Can You Use A Calculator On The Oar

OAR Calculator Allowance Checker

The Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test has specific rules about calculator usage. Use this tool to understand if you can use a calculator on the OAR, but always confirm with the official test administrator or guidelines.

What is the “Can You Use a Calculator on the OAR” Question About?

The question “can you use a calculator on the OAR” refers to whether or not examinees are permitted to use any type of calculator during the Officer Aptitude Rating (OAR) test, which is used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for officer commissioning programs. The OAR is a component of the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB-E) but can also be taken standalone for certain non-aviation officer programs.

The OAR consists of three subtests: Math Skills Test (MST), Reading Comprehension (RC), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC). The rules regarding calculator use can vary, but generally, personal calculators are NOT allowed for the Math Skills Test, as it is designed to assess your ability to perform calculations without aid. The RC and MC sections typically do not require calculator use.

This “calculator” or checker helps you understand the likelihood of being allowed to use a calculator based on the section, calculator type, and whether you have approved accommodations.

Who Should Use This Checker?

Individuals preparing to take the OAR test for Navy or Marine Corps officer programs should use this to understand the general rules. It’s particularly useful for those wondering if they can bring their own calculator or if one will be provided or allowed under certain conditions.

Common Misconceptions

A common misconception is that if a test involves math, a calculator is always allowed. For many standardized aptitude tests like the OAR, the math section is specifically designed to be taken *without* a calculator to test fundamental skills. Another is that all scientific calculators are banned; sometimes, very basic ones might be permitted if any calculator is allowed at all (though rare for OAR MST).

OAR Calculator Allowance Logic Explained

The allowance of a calculator on the OAR test is not based on a mathematical formula but on the rules and regulations set by the test administrators. Our checker uses the following logic:

1. Accommodation Status:** If a test-taker has approved accommodations, the rules might differ. The result is “Conditional,” urging the user to check their specific accommodation guidelines.
2. No Accommodations:**
   • Math Skills Test (MST):** Personal calculators of any kind are generally **NOT ALLOWED**. If the user indicates “No Personal Calculator,” the tool notes it’s not applicable.
   • Reading Comprehension (RC) & Mechanical Comprehension (MC):** Calculators are generally not needed and usually **NOT ALLOWED**.
3. Personal Calculator Type:** If a personal calculator is considered, the type matters. Graphing/programmable ones are almost universally banned from standardized tests like this if any calculator is allowed.

Variables Table

Variables influencing calculator allowance on the OAR.

Variable	Meaning	Input Type	Typical Values
OAR Section	The subtest of the OAR	Dropdown	Math Skills, Reading Comprehension, Mechanical Comprehension
Using Personal Calculator	Whether the user intends to use their own	Radio	Yes, No
Calculator Type	Type of personal calculator	Dropdown	Basic, Scientific, Graphing, Other
Accommodation Status	If approved accommodations are in place	Radio	Yes, No

Practical Examples

Example 1: Standard Test Taker for Math Skills

• OAR Section: Math Skills Test (MST)
• Using Personal Calculator: Yes
• Calculator Type: Scientific (non-programmable)
• Accommodations: No
• Result: Not Allowed. Personal calculators are typically prohibited on the OAR MST to assess basic math skills.

Example 2: Test Taker with Accommodations

• OAR Section: Math Skills Test (MST)
• Using Personal Calculator: Yes
• Calculator Type: Basic 4-function
• Accommodations: Yes
• Result: Conditional. The use of a calculator, even a basic one, depends entirely on the specifics of the approved accommodation. The test-taker must verify with the testing center or documentation.

Example 3: Reading Comprehension

• OAR Section: Reading Comprehension
• Using Personal Calculator: Yes
• Calculator Type: Basic 4-function
• Accommodations: No
• Result: Not Allowed (and generally not needed). Calculators are irrelevant to the RC section and not permitted.

How to Use This OAR Calculator Allowance Checker

1. Select the OAR Section:** Choose the part of the test you’re asking about from the first dropdown. The rules are most stringent for the Math Skills Test.
2. Indicate Personal Calculator Use:** Select “Yes” or “No” if you are considering bringing your own.
3. Specify Calculator Type:** If “Yes” above, select the type of calculator.
4. State Accommodation Status:** Indicate if you have officially approved testing accommodations.
5. Check Results:** The “Primary Result” will show “Allowed,” “Not Allowed,” or “Conditional.” “Intermediate Results” will provide context.
6. Read the Disclaimer:** Always remember this tool gives general advice, and official guidelines prevail.

Reading the Results

• Allowed:** This is unlikely for the OAR MST without accommodations, but might appear if a built-in calculator was ever provided (which is rare for OAR).
• Not Allowed:** This is the most common result for personal calculators on the OAR MST.
• Conditional:** This appears if accommodations are involved, meaning you MUST check your specific approved allowances.
• Not Applicable:** If you indicate you are not using a personal calculator for a section where none are allowed anyway.

Understanding whether you can use a calculator on the OAR is crucial for test preparation. If none are allowed, you need to practice your OAR math skills without one.

Key Factors That Affect Calculator Allowance on the OAR

1. Test Section:** The Math Skills Test (MST) has the strictest rules, almost always prohibiting personal calculators. RC and MC don’t require them.
2. Official Test Guidelines:** The most crucial factor is the official policy set by the Navy/Marine Corps for the OAR administration you are attending. These rules can be updated.
3. Testing Accommodations:** Individuals with documented and approved disabilities may have accommodations allowing calculator use, but this is specific and pre-approved.
4. Calculator Type:** If any calculator were ever allowed, it would likely be a very basic, non-programmable one. Graphing and programmable calculators are almost always banned from such tests.
5. Test Center Rules:** The specific test center may have its own procedures for enforcing the official guidelines.
6. Whether a Calculator is Provided:** In very rare instances for some tests (though not typically the OAR MST), a very basic on-screen calculator might be provided within the testing software. Don’t count on this for the OAR MST.

The question of “can you use a calculator on the oar” is primarily determined by the official OAR test guide and instructions provided before your exam.

Allowance Likelihood Chart

MST (No Acc.)

RC/MC (No Acc.)

MST (Acc.)

RC/MC (Acc.)

Any (No Calc)

Allowance (No/Yes Accom.) (Not App) (Cond) (Not All)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you use a calculator on the OAR Math Skills Test (MST)?

Generally, no. Personal calculators are typically prohibited on the MST section of the OAR to test your mental math and problem-solving abilities without aid.

2. Are any calculators provided during the OAR test?

It is very unlikely that a calculator (either physical or on-screen) will be provided for the OAR Math Skills Test. You should prepare to take it without one.

3. What if I have a learning disability and need a calculator?

If you have a documented disability and require accommodations, you must apply for them well in advance of the test through the proper channels. If approved, you will be informed about what is permitted. See our info on test accommodations.

4. Can you use a calculator on the OAR Reading Comprehension or Mechanical Comprehension sections?

Calculators are not needed for these sections and are generally not allowed.

5. What type of math is on the OAR Math Skills Test?

The MST covers arithmetic, algebra, and some geometry. It focuses on foundational math skills. Check out our OAR Math Skills guide for more details.

6. How should I prepare for the OAR Math if I can’t use a calculator?

Practice mental math, basic arithmetic, algebraic manipulation, and problem-solving without a calculator. Work through practice tests under timed conditions without one. A good OAR study plan is essential.

7. Is the OAR the same as the ASTB?

The OAR is a subset of the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB-E). The ASTB-E includes the OAR sections plus others related to aviation. See our ASTB-E overview.

8. Where can I find the official rules for the OAR test?

The official rules are provided by the Navy recruiting or commissioning source and the test administrator. Always refer to the latest official documentation given to you before the test.