weakness based on initial practice tests.
Break down study sessions into manageable chunks, incorporating short breaks to maintain focus and prevent burnout. Utilize practice tests from Mometrix, Accepted, and Trivium Test Prep to simulate exam conditions and build pacing skills.

Regularly review previously covered material to reinforce learning and identify areas needing further attention. Avoid cramming, as it can lead to anxiety and reduced performance. Consistent, focused study sessions are far more effective than last-minute intensive efforts.
Utilizing Practice Tests
Practice tests are indispensable for OAR preparation. Resources like Mometrix Media, Accepted, Inc., and Trivium Test Prep offer comprehensive practice exams mirroring the actual OAR format. These tests help familiarize you with question types, time constraints, and overall exam structure.
Don’t just take the tests; analyze your results meticulously. Identify areas of strength and weakness, focusing your subsequent study efforts accordingly. Detailed answer explanations, provided by these study guides, are crucial for understanding why you missed certain questions.
Simulate exam conditions – timed tests in a quiet environment – to build stamina and reduce test-day anxiety. Repeated practice builds confidence and improves your ability to perform under pressure.
Analyzing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Self-assessment is key to effective OAR preparation. After completing practice tests from resources like Mometrix, Accepted, Inc., and Trivium Test Prep, carefully review your performance. Pinpoint areas where you consistently excel – these are your strengths.
More importantly, identify your weaknesses. Are you struggling with arithmetic reasoning, reading comprehension, or mechanical comprehension? Be specific. Don’t just say “math”; determine if it’s algebra or geometry causing difficulty.
Devote extra study time to your weak areas. Utilize targeted resources and practice questions to improve. A balanced approach, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses, will maximize your OAR score.

Recommended Study Resources
Mometrix, Accepted, Trivium Test Prep, Effortless Math, and Peterson’s provide comprehensive OAR study guides and practice tests for optimal exam preparation.
Mometrix Media OAR Study Guide
Mometrix Media’s OAR Study Guide is designed to help aspiring Navy officers excel on the Officer Aptitude Rating exam. This comprehensive resource offers a quick overview of the test, along with proven test-taking strategies to maximize your score. The guide delves into essential math skills, reading comprehension techniques, and mechanical comprehension principles, providing a solid foundation for success.
Furthermore, Mometrix includes a wealth of practice questions with detailed answer explanations, allowing you to identify areas for improvement and build confidence. It’s structured to make studying less daunting, breaking down complex concepts into manageable segments. This 3rd Edition, available through Tpb Publishing, is a valuable asset for anyone serious about achieving a high score on the OAR exam.
Accepted, Inc. OAR Study Guide
Accepted, Inc.’s OAR Study Guide provides a comprehensive and accessible review of all concepts tested on the Officer Aptitude Rating exam. This guide distinguishes itself through its easy-to-understand explanations, ensuring that even challenging topics become clear. It features numerous example questions, meticulously covering each section of the OAR, allowing for targeted practice and skill development.
A key component of the Accepted, Inc. guide is the inclusion of a full-length practice test. This invaluable tool allows candidates to simulate the actual testing environment and assess their readiness. By mastering the material presented and utilizing the practice test, individuals can significantly increase their chances of achieving a successful outcome on the OAR exam. (ISBN: 9781941743430)
Trivium Test Prep OAR Study Guide
Trivium Test Prep’s OAR Study Guide is designed to equip candidates with everything necessary to successfully pass the Officer Aptitude Rating Test on their first attempt. This guide offers a concise yet thorough review of all concepts featured on the OAR exam, streamlining the study process for optimal efficiency.
A standout feature of this resource is the inclusion of three full-length practice tests. Each practice test is accompanied by detailed answer explanations, enabling candidates to understand not only the correct answers but also the reasoning behind them. This comprehensive approach fosters a deeper understanding of the material and builds confidence. (5th Edition, ISBN: 9781637988169)
Effortless Math OAR Resources
Effortless Math specializes in helping students develop a genuine appreciation for mathematics, a crucial skill for success on the OAR exam’s quantitative sections. Their OAR Math Test resources are specifically tailored to address the arithmetic reasoning, algebra basics, and geometry fundamentals assessed on the test.
Beyond simply providing solutions, Effortless Math focuses on building a strong conceptual foundation. They aim to empower students to not just solve problems, but to truly understand the underlying mathematical principles. The website offers valuable resources, including practice tests, designed to help candidates prepare effectively; (Mentioned as resource #2 alongside Mometrix and Trivium Test Prep).
Peterson’s OAR Exam Guide
Peterson’s offers a comprehensive guide designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and strategies needed to master the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) exam. This resource aims to provide a complete overview of the exam’s content, format, and scoring, enabling focused preparation.

The guide likely covers all core subject areas – mathematics, reading comprehension, and mechanical comprehension – with detailed explanations and practice questions. Peterson’s is recognized for its test preparation materials, and their OAR guide is positioned as a tool to help individuals confidently approach the exam. (Cited as resource #4, alongside Mometrix, Trivium, and Effortless Math), offering a complete mastery path.

Final Preparation
Employ effective test-taking strategies, manage anxiety, and prioritize a last-minute review of core concepts for optimal OAR performance and success.
Test-Taking Strategies
Strategic test-taking is crucial for maximizing your OAR score. Begin by carefully reading each question and identifying key information before attempting an answer.
Prioritize questions you find easier first to build confidence and momentum, then return to more challenging ones.
Time management is paramount; pace yourself to ensure you attempt all questions. Eliminate obviously incorrect answers to improve your odds on multiple-choice questions.
Don’t dwell too long on any single question; if you’re stuck, make an educated guess and move on.
Review your answers if time permits, focusing on questions you marked for reconsideration.
Remember to stay calm and focused throughout the exam, utilizing the preparation you’ve undertaken with resources like Mometrix and Trivium Test Prep.
Managing Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is common, but manageable. Prior preparation, utilizing study guides from sources like Accepted, Inc. and Peterson’s, is your strongest defense.
Practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to calm your nerves before and during the exam. Visualize success and focus on your strengths.
Ensure adequate sleep and a healthy diet in the days leading up to the test. Avoid cramming, as it can increase stress levels.
During the exam, if you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and refocus.
Remember that the OAR is a measure of aptitude, not intelligence.
Positive self-talk and a belief in your abilities, honed through practice with resources like Mometrix and Effortless Math, can significantly reduce anxiety.
Last-Minute Review Tips
Avoid extensive new material the day before the OAR. Instead, focus on reviewing key concepts from your Mometrix, Trivium Test Prep, or Accepted, Inc. study guides.
Quickly skim through practice questions, concentrating on areas where you previously struggled. Don’t attempt full practice tests at this stage.
Review formulas and definitions, particularly in mathematics, utilizing resources like Effortless Math for a concise refresher.
Ensure you understand the exam format and time constraints.
Gather all necessary materials – identification, pencils, and any permitted calculator – the night before.
Prioritize rest and relaxation. A well-rested mind performs better than a stressed one.
A final, light review of Peterson’s guide can reinforce key strategies, but avoid overwhelming yourself.
















































































