Part I ABS®
Applied Basic Science
Table of Contents
Exam Information
The Part I Applied Basic Science (ABS) is the first examination of the three-part licensure exam series. It assesses the knowledge, understanding, and application of biomedical science concepts essential to the safe and effective independent practice of optometry.
Part I ABS is a one-day computer-based exam, delivered at Pearson testing centers. It consists of 350 scored items and 20 unscored (pre-test) items. Candidates will not know which items are scored and which are pre-test. The exam is two sessions in length, each session consisting of 185 items. Candidates will have 4 hours to complete each session.
The first session also includes an additional 15 minutes devoted to a tutorial and the reading and signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). There is an optional break of up to 45 minutes between the first and second sessions.
For questions about when a candidate is eligible to take the Part I exam, please see the NBEO Exam Eligibility Policy.
Most items on the Part I ABS exam require candidates to choose the single best or correct answer. Approximately 10-15% of the items on the exam are multiple-response (MR) items; with MR items the required number of responses (2, 3, or 4) is indicated after the item stem. MR items are scored as completely correct or incorrect; there is no partial credit.
Candidates should note that the non-possessive form will be used on the Part I ABS exam for eponymous terms (e.g., Horner syndrome will be used rather than Horner’s syndrome, and Descemet membrane will be used rather than Descemet’s membrane). This usage is in accordance with the growing trend in medical and scientific writing to remove the possessive when using eponyms.
Registration
Practice Items Databank
The National Board of Examiners in Optometry is pleased to offer candidates taking the Part I Applied Basic Science (ABS®) Examination an opportunity to test their knowledge using questions similar to those found on the actual Part I ABS Examination. Part I ABS Practice Items Databank questions constitute intellectual property owned exclusively by NBEO. All rights, including the copyright in these exam questions, are reserved.
Administration and Features of the Part I ABS Practice Items Databank
The Part I ABS Practice Items Databank is administered by Test Run, an independent third-party organization whose exam prep solution software provides candidates with a detailed score report and resulting performance feedback designed to help them tailor their studying and analyze strengths and weaknesses.
Candidate Options with the Part I ABS Practice Items Databank
The Part I ABS Practice Items Databank was designed with candidates in mind. Candidates may choose to select practice items based on content OR may decide to complete an entire examination session (185 items).
Registration and Subscription
After registering to take the Part I ABS Examination, candidates may then register and subscribe to the Part I ABS Practice Items Databank by clicking here to go to the Test Run registration page and creating an account through Test Run. Using one of the following browsers is recommended: Google Chrome, Firefox, or Apple Safari.
The cost for a one-month subscription is $199, which is paid during the Test Run online registration process and provides the candidate with unlimited access to the Part I ABS Practice Items Databank for one month! For a discounted fee of $149, candidates may renew their subscription for one additional month at any time up until the date of that respective Part I ABS Examination administration.