The Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations, commonly known as O.W.L.s, are a standardized set of subject-specific tests taken by fifth-year students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The process is highly formalized and overseen by external examiners from the Wizarding Examinations Authority. The examinations take place over a two-week period in June inside the Great Hall, which is magically reconfigured for the occasion. The four house tables are replaced by many small, individual tables, each with a chair, an inkpot, a spare quill, and a roll of blank parchment. Each O.W.L. subject test consists of two distinct parts:
O.W.L. results are sent to students via owl post during the summer holidays. The grading is as follows: Pass Grades:
Failing Grades:
The primary purpose of O.W.L.s is to assess a student's magical proficiency after five years of compulsory education. The grades obtained are critical as they determine which subjects a student is qualified to continue studying at the advanced Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test (N.E.W.T.) level in their sixth and seventh years. Most Hogwarts professors, such as Minerva McGonagall, require a grade of 'Outstanding' or 'Exceeds Expectations' in a subject's O.W.L. for a student to advance to their N.E.W.T. class. These qualifications are also essential prerequisites for many wizarding careers. For example, the Ministry of Magic requires a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s, with top grades in relevant subjects, for a candidate to be accepted into Auror training. The exam papers themselves are imbued with magic, most notably powerful Anti-Cheating Spells to prevent students from using enchanted quills or other illicit aids.
O.W.L.s are a long-established part of the wizarding education system. The head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority, Griselda Marchbanks, mentions having personally examined Albus Dumbledore during his O.W.L.s, indicating the exams have been in place for many decades, if not centuries. During Harry Potter's fifth year, the O.W.L.s were subject to unprecedented interference from the Ministry of Magic via Dolores Umbridge, the Hogwarts High Inquisitor. Umbridge observed many of the practical exams, creating an intimidating atmosphere for the students. The period was further marked by significant disruption when Umbridge and several Aurors attempted to sack Rubeus Hagrid during the Astronomy practical exam, an event which resulted in Professor McGonagall being hit by four stunning spells and hospitalized at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Earlier, Fred Weasley and George Weasley staged a spectacular rebellion and departed Hogwarts in the middle of their Charms written exam.
The O.W.L.s serve as a major focus of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, introducing a significant source of academic stress and realism to the students' lives at Hogwarts. The preparation and execution of the exams are a central plotline, running parallel to the rising threat of Lord Voldemort. Key moments during the exams include:
The O.W.L. results, received at the beginning of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, directly shape the academic paths of Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. Harry's 'Exceeds Expectations' in Potions—a grade he thought was insufficient—is accepted by the new Potions Master, Horace Slughorn, allowing him to continue the subject and ultimately pursue his ambition of becoming an Auror. Hermione Granger earned nine 'O's and one 'E', affirming her status as an exceptional witch.