The entry-into-the-profession examinations consist of the licensure exam (Part I ABS®, Part II PAM®/ TMOD®, and Part III CSE®) and ISE®. 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, a candidate may only take such exam for licensure purposes.

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 an ACOE accredited institution or institution with ACOE 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 an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE preliminary approval. *

Student candidates are eligible to take the Part III CSE exam on or after August 1st during their academic year of graduation at an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE preliminary approval.*

Student candidates are eligible to take ISE on or after August 1st during the candidate’s academic year of graduation at an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE 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 an ACOE accredited institution* is eligible to take NBEO examinations.

C. SPONSORED CANDIDATES

Candidates who are not students at, or graduates of, an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE preliminary approval* must be sponsored to take the Part I ABS, Part II PAM, Part III CSE, TMOD, and ISE, either by a state licensure board of optometry or an ACOE accredited or conditionally-accredited institution.* The sponsoring state licensure board or academic institution must send a letter of sponsorship directly to NBEO.

II. OTHER EXAMS

In addition to the entry-into-the profession exams in Section I above, NBEO offers other exams, including Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination (“LSPE®”), Advanced Competence in Medical Optometry (“ACMO®”), and Continued Professional Development in Optometry (“CPDO®”). Candidates who have successfully passed LSPE, ACMO or CPDO may not retake such exam unless NBEO has granted the candidate an exception under special circumstances.

A. LASER AND SURGICAL PROCEDURES EXAMINATION

1.Student candidates are eligible to take LSPE on or after August 1st during the candidate’s academic year of graduation at an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE preliminary approval. *

2. Any graduate of an ACOE accredited institution* is eligible to take LSPE.

3. Candidates who are not students at, or graduates of, an ACOE accredited institution or an institution with ACOE preliminary approval* must be sponsored to take LSPE either by a state licensure board of optometry or an ACOE accredited or conditionally-accredited institution.* The sponsoring state licensure board or academic institution must send a letter of sponsorship directly to NBEO.

B. ADVANCED COMPETENCE IN MEDICAL OPTOMETRY

1. A candidate is eligible to take ACMO:

a.If the candidate:

i. Has completed or will complete an ACOE-accredited VA residency program by June 30 of the calendar year in which the candidate plans to take ACMO, or

ii. Has completed an ACOE accredited residency program, 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.

C. CONTINUED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN OPTOMETRY

1. The only eligibility requirement for CPDO is that a candidate needs to be licensed to practice optometry in any state or United States territory

2. There is no eligibility restriction based on having completed a residency or the number of years that a candidate has been involved in active optometric practice, though potential candidates should keep in mind that the exam content targets experienced practitioners.

* ACOE is the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education For more information, please see the ACOE’s website: https://theacoe.org/.
Last updated May 20, 2023.