ISE^®FAQ

Questions Regarding

• Registration, Reschedules, Withdraws
• NCCTO^®, Test Center, Exam Information

Registration, Reschedules, Withdraws

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR OPEN?

Registration usually opens for August to December by February 15 of each year. Exam slots for January to March usually open by July 15 and late Spring slots are opened in the Spring. Since registration is open as early as February and available to all candidates, please plan your scheduling with the knowledge that the testing slots book out months in advance.

CAN I TAKE MULTIPLE EXAMS ON THE SAME DAY?

NCCTO administers multiple exams including the Clinical Skills Exam (CSE), Injection Skills Exam (ISE), Laser and Surgical Skills Exam (LPE and SPE), and Online State Law Exam (OSLE). Each exam is offered on certain days and times; however not all exams are offered every day. Candidates who wish to take multiple exams should check the exam calendar and choose the date(s) that list the exams they want to register for.

I REGISTERED FOR AN EXAM AND WANT TO REGISTER FOR AN ADDITIONAL DATE, BUT THE SYSTEM WON'T ALLOW ME TO DO SO?

Candidates can only have one registration for ISE in the system. Once you have completed the initial scheduled exam, you can register the next day.

I REGISTERED FOR ISE BUT NEED TO CHANGE MY EXAM DATE

Candidates may reschedule their exam without incurring any rescheduling fees 30 or more days before their scheduled exam date This change can be done online, by the candidate, by accessing their NBEO® account at: /check_registration.cfm

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE TO RESCHEDULE AND IT IS LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO MY EXAM DATE?

Any changes within 30 days of an exam date will be considered a withdrawal and all examination fees will be forfeited. Instructions for how to withdraw can be found by clicking here. After the withdrawal request has been submitted NBEO / NCCTO staff will contact the Candidate to confirm the withdrawal is complete. The Candidate may then register for a new date.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A LAST MINUTE EMERGENCY AND CANNOT MAKE MY EXAM DATE?

Call 800-969-EXAM and press option 2. If no one answers, leave a message. In addition, please send an email to NCCTO@optometry.org. Someone will contact you as soon as possible.

ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR CHANGING AN EXAM DATE?

There are exceptions for paying the fee. These exceptions are typically situations that occur which are outside of the control of the Candidate or the NBEO. With these types of situations, acceptable documentation would be required as proof to avoid the fee. Please call/email prior to registering for a change in exam date.

An example of an acceptable reason would be: Unexpected Accident Illness Death or Illness of Immediate Family Member Flight Cancellation Weather-Related Incidents (ie: blizzard, storm that grounds transportation, etc) Military Orders

NCCTO / Test Center / Exam Information

CAN I TOUR THE NCCTO AND SEE THE EXAM ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT?

No. The test center is not accessible to Candidates until their scheduled time. Candidates will have access to the equipment during the Candidate Orientation. Additionally, the NCCTO has posted a list of the equipment, as well as photos to assist Candidates in familiarizing themselves with the exam room and equipment.

WHEN CAN I ARRIVE FOR MY ISE EXAM?

You should arrive at the time listed on your registration as Candidate Registration and Orientation will not begin until that time (i.e.: 10:00AM or 1:00PM). The earliest Candidates should arrive to the test center is five minutes prior to their exam time.

If you find you have arrived to the building early, the 3rd Floor of the BB&T building has an Overstreet Mall which contains shops, cafes, and restaurants where you are welcome to wait before your registration time begins.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT THE TESTING CENTER?

Luggage may not be stored in the testing center. Please see the Candidate Guide for more information (/ise.cfm)

Scores

MY STATE REQUIRES 75% OR BETTER ON A SKILL, I PASSED CSE BUT OBTAINED BELOW 75% ON THE SKILL; DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE CSE AGAIN OR CAN I JUST TAKE THE SKILL?

Candidates wishing to obtain a certain percentage on a CSE skill due to a state requirement would need to take the entire CSE over again. Contact your state board for more information on the requirements for licensure.

WHAT DOES EACH DISCIPLINE MEAN?

Communication Skills: providing and obtaining information in a clear and concise manner to include avoiding medical jargon and thereby providing information the patient needs to understand their condition and the procedures being performed. Affective Skills: interacting with the SP in an organized, professional, and empathetic demeanor. Psychomotor Skills: performing the physical tasks of the various skills in a proficient and efficient manner. Clinical Observation & Reporting Skills: accurately reporting your obtained findings.

DOES THIS INFORMATION FACTOR INTO WHETHER I PASS OR FAIL?

The overall pass/fail decision is based on your performance across all of the categories, rather than specific scores within each category.

CAN I GET FEEDBACK ON WHAT I DID WRONG OR WHY I FAILED THE EXAM?

NBEO is unable to provide candidates personal feedback on their performance of individual skills or items. Additionally, we are not able to advise candidates how to perform items or skills, including how to improve upon a previous performance.

DOES MY SCHOOL RECEIVE THIS INFORMATION?

NBEO releases scores based upon a candidate�s authorization to release to the academic institution. This selection is made when registering for an exam.

DOES MY STATE BOARD RECEIVE THIS INFORMATION?

Scores are only submitted to the state boards after the student passes all required Parts for the selected states, and the National Board receives notification from a student�s optometry school verifying graduation.