What it is
Alongside the MCAT (medical school), several health professions have their own admission tests: the DAT for dental school, the OAT for optometry, and the newer PA-CAT for physician-assistant programs. (The PCAT for pharmacy was retired in January 2024 — most pharmacy programs are now test-optional.) Which you need depends on the field you're entering.
Format & structure
- DAT (Dental Admission Test)From the ADA — sections in Survey of the Natural Sciences (biology, general & organic chemistry), a Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Computer-based at Prometric.
- OAT (Optometry Admission Test)From the ADA (for ASCO) — Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. Accepted by all U.S./Canada optometry schools, year-round at Prometric.
- PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test)A newer, science-heavy exam covering nine subjects (anatomy, physiology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, behavioral science, genetics, statistics). Many PA programs still accept the GRE — check each.
How it's scored
The DAT reports standard scores (roughly a 1–30 scale) by section and overall; the OAT reports scaled scores (200–400, ~300 median). The PA-CAT reports a scaled score. There's no universal cutoff — each program sets its own expectations; compare to your target schools' admitted ranges.
Registration & cost
Register through the official body — the ADA (DAT and OAT) or the PA-CAT program — and test at Prometric centers. Fees are several hundred dollars; fee assistance may be available. Have scores sent to your programs.
Test dates & timing
The OAT and PA-CAT are offered year-round; the DAT is taken on demand at Prometric. Plan to test 12–18 months before you apply, per the standard health-professions timeline.
How to prepare
- Master the prerequisite sciencesThese exams go deep on biology and chemistry (and physics for the OAT)
- Use official prepThe ADA and PA-CAT publish exam guides and practice tests
- Practice the DAT PATIts perceptual-ability section is unique and rewards specific practice
- Confirm your programs' requirementsSome PA schools take the GRE instead of the PA-CAT
Strategies & tips
- Pick the right test for your fieldDAT for dental, OAT for optometry, PA-CAT (or GRE) for PA
- Aim above program mediansCompetitive health programs admit well above minimums
- Plan the timeline backwardFrom your application date, allowing a possible retake
- Balance sectionsA strong overall profile matters across the sciences
How scores are used
Programs use these scores alongside your GPA (especially prerequisite science grades), experience, essays, and interviews. A strong score supports a competitive application in a demanding admissions process. These are graduate-admissions tests, not licensure (that comes later).
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities are available through the ADA / PA-CAT — apply ahead of your test date.
Frequently asked questions
- Which test do I need?DAT for dental, OAT for optometry, PA-CAT (or GRE) for PA school.
- What happened to the PCAT?It was retired in January 2024 — most pharmacy programs are now test-optional.
- How are they scored?DAT ~1–30; OAT 200–400; PA-CAT scaled — each program sets its own expectations.
- When should I take it?Typically 12–18 months before applying.
- Do PA schools require the PA-CAT?Some do; many still accept the GRE — check each program.
Key facts
- DATDental school (ADA) — ~1–30 scale, includes a Perceptual Ability Test
- OATOptometry (ADA/ASCO) — 200–400 scale
- PA-CATPhysician Assistant — science-heavy (GRE still accepted by many)
- PCATPharmacy — retired Jan 2024 (mostly test-optional now)
- WhereComputer-based at Prometric
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official bodies: