OAT section study center
OAT Physics: connect equations, diagrams, and units.
The OAT Physics Test has 40 items and 50 minutes. Use the official 13-topic map to organize formula review, diagrams, units, and timed problem solving. The official guide describes the section as content from a two-semester physics course.
Understand the section
What to review for Physics
The OAT Physics Test has 40 items and 50 minutes. Use the official 13-topic map to organize formula review, diagrams, units, and timed problem solving. The official guide describes the section as content from a two-semester physics course.
Units and vectors
Set up first
Convert units carefully, represent vector direction and magnitude, and keep signs consistent.
Motion and forces
Kinematics, statics, dynamics
Connect position, velocity, and acceleration; draw force diagrams; and apply equilibrium or Newton’s laws to the situation.
Rotation, energy, and momentum
Choose a conservation model
Review torque and rotational motion, work and energy, impulse and momentum, and how to identify the useful conservation relationship.
Oscillations, waves, and fluids
Read the model
Practice simple harmonic motion, wave relationships, and fluid statics using diagrams and proportional reasoning.
Thermal physics, electricity, and optics
Link concepts to equations
Review thermal energy and thermodynamics, electrostatics, DC circuits, and geometric optics. Check that each equation fits the conditions in the prompt.
Use the official content outline as the boundary for review. The section counts and times here come from the 2026 OAT Candidate Guide and User Guide; verify the current guide before your test date.
A practical study route
Turn the outline into focused practice
- Build a topic map. Mark the 13 official areas as ready, needs review, or unfamiliar.
- Practice setup before speed. For each problem, draw a diagram, list known quantities, choose a relationship, and track units.
- Use short timed sets. Mix mechanics, energy, fluids, thermal physics, electricity, and optics rather than practicing one chapter indefinitely.
- Keep an error log. Separate concept gaps, equation choice, unit conversion, algebra, and rushed reading.
- Finish with official format practice. Try the official Physics module and review each missed setup before another timed set.
Official information and study tools
Choose reliable Physics resources
Start with official specifications and official practice modules. Commercial resources can supplement review; the OAT Program advises candidates to confirm outside materials reflect current test content.
- 2026 OAT Candidate Guide — official section count, timing, overall rules, and current exam outline.
- 2026 OAT User Guide — official detailed test specifications for this section.
- Official OAT practice tests and modules — practice modules written by OAT test constructors.
- Mometrix OAT practice review — independent practice resource; compare lessons to the official specifications.
- OAT flashcards — independent recall practice.
The OAT Program states that it does not endorse preparation courses. Linked commercial resources are independent study aids.
Quick answers
Physics questions, answered
How many Physics items are on the OAT?
The 2026 Candidate Guide lists 40 items and a 50-minute section.
What topics are included?
The 2026 OAT User Guide lists units and vectors, linear kinematics, statics, dynamics, rotational motion, energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, waves, fluid statics, thermodynamics and thermal energy, electrostatics, DC circuits, and optics.
Should I memorize every formula?
Know the relationships well enough to choose and use them. Practice identifying assumptions, units, and what the question asks before substituting values.
Where can I find official practice?
The OAT program links to Prometric modules, including a Physics module, from its official practice page.
Check the source
Official source and update note
This independent Physics center summarizes the official section specifications. Confirm content, policies, and test-day details with the candidate guide that applies to your administration.
- 2026 OAT Candidate Guide — official section count, timing, overall rules, and current exam outline.
- 2026 OAT User Guide — official detailed test specifications for this section.
- Official OAT practice tests and modules — practice modules written by OAT test constructors.
- Mometrix OAT practice review — independent practice resource; compare lessons to the official specifications.
- OAT flashcards — independent recall practice.
- ADA examination update bulletin (updated September 23, 2026) — confirms the June 2026 Organic Chemistry implementation date.
Reviewed October 2026. This independent educational resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Optometry Admission Test Program, ADA, or ASCO.