The OAR and ASTB-E, explained
The Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB-E) is used by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard to select pilot and flight officer candidates; its first three subtests form the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) used for programs like Navy OCS.
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What's on it
| Subtest | Part of OAR | Adaptive |
|---|---|---|
| Math Skills | yes | yes |
| Reading Comprehension | yes | yes |
| Mechanical Comprehension | yes | yes |
| Aviation & Nautical Information | — | yes |
| Naval Aviation Trait Facet Inventory | — | yes |
| Performance Based Measures | — | — |
Source: NMOTC ASTB-E pages. The adaptive sections don't let you skip or go back. Item counts and per-section times aren't published; the full battery takes 2 h to 3 h 15 min, the OAR alone 1–2 h. No calculator — formulas are provided.
Scores
The OAR runs 20–80. Full-battery takers also get the AQR, PFAR and FOFAR on a 1–9 stanine scale (pilot selection uses AQR + PFAR, flight officer AQR + FOFAR). Minimums are set by each program (e.g. NPC Program Authorizations 106/107) and aren't published by NMOTC.
Retakes: your latest score counts
Up to three attempts at the ASTB-E/OAR; a retest only after 30 full calendar days, and that can't be waived. Unlike the AFOQT, your most recent attempt replaces all earlier scores — even higher ones. Retest only when you're confident you'll beat your last result.
FAQ
What is a good OAR score?
The OAR is scored 20–80 and most examinees land between 40 and 60. Program minimums vary and are set by the services.
Does the ASTB-E take your best score?
No — the most recent attempt replaces all earlier scores, even higher ones.
How long do you wait to retake the OAR?
At least 30 full calendar days; up to three attempts in total.
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Take the free diagnosticUpdated 2026-10-04. Facts are checked against primary sources — see methodology.