LSPE^™ FAQ

Registration, Reschedules, Withdraws

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR OPEN?

Registration usually opens by March 16th of each year.

I AM A CURRENT STUDENT, WHEN CAN I TAKE THE LSPE?

Students who will be in their final year of school (eligibility must be verified by the individual school) may register to take the LSPE exam beginning on August 1st or later.

I REGISTERED FOR LSPE 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

HOW LONG IS THE LSPE EXAM?

For Candidates who are taking both the Laser and Surgical sections back to back, please plan on being at the test center for approximately 5 hours. If you choose to only take one section, please plan on being at the test center for approximately 3 hours. This timeframe includes the registration, orientation, exam and post-exam processes. Keep in mind these times are approximate and depend on the routine execution of an exam. In the event there is an unexpected situation that occurs, the exam may run longer.

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.

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 (/lspe.cfm)