This new combined exam will include the ABO (NOCE) Basic and ABO (ABOP) Practical examinations. By registering for this combined exam, you do not need to register and schedule each exam separately, it will be taken in one sitting. The exam content for the ABO Basic and Practical exam is the same as taking each exam separately. You still start with the ABO Basic exam for the first section of the exam, which is a total of two (2) hours. Once the ABO Basic exam is completed, you will receive a 15 minute break time (or you can proceed to the next exam section if you don't wish to take a 15 minute break) and will proceed with taking the ABO Practical exam, which is a total of one (1) hour.
To earn your ABO Basic Certification, you need to achieve a passing score on the examination. The exam consists of questions on the skills and knowledge required for competency in ophthalmic dispensing. The NOCE exam is psychometrically developed by impartial Subject Matter Experts within the field of Opticianry. After test specifications are created (based on the Job Analysis), the exams are written by groups of impartial Certified Opticians. The questions are then reviewed by the testing service specialists for proper testing principles and rules of grammar and style. Questions are created to test a candidate's ability to recall knowledge and to apply that knowledge to specific dispensing functions. Test specifications can be located on the Basic Examination Handbook (right below).
ABO-NCLE offers Computer Simulated Skills and Knowledge on the American Board of Opticianry Practical Exam (ABOP Exam). Test specifications can be located on the Practical Examination Handbook (right below).
Exams are given in English, via computer at a Prometric testing facility. The ABO Basic exam has 125 questions, and the ABO Practical exam has 30 questions.
**Currently, only the state of Arizona and Washington has allowed the ABO and NCLE Combined exams. If you are applying for an ABO and/or NCLE Examination as part of a Licensing State requirement, please verify the appropriate steps with your state licensing board before registering for any specific examination. Each state has its own specific requirements, and failure to abide by those requirements may result in denial of credit for the examination, or other consequences, depending upon any licensing state’s regulations and requirements.***
Important information to note before registering for the exam:
-Exam registration fee is $250 and are NON-REFUNDABLE once payment has been submitted.
-Please make sure to include on your exam registration profile your FULL legal name-as it appears on your government issued photo ID (e.g. driver's license, passport), a personal phone number, and a correct email address.
-You will receive separate exam results for each exam. If you are unsuccessful in passing one of the exams, you need to re-register for that particular exam and pay the regular fee for that exam. You MUST wait 14 days (from the date you took the exam) before you can register/pay to retake the exam you did not pass and you will have three (3) attempts. After your third attempt, you will be required to wait 90 days to be eligible to retake the exam. Please note that you do have to pay for each new exam attempt by completing a new exam registration.
-If you need to complete our Disability Accommodation Form, please click HERE to download our Accommodation request information. Once you are ready to submit your form, please click HERE .
-Please make sure you review the Basic Examination Handbook and the Practical Examination Handbook for further exam policy information before registering for the exam. It will answer all of your questions about the exam.
-After you have submitted the registration fee, you will receive an order confirmation email and a second email confirmation (the same day you register at 11:59pm-EST) with your eligibility ID number and instructions on how to schedule your exam to pick your location, date, and time. (Make sure to check your junk/spam folder, as the email confirmation may go into those folders.)
-Candidate COVID-19 FAQs: Prometric has created a new, dedicated page to host COVID-19-related FAQs for candidates. This new page, linked here, can be also be found on Prometric's homepage and selecting "COVID-19 FAQ." Other test taker FAQs can be found under the "Test Takers" tab on Prometric's homepage.
Update: Prometric will no longer require candidates or test center personnel to wear masks unless required to do so by building management or local government mandates. In light of recent trends and mask mandate changes around the world, along with updated guidance from leading world health organizations, Prometric will not require masks to be worn in test centers, however they will continue to allow and encourage the wearing of masks regardless of mandate or vaccination status. Thus, any candidate or staff member that prefers to wear a mask will feel comfortable doing so.
Effective May 1st, 2023, Prometric will allow candidates to bring water into the test room during their exam. Water must be in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap. All labels must be removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other test aids. The candidate will need to remove the lid/cap for visual inspection by the Test Center staff. Should the container not meet the requirements outlined, the candidate will be required to put it in their locker and will not be allowed to take it into the test room.
***Please be aware that registration ends on 09/15/2024 11:59PM (EST). There will be NO late registration or late fees.***
If this is your 2nd attempt in taking this exam, and you have waited 14 days, please click on this link to proceed with your registration. If it has been more than 90 days, please continue with this current registration.
If this is your 3rd attempt in taking this exam, and you have waited 14 days, please click on this link to proceed with your registration.
If this is your first attempt, please proceed below and select "Register Myself".