If your Optometry Admission Test score falls short of your goals, you can retake it, but only within firm limits. These rules come from the OAT 2026 Candidate Guide, which says they are not subject to appeal.
What counts as an attempt
A testing attempt is any administration where you were seated at a computer at a test center and electronically agreed to the confidentiality statement to start the test. Each attempt requires a new application and fee.
Related: What to Expect on the OAT: Format, Scoring, and How to Prepare
The limits
- Wait at least 60 days between attempts.
- A maximum of four attempts in any 12-month period. After four, you can't test a fifth time until 12 months have passed from the first of those four attempts.
- Three or more attempts means you need permission to test again, with proof of a recent application to optometry school each time you apply to test.
- After your fifth attempt, you may retest only once every 12 months.
The evidence you'll need
A request to test beyond three attempts must be made in writing and include evidence that you tried to apply to optometry school within the previous 18 months. The guide lists acceptable forms, including:
- a copy of a completed, submitted application to optometry school
- a rejection letter from an optometry school
- a letter on school letterhead from an optometry school admissions officer encouraging you to retest
- a letter on school letterhead from a college or university health professions advisor or instructor
Deciding whether to retake
- OAT scores run from 200 to 400 in 10-point increments, and each program sets its own expectations. Check what your target schools publish.
- Look at which sections held you back. A focused plan for one weak section is more effective than repeating general review.
- Use the 60-day gap for timed, full-length practice under test-day conditions.
Timing your first attempt
Because every attempt costs an application fee and the waiting period is fixed, take your first OAT early enough in your application cycle that a retake still fits before your programs' deadlines.