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) 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.

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 beginning with the December administration 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 on or after August 1st 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 on or after August 1st 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 on or after August 1st 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 candidates 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 December 20, 2024.