Criticisms of Otis-Lennon School Ability Test

The fact that the OLSAT is easier and less expensive to administer than an IQ test, such as the Stanford Binet V, makes it more accessible, but its accuracy at higher levels is less reliable than the Stanford Binet.

Preschoolers taking the OLSAT for gifted and talented (G&T) kindergarten programs are more likely to be aware that they are taking a test. For that particular age, the test is given one-on-one. The test is presented in a multiple choice format, and either the child fills in the "bubble" or the tester does it for them.

By contrast, many psychological, intelligence, and school ability tests (or assessments) are administered discreetly by psychologists who discreetly take notes while conducting introspective thinking activities. Under these conditions, the child is often unaware that they are being evaluated.

Some testing scholars have published concerns over whether the multiple-choice aspect of testing encourages guesswork over independent thinking.