are you allowed to use a calculator on the oar

This tool provides a “Yes” or “No” determination based on the rules for the selected test section.

The short answer is NO, you are not allowed to use a calculator on any section of the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test. This includes the Math Skills Test (MST), the Reading Comprehension Test (RCT), and the Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT). The exam is designed to assess your ability to perform calculations and solve problems mentally or with scratch paper, which will be provided. Use our tool above to verify the rule for each specific section.

What is the are you allowed to use a calculator on the oar Test?

The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test is a standardized exam used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to assess the cognitive skills of candidates applying for Officer Candidate School and other non-aviation officer programs. It is actually a component of a larger test battery called the Aviation Standard Test Battery (ASTB-E). For applicants not pursuing an aviation career, only the OAR portion is typically required.

The purpose of the OAR is to predict a candidate’s future academic and occupational success as a military officer. It focuses on core aptitudes required for leadership and technical roles. The test is comprised of three distinct subtests:

• Math Skills Test (MST): Evaluates knowledge of college-level mathematics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
• Reading Comprehension Test (RCT): Measures the ability to read and understand written passages, extracting meaning and making inferences.
• Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT): Assesses understanding of basic physics and mechanical principles like gears, pressure, and electricity.

OAR Calculator Formula and Explanation

Since the topic “are you allowed to use a calculator on the oar” is a question of rules rather than a mathematical calculation, there is no traditional formula. Instead, the “formula” is a simple, strict rule applied across all sections of the test.

Rule: Calculator Usage = Prohibited

This rule is based on the test’s objective: to measure your inherent problem-solving and reasoning abilities without the aid of external tools. The questions are designed to be solvable by hand within the allotted time. Familiarity with the concepts is more important than complex computation.

Summary of Rules by Section

This table summarizes the calculator usage policy for each part of the OAR exam.

Variable (Test Section)	Meaning	Calculator Allowed (Unit)	Typical Range (of Focus)
Math Skills Test (MST)	Assesses mathematical knowledge	No	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Reading Comprehension Test (RCT)	Assesses reading and inference skills	No	Analysis of written passages
Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT)	Assesses physics and mechanics knowledge	No	Principles of simple machines, electricity, fluids

Practical Examples

Example 1: The Math Skills Test

• Inputs: A candidate is taking the Math Skills Test (MST) and faces a question involving fractions and decimals.
• Action: The candidate reaches for a calculator out of habit.
• Result: This is a violation of test rules. The candidate must solve the problem using the provided scratch paper and their own mental math skills. Relying on a calculator is not an option.

Example 2: The Mechanical Comprehension Test

• Inputs: During the Mechanical Comprehension Test (MCT), a question asks about the pressure exerted by a fluid in a container. The numbers seem complex.
• Action: The candidate feels the urge to use a calculator to ensure accuracy.
• Result: The candidate must remember that calculators are prohibited. The question is designed to test the understanding of the *principle* of fluid dynamics, and the math involved will be manageable by hand. Find out more about how to prepare for the test.

How to Use This are you allowed to use a calculator on the oar Checker

This tool quickly clarifies the calculator policy for any part of the OAR exam. Follow these simple steps:

1. Select the Test Section: Click on the dropdown menu labeled “Select OAR Test Section.”
2. Choose the Subtest: From the list, pick the section you have a question about (e.g., Math Skills Test, Reading Comprehension Test).
3. View the Result: The tool will instantly display a clear “Yes” or “No” answer, along with a brief explanation of the rule for that specific section.
4. Reset if Needed: Click the “Reset” button to clear the selection and start over.

This helps you quickly confirm that for every part of the are you allowed to use a calculator on the oar exam, the answer is consistently “No”. For more details, see the FAQ section.

Key Factors For OAR Success Without a Calculator

Since you can’t use a calculator, success on the OAR hinges on other critical skills. Focusing on these areas will have a much greater impact on your score.

1. Mental Math Proficiency: Your ability to quickly and accurately perform calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions) in your head is vital for the MST.
2. Formula Memorization: For both the MST and MCT, you must have key formulas memorized (e.g., area of a circle, basic physics equations). Some may be provided, but don’t count on it.
3. Time Management: Each section is timed. Without a calculator to speed things up, you must pace yourself, work efficiently, and not get bogged down on any single question.
4. Conceptual Understanding: The MCT, in particular, tests your grasp of *why* things work. Rote memorization isn’t enough; you need to understand the physical principles. Learn more about the different test sections.
5. Reading and Analytical Skills: The RCT requires you to quickly digest information and draw logical conclusions, a skill that is untestable with a calculator.
6. Practice with Official Materials: The best way to prepare is to use OAR practice tests that simulate the real exam conditions—that means no calculator. This builds confidence and skill. Check out our study guide resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Seriously, are you allowed to use a calculator on the OAR for any reason?

No, there are no exceptions. Calculators are strictly prohibited on all three subtests of the OAR.

2. What happens if I get caught with a calculator?

You will likely be dismissed from the test center, and your test score will be voided. It is considered a serious breach of testing protocol.

3. Why are calculators banned on the OAR test?

The test is designed to measure your innate cognitive abilities and knowledge base. It assesses your capacity to reason and calculate under pressure, which are critical skills for a military officer.

4. Is scratch paper provided during the exam?

Yes, you will be provided with scratch paper and pencils to work out problems by hand.

5. Is a calculator needed for the Mechanical Comprehension Test?

No. While this section involves physics principles, the questions are conceptual and require qualitative reasoning or simple, by-hand calculations, not complex number-crunching. Explore our Mechanical Comprehension guide.

6. Does the ‘no calculator’ rule apply to computer-adaptive versions of the test?

Yes. The rule is universal regardless of the test format. The on-screen test will not have a built-in calculator function.

7. What kind of math is on the OAR Math Skills Test?

The test covers college-level math concepts including basic arithmetic, algebra (solving for variables), geometry (angles, area, perimeter), fractions, roots, and exponents.

8. How should I practice for the math section without a calculator?

Use practice tests and study guides specifically designed for the OAR. When you study, do all calculations by hand to build both speed and accuracy. Our Math Skills prep course can help.