Here you will find questions and answers that are most frequently asked of us. If you are unable to find the answer to your question here, please use the "Contact Us" page to send us your question and we will reply as soon as possible.
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Is it possible to transfer my exam registration to a later exam date?
The National Board does not allow candidates to transfer registration to a different administration. If you wish to withdraw from an exam, follow the guidelines for withdrawal listed on the web site. When you are ready to take the exam you must reapply.
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What is the procedure for withdrawing from an exam?
In case of withdrawal, the fee(s) less a $150 service charge will be refunded if written notice of withdrawal is received by the National Board no later than the posted withdrawal deadline.
Notification of withdrawal must be submitted via email or fax. Examination fees will be forfeited if a candidate does not take the examination or if the National Board receives the written notice of withdrawal after the withdrawal date.
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How do I report an address change to the National Board?
Please use our online address change form to submit address changes.
Updates may be made as often as is necessary, and we encourage candidates to keep their profile information current with the NBEO.
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How do I report a name or ssn change to the National Board?
A name or ssn change must be submitted with legal documentation supporting the requested change. Please click here to use our new online form.
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Is it acceptable to bring my own calculator for use during the NBEO exams?
Calculators may not be brought into the testing room at Pearson VUE testing centers. For the Part I ABS® exam, an on-screen scientific calculator will be available. For the Part II PAM exam and the stand-alone TMOD exam, an on-screen basic calculator will be available.
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How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to me and the state boards?
STUDENTS: Please be reminded that upon verification of graduation and passage of all required Parts for the selected states, the National Board will send a free cumulative score report to you and the state boards you selected during your final examination (5 maximum).
NON STUDENTS: Score reports for any state board can be quickly and easily ordered online and your request will be processed within 7 business days! You can even order an official copy for yourself! Click here to order your score report.
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When are students' test scores sent to the state boards and what is the fee?
Scores are submitted to state boards ONLY after a student passes all NBEO Parts required by the selected state boards, and after the National Board receives notice of graduation verification from the student's optometry school/college.
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How long are the NBEO exam scores valid for and are there any requirements for keeping my scores valid?
Your NBEO exam scores do not expire, so after they are released, the scores are always available to the state board from which you are seeking licensure. State boards may have additional requirements for keeping your scores active, so please check with the state in which you seek licensure as to their regulations.
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How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to residencies?
The NBEO automatically transmits the necessary score information to the Optometry Residency Match (ORMatch) through the ORMatch residency application process.
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How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to a fellowship program?
Click here to quickly and easily order an official copy of your NBEO score report to be sent to you for distribution to the program. Your request will be processed within 7 business days!
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How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to ABCMO for certification?
Score reports for ABCMO certification can be quickly and easily ordered online, and your request will be processed within 7 business days! You can even order an official copy for yourself! Click here to order your score report.
:: How do I apply for NBEO exams if I am a graduate of a foreign optometry school?
Click here for sponsorship information.
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How do I apply for NBEO exams if I don't have a U.S. social security number?
If you wish to apply on-line but do not have a US social security number, call the National Board to request an NBEO ID number. Use this assigned number when you submit your application, and for all subsequent applications.
Notify the NBEO if you later receive a US social security number.
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Do I have to take the NBEO exams in sequential order?
You may take the exams in any order you would like, as long as you meet eligibility for the exam that you are registering for. In other words, you may take Part II before taking Part I as long as you are eligible to take Part II.
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Once I submit my score review request, how long does the process usually take?
The score review process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.
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I'm an optometrist working outside the US, what would i need to do in order to work within the US?
Each state has its own requirements, click here for state requirements for licensure.
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I need to take both the Part II and TMOD exams, do I need to register separately for each exam?
No, you do not need to register for each exam separately. TMOD is embedded in Part II, so you are taking both exams at the same time. You will have two separate scores (one for PAM and one for TMOD).
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If I pass the PAM part of the Part II exam but not TMOD, do I still need to re-take TMOD?
If you fail TMOD and pass PAM, you will need to re-take the TMOD exam only if your state requires TMOD for licensure. Candidates who desire a TMOD-only score must select TMOD during registration.
:: If I pass TMOD but not the PAM part of the Part II exam, do I still need to re-take TMOD?
If you fail PAM and pass TMOD, you will be taking both exams again when you re-take the Part II exam because TMOD is embedded in the Part II exam.
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What is the difference in a Targeted Admin versus a Non-Targeted Admin?
A Targeted Admin is the first opportunity that candidates have to take the exam once they become eligible. The Non-Targeted Admin is just another opportunity for candidates to take the exam.
October 9, 2020