Harry Potter Books Wiki

The Ordinary Wizarding Level (abbreviated to O.W.L.) are a series of standardised tests for a fifth year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is administrated by the Wizarding Examinations Authority. It first appears in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The students take these tests for every one of their subjects. If they pass, they havr the option of continuing the subject at N.E.W.T level. It is an important grade to have because it affects the type of job they can get when they graduate.

About[]

Purpose[]

Preparation[]

The exam[]

Grading[]

History[]

In June 1994, Harry Potter saw Fred and George Weasley studying for their O.W.L.s.[1] When they received their results, they achieved very little O.W.L.s.[2]

Known schedules[]

Known O.W.L.s achieved[]

Subjects Students
Study of Ancient Runes Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Arithmancy Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Astronomy Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Care of Magical Creatures Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Charms Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Defence Against the Dark Arts Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Divination Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Herbology Percy Weasley
William Weasley
History of Magic Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Muggle Studies Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Potions Percy Weasley
William Weasley
Transfiguration Percy Weasley
William Weasley

Trivia[]

  • It's unknown how Bill and Percy Weasley achieved 12 O.W.L. grades. In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it was determined that taking 12 subjects caused a schedule problem that could only be solved by using a Time-Turner. J. K. Rowling said that Hermione had the only Time-Turner ever used at the school. In the end, it was proven impossible and she had to drop two subjects. It's unknown how Bill and Percy achieved these O.W.L.s without a Time-Turner, unless the schedule during their third to fifth-years was flexible in comparison to Hermione's third-year.

Notes and sources[]