Exam Policies & Eligibility
Computer Based Testing
NBEO® examinations are intended to be delivered under standardized conditions. Although Pearson VUE strives to maintain an optimal testing environment, candidates who experience a testing irregularity because of environmental factors or technical difficulties should communicate that issue to the on-site test center administrator as soon as possible. The test center administrator will attempt to resolve the irregularity. Unless the irregularity prevents the examination from being delivered, candidates are expected to continue testing.
All candidates will have an opportunity to submit an online incident report regarding any testing irregularity at the conclusion of the examination while at the Pearson VUE Professional Center. If a candidate is unable to complete an incident report at the end of the exam, NBEO will accept incident reports at nbeo@optometry.org up to 72 hours after the exam. Upon receipt of notification that an irregularity has occurred, NBEO will examine the situation and determine whether action is warranted. If NBEO does not receive an incident report within 72 hours of the exam, no action will be taken and the NBEO will not investigate.
Late Arrivals or Missed Exams
Candidates should arrive at the test center 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to allow adequate time for the check-in procedures. Candidates who arrive more than 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment time may be denied admission and are not eligible for a refund of the exam fee. In addition, candidates who are not able to take an exam due to late arrival will not be allowed to reschedule their exam outside of the published testing date.
Test Center Closure
In the rare event that a test center is unable to open because of unexpected events-including but not limited to- technical difficulties, local emergencies, severe weather, or a power outage, Pearson VUE and/or NBEO will make every effort to contact candidates as quickly as possible. To ensure contact, it is critical that candidates maintain accurate email address and phone numbers in their NBEO and Pearson VUE profiles and update as necessary so that such information remains current. If a candidate is unable to take an exam due to closure of a test center, NBEO and Pearson VUE will work with the candidate to reschedule the exam to a date that is as close as possible to the candidate’s original testing date. If a mutually agreeable date and location are not found, the candidate’s registration fee will be refunded, and the candidate must wait until the next scheduled administration to take the exam.
Test Center Irregularities Impacting Exam Start Time
If there are technical difficulties or other issues that delay the examination start time, candidates will be notified upon arrival at the test center. Candidates will be informed of the estimated wait time and will be periodically updated regarding the appointment start time. Pearson VUE will contact NBEO immediately if there is any significant delay. Candidates will be asked to wait for their examination to begin. Candidates who are unable to wait for their examination to begin will receive a refund of exam fees and will be asked to reschedule for the next examination administration.
Interruptions During Testing
If an examination is interrupted for any reason, Pearson VUE will restart the examination as soon as possible. In the event of a technical difficulty, the examination software is designed to resume from the point of interruption with the same amount of time remaining. In some circumstances, Pearson VUE may need additional time to troubleshoot and resolve an issue before testing can resume. Candidates will be encouraged to wait for the examination to resume and to report the incident at the conclusion of the examination. If candidates are unable to complete the examination, then the following options will apply:
Invalidate Examination:
Candidates choosing this option will have their examination score cancelled, will receive a refund of the examination fee, and will be eligible to reschedule for the next examination administration. If a candidate chooses this option, the results of the candidate’s interrupted exam will be erased without scoring and no performance feedback will be given.
Score the Examination:
Candidates may elect to have their examination scored, in such a case their score will stand, and they will not be eligible for a refund of the examination fee or a free re-test at the next administration. However, NBEO has the right to invalidate a score if there is evidence of a serious administrative irregularity.
NBEO Right to Invalidate an Exam Due to Irregularity
NBEO also has the right to invalidate candidate scores if there is evidence of other exam administration irregularities not specifically mentioned above. Should NBEO determine that such an irregularity exists, the examination may be invalidated, and the candidate may be eligible for a refund of the examination fee. In such a case, the candidate will be eligible for the next examination administration.
Unscheduled Breaks During Testing
Candidates may be provided with scheduled break periods at predetermined times during their examination session. However, NBEO recognizes that candidates also may need to take an unscheduled break from testing while the examination clock continues to run. Extended absences, multiple breaks, excessive cumulative time away from testing, excessive accessing of lockers, accessing of study material, usage of electronic devices, or any other non-standard behavior that may be perceived as an impropriety will be documented for security purposes and communicated to NBEO.
Pursuant to the Candidate Agreement, access to examination material is prohibited at all times, including during both scheduled and unscheduled breaks.
Failure to Comply with Test Administrator Instructions and Test Center Rules
All candidates are expected to adhere to test center administrator instructions and test center rules at all times. This includes compliance with check-in procedures and exhibiting proper decorum in all areas of the test center. Candidates failing to comply may be subject to dismissal from the test center and/or invalidation of their examination. Candidates with an invalidated examination due to a candidate’s failure to comply will forfeit all fees paid.
General Matters
NBEO shall not be liable to any candidate for inconvenience, expense, or other damage arising out of the administration, scoring, or delays in score reporting of an examination.
NBEO will review all incident reports on an individual basis and determine whether action is warranted.
Conduct
Neither food nor drink is permitted at examination desks and not to be consumed in test center. Candidates with special dietary/nutritional needs relating to a medical condition (e.g., diabetes) should make prior arrangements as outlined in the NBEO Test Accommodations. Smoking is not permitted in the test center at any time. Use of a mobile phone (including ringing) or other communication device is not permitted once a candidate has entered a test center.
NBEO does not tolerate improper, irregular, unethical, or illegal conduct or any unauthorized or misuse of NBEO content (as defined in the NBEO ethics policy). Examination proctors have been instructed to adhere strictly to NBEO policies to prevent collaborative behavior, and to detect and report it if it occurs. In order to attain optimal test administration conditions, proctors are directed to change, at their discretion, any candidate’s seat in order to minimize or eliminate environmental disruptions or annoyances including, but not limited to noise, a poor writing surface, ineffective lighting, and potential collaboration. Candidates should not interpret a requested seat change as harassment or an accusation of improper conduct(as defined in the NBEO ethics policy).
NBEO examinations and all NBEO test items are the NBEO’s proprietary and confidential property and are protected by copyright laws. Any reproduction or distribution of NBEO test items is therefore not permitted and is subject to legal action.
NBEO reserves the right and discretion to determine the appropriate penalty or sanction for any cheating, violation of NBEO proprietary rights, or other improper behavior by an examination candidate, including, without limitation, any of the following:
- Disqualification from taking or continuing to sit for the current examination and/or future examinations.
- Disqualification from reporting of examination scores
Such disqualifications will be for the period of time NBEO determines is appropriate under the circumstances, even perhaps several years. Without limiting the foregoing possible sanctions, it is also specific NBEO policy that in the event it is determined that any candidate cheated on any NBEO examination, NBEO will permanently record and report the candidate’s score as “0F” on the examination. Thus meaning that the candidate scores a zero, the candidate failed, and the state licensing board, school, or other party to whom the score is reported may call NBEO for more information (and in response will be told that the candidate was determined to have cheated).
All candidates are expected to read the NBEO Candidate Agreement and agree to the following statement which is included in the application form. By submitting the application form it will be assumed that candidates agree to the following:
By checking the following box and placing my name in the box below it, I signify my agreement to the following:
“I acknowledge that I have read all of the terms of the above Candidate Agreement and that I understand such terms. I further acknowledge that I have read the entire NBEO Ethics Policy referred to above and that I understand such Ethics Policy. I agree to all of the terms of the above Candidate Agreement as a condition to my registration for the exam, and I acknowledge that this agreement by me constitutes a legally binding contract with NBEO.
NBEO reserves the right to delete from scoring any test item which is determined by statistical analysis, or other means to have been exposed before the administration of the test. NBEO also reserves the right to cancel a test administration if it has been determined that the security of the examination was violated prior to its administration.
Exam Eligibility Policy
I. Entry-Into-The-Profession Exams
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®) entry-into-the-profession examinations consist of the licensure exam (Part I ABS®, Part II PAM®/ TMOD®, and Part III PEPS®), the Injections Skill Exam (“ISE®”) and the Laser & Surgical Procedures Exam (“LSPE®”). Candidates taking entry-into-the-profession examinations are classified into three general categories: (1) student candidates, (2) graduate candidates, and (3) sponsored candidates. For each of the entry-into-the-profession exams (except LSPE), a candidate may only take such exam for licensure purposes.
A candidate who has successfully passed any entry-into-the-profession examination may not retake such examination unless NBEO:
(1) (a) receives a request in writing from a state licensure board of optometry requesting that the candidate be allowed to take such examination for licensure purposes or (b) receives a signed and notarized form affidavit from the candidate stating that the candidate needs to retake such exam for licensure purposes; and
(2) grants the candidate an exception under special circumstances.
A. Student Candidates
Student candidates are eligible to take the Part I ABS exam beginning with the March administration during the candidate’s third professional year in a professional optometric degree program with an Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (“ACOE”) status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval.
Student candidates are eligible to take the Part II PAM/TMOD exam during the candidate’s academic year of graduation at a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval.
Student candidates are eligible to take the Part III PEPS exam during their academic year of graduation at a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval.
Student candidates are eligible to take ISE during the candidate’s academic year of graduation at a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval.
Student candidates are eligible to take LSPE during the candidate’s academic year of graduation at a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval.
Student candidates should contact their authorized liaison at their institution for clarification on any matter regarding eligibility to take NBEO examinations. Prior to a student candidate being allowed to attempt any entry-into-the-profession examination, NBEO must receive confirmation from the student candidate’s institution regarding candidate’s year in optometry school.
B. Graduate Candidates
Any graduate of a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited or Accredited with Conditions is eligible to take NBEO examinations.
C. Sponsored Candidates
Candidates who are not students at, or graduates of, a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval must be sponsored to take the Part I ABS, Part II PAM, Part III PEPS, TMOD, ISE and LSPE, either by a state licensure board of optometry or a professional optometric degree program with an ACOE status of Accredited, Accredited with Conditions, or Preliminary Approval. The sponsoring state licensure board or professional optometric degree program must send a letter of sponsorship directly to NBEO
II. Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry
In addition to the entry-into-the profession exams in Section I above, NBEO offers the Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry (“ACMO®”) examination.
A candidate who has successfully passed ACMO may not retake the exam unless NBEO (1) receives a request in writing from a state licensure board of optometry requesting that the candidate be allowed to take such examination for licensure purposes and (2) grants the candidate an exception under special circumstances.
1. A candidate is eligible to take ACMO:
a. If the candidate:
i. Has completed or will complete a VA residency program with an ACOE-status of Accredited or Accredited with Conditions by June 30 of the calendar year in which the candidate plans to take ACMO, or
ii. Has completed a residency program with an ACOE status of Accredited or Accredited with Conditions, or
iii. Is actively involved in the training and education of optometry residents, or
iv. Is clinically privileged to provide optometric patient care services to patients at federal facilities.
AND
b. The candidate has active licensure with therapeutic privileges at least three (3) months prior to the test administration date.
AND
c. The candidate has no licensure sanctions or active board investigations.
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Inc. reserves the right to amend, modify or change the terms and conditions of this policy at any time for any reason.
Last updated May 18, 2025
Six-Time Limit Policy
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO®), in furtherance of its mission to protect the public by developing, administering, scoring and reporting results of valid examinations that assess competency in optometry, must preserve the integrity of the NBEO entry-into-the-profession examinations. The entry-into-the-profession examinations are: (1) the three-part licensure exam (consisting of Part I, Part II, and Part III), (2) ISE® and (3) LSPE®. To effectuate its mission, the following policy provides certain limits on the number of times a candidate is eligible to take certain of NBEO’s exams.
Candidates seeking optometric licensure must receive a passing score on each of the NBEO entry-into-the-profession examinations in the first six attempts of each exam.
Once a candidate has reached the six-attempt limit, the candidate must utilize the following process and be approved by a committee of NBEO’s Board of Directors before the candidate is eligible to register for the exam again.
Under this policy, an “attempt” includes any instance where an examinee begins to take any portion of an exam. For the sake of clarity, an “attempt” on TMOD shall include both an attempt on the embedded TMOD exam and an attempt on the stand-alone version of the TMOD exam. The Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination (LSPE) is composed of a Laser Section and a Surgical Section. Candidates are allowed six attempts on each of the Laser Section and the Surgical Section. For the sake of clarity, an attempt on the Laser Section shall include both an attempt on the entire LSPE and an attempt on the stand-alone Laser Section of the LSPE. An attempt on the Surgical Section shall include both an attempt on the entire LSPE and an attempt on the stand-alone Surgical Section of the LSPE. Further, candidates are not allowed six separate attempts on each of the Part III CSE and the Part III PEPS examinations; rather, an attempt on either the Part III CSE or the Part III PEPS will be counted toward the combined number of six total attempts allowed on the Part III examination.
- The candidate must have a sponsor who will assist the candidate in creating a remediation plan and support the candidate in the candidate’s next attempt if granted. The sponsor must be a Chief Academic Officer or Chief Executive Officer of an ACOE-accredited optometric institution. Members of NBEO’s Board of Directors will not serve as sponsors. The remediation plan must demonstrate the additional steps the candidate will undertake to prepare to take the exam an additional time and show how such steps will make it likely that the candidate will successfully pass the exam. The remediation plan must be appropriately robust based on the candidate’s exam performance history and particular circumstances.
- The candidate will submit a request via NBEO’s online platform with the proposed remediation plan, a letter explaining the circumstances that led to the six-attempt limit being reached, why the candidate should be allowed an additional attempt, and a letter from the candidate’s sponsor explaining why the sponsor supports the candidate’s additional attempt. Candidates submitting a request under this policy will be charged a non-refundable fee of $300. Candidates who wish to submit a request for an attempt under this policy should click here.
- The Judicial Committee of NBEO’s Board of Directors or an ad hoc committee of the Board appointed by the President (the “Committee”), will review the request and all related documentation. In appointing members of the Committee, NBEO will endeavor to identify, manage and avoid any potential or perceived conflicts of interest.
- The Committee will consider all relevant written documentation submitted in connection with the request, then deliberate and decide whether the candidate’s request should be granted or denied. NBEO will send a letter to both the candidate and candidate’s sponsor notifying them of the decision of the Committee. That decision will constitute NBEO’s final determination of the matter.
- If the Committee agrees to allow an additional attempt on the exam, the candidate will have the opportunity to register for the next examination following the completion of the agreed-upon remediation. The completion of remediation must be evidenced by a written confirmation from the sponsor and emailed to NBEORequests@optometry.org. Once NBEO receives that confirmation, the candidate will be eligible to register for the examination.
- If the Committee grants a candidate an additional attempt on an entry-into-the-profession exam and the candidate is ultimately unsuccessful on the additional attempt, the candidate may not request another attempt. Any such requests made will be denied.
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Inc. reserves the right to amend, modify or change the terms and conditions of this policy at any time for any reason.
Last updated September 16, 2025
Terms of Use
Changes to the Terms and Conditions
NBEO may change these terms and conditions of use at any time, without prior notice. If you access or use the website after NBEO posts a change, you accept the change. If you do not accept the change, do not access or use the website. You should check these terms and conditions of use periodically.
Access and Use of the Website
NBEO grants you a limited license to access and use the website, including to copy, distribute, and download its content only for your personal, non-commercial use and provided that you do not modify the website, its content, or any copyright or other proprietary notices.
Restrictions on Use of Website
Except as expressly authorized above, you may not copy, modify, distribute, download, display, transfer, post, or transmit the website or its content in any form without the express written consent of NBEO.
Accuracy of Information
NBEO has made every effort to present the content on the website accurately. Please note, however, that additions, deletions, and changes may occur. Access and use the website at your own risk.
Ownership
The material provided on the website is protected by law, including, but not limited to, United States copyright law and international treaties. The copyright in the content of this website is owned by NBEO.
Trademarks
The following are registered trademarks of NBEO:
National Board of Examiners in Optometry®
Advancing the Assessment of Competence®
NBEO®
TMOD®
PAM®
LSPE®ABS®
ACMO®
CSE®
OSLE®PEPS®
NCCTO®
ISE®
The following is a registered trademark of ARBO:
OE TRACKER®
Withdrawal Policy
1. Withdrawal Deadline
a. For purposes of this Withdrawal Policy, the Withdrawal Deadline shall be defined as the following:
i. For Part I ABS®, Part II PAM/TMOD®, and ACMO® examinations, the Withdrawal Deadline shall be fourteen (14) days prior to the first date of testing during that test administration.
ii. For Part III PEPS®, ISE®, LSPE® and in-house OSLE® examinations, the Withdrawal Deadline shall be fourteen days prior to the candidate’s scheduled exam.
2. With Notice
a. For Part I ABS, Part II PAM, TMOD and ACMO examinations, if a candidate provides written notice to NBEO on or prior to 30 days of the first date of testing during that test administration, then NBEO will refund to the candidate the full examination fee.
b. For all exams administered at the National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry, if a candidate provides written notice to NBEO on or prior to 30 days before the exam date, then NBEO will refund to the candidate the full examination fee.
c. If candidate provides written notice to NBEO on or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline, then NBEO will refund to the candidate the examination fee(s) minus a 20% service fee.
d. To request a withdrawal, the candidate must send notice of withdrawal via email to nbeo@optometry.org. Please allow up to five business days to receive email confirming your withdrawal request was received. The withdrawal request must include:
i. Candidate’s Full Name;
ii. OE TRACKER®;
iii. Examination;
iv. Test site; and Date
v. A statement that the candidate is requesting to be withdrawn from the examination.
3. Without Notice
a. Without Notice.If a candidate does not take the examination or if a candidate fails to provide written notice of withdrawal to NBEO prior to the Withdrawal Deadline, then the entire examination fee(s) will be forfeited.
b. Exceptions.
i. If a candidate reschedules, cancels, or does not take the examination because of circumstances beyond their control, then NBEO in its sole discretion may refund the examination fee minus a 20% service fee.
ii. A candidate should call or email prior to registering for a change in exam date.
iii. To request an exception, the candidate must submit within fifteen (15) days after the originally scheduled examination date the fee waiver request form Withdrawal Policy Form
iv. Examples of an exception may include the following:
- Unexpected accident
- Illness
- Death or illness of immediate family member
- Flight cancellation
- Weather related incidents (i.e., blizzard, storm that grounds transportation, etc.)
- Military orders
- Governmental regulations
4. Remote Online State Law Exam
Not withstanding the foregoing, all fees paid by a candidate for the remote online state law exam (“OSLE”) are non-refundable.
5. Amendments to Policy
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry, Inc. (“NBEO®”) reserves the right to amend, modify or change the terms and conditions of this policy at any time for any reason.