NBEO (National Board of Examiners in Optometry) Test Prep

Passing all parts of the NBEO exam is mandatory for optometry licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The

NBEO - National Board of Examiners in OptometryBy Dr. Susan ParkApr 7, 202652 min read
NBEO (National Board of Examiners in Optometry) Test Prep
โฑ๏ธ12.5hTotal Time
๐Ÿ“500+Questions
โœ…70%Pass Rate
๐Ÿ’ต$725+Exam Fee
๐Ÿ“ŠScaledScoring
๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธCBTFormat
๐Ÿ”„LimitedRetakes
๐ŸขPearsonCenters
๐Ÿ“NCPart 3 Site
๐ŸฉบRequireduiredLicensure
๐Ÿ’ปYesComputer
๐ŸŽ“ODDegree

Passing all parts of the NBEO exam is mandatory for optometry licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The NBEO Part 1 Applied Basic Science exam is often considered the most challenging hurdle for students.

Nbeo Practice Test - National Board of Examiners in Optometry study guide

NBEO Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the NBEO - National Board of Examiners in Optometry exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

NBEO Applied Basic Science

NBEO Exam Questions covering Applied Basic Science. Master NBEO Test concepts for certification prep.

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NBEO Continued Professional Development in...

Free NBEO Practice Test featuring Continued Professional Development in Optometry. Improve your NBEO Exam score with mock test prep.

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NBEO Clinical Optometry & Patient Care

NBEO Mock Exam on Clinical Optometry & Patient Care. NBEO Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

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NBEO - National Board of Examiners in Opto...

NBEO Test Prep for - National Board of Examiners in Optometry Anterior Segment Disease. Practice NBEO Quiz questions and boost your score.

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NBEO - National Board of Examiners in Opto...

NBEO Questions and Answers on - National Board of Examiners in Optometry Binocular Vision and Pediatrics. Free NBEO practice for exam readiness.

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NBEO Neuro-Optometry & Visual Fields

NBEO Mock Test covering NBEO Neuro-Optometry & Visual Fields. Online NBEO Test practice with instant feedback.

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NBEO Posterior Segment & Retinal Disease

Free NBEO Quiz on NBEO Posterior Segment & Retinal Disease. NBEO Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

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NBEO Ocular Anatomy & Physiology

NBEO Practice Questions for Ocular Anatomy & Physiology. Build confidence for your NBEO certification exam.

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NBEO Optics & Lens Design

NBEO Test Online for Optics & Lens Design. Free practice with instant results and feedback.

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NBEO Pharmacology & Ocular Disease Treatment

NBEO Study Material on Pharmacology & Ocular Disease Treatment. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.

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NBEO Exam Study Guide

This NBEO study guide breaks down essential information about the exam structure, registration, and scoring. Use these tabs to quickly find answers about the NBEO Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 examinations.

What is the NBEO exam?
The NBEO exam is the three-part national licensing examination for optometrists in the US. Passing NBEO Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 is required for state licensure.
Who takes the NBEO test?
Optometry students and graduates from accredited schools take the NBEO test to obtain their license to practice.
What is TMOD in NBEO?
TMOD stands for Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease. It is a separate score derived from the NBEO Part 2 exam.
Where is NBEO Part 3 held?
The NBEO Part 3 clinical skills exam is held exclusively at the National Center of Clinical Testing in Optometry (NCCTO) in Charlotte, NC.

NBEO Test Format

The NBEO structure is divided into three main parts, plus specialized standalone exams. Understanding the content of NBEO Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 is crucial for effective preparation.

๐Ÿง Part 1: ABSBasic Science

Applied Basic Science tests fundamental optometric knowledge.

AnatomyPhysiologyOpticsPharm
  • Topics: Ocular anatomy, disease, pharmacology
  • Questions: ~350 Items
๐Ÿ‘๏ธPart 2: PAMClinical

Patient Assessment and Management focuses on clinical cases.

DiagnosisTreatment
  • Topics: Disease management, clinical thinking
  • Questions: ~350 Items
๐ŸฅPart 3: PEPSPractical

Patient Encounters and Performance Skills tests hands-on ability.

SkillsInjectionsExam
  • Topics: Clinical skills demonstration
  • Questions: 4 Stations
๐Ÿ’ŠTMODDisease

Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (standalone or embedded).

PathologyMedsCasesMgmt
  • Topics: Ocular disease treatment
  • Questions: ~100+ Items
๐Ÿ”ฆLSPELaser

Laser and Surgical Procedures Examination for advanced states.

  • Topics: Laser procedures, surgical skills
  • Questions: Varies

Injections Skill Examination for specific state requirements.

  • Topics: Injection techniques
  • Questions: 1 Station

Review the NBEO drug list carefully for Part 1, as pharmacology questions often require knowledge of specific mechanisms and side effects.

NBEO Score Calculator

Total Scored Questions

150

0105150

105 out of 150 correct

70%

Required to Pass: ~70% (Estimated)

Your Score: 105 correctโœ“PASS

NBEO Salary Information

๐Ÿ’ฐ

$125,000

Median Annual Salary

๐ŸขCorporate
$130,000
$10,833/moEntry-Level
๐ŸฅHospital/OD-MD
$140,000
$11,666/moMid-Career
๐Ÿ‘“Private Practice
$120,000
$10,000/moAssociate
๐ŸŽ“Academic
$105,000
$8,750/moFaculty
๐Ÿ’ผPractice Owner
$180,000+
$15,000+/moExperienced

NBEO Registration Process

The journey to passing the NBEO exam begins during optometry school. Follow this timeline to ensure you complete all requirements for licensure.

๐Ÿ“š
Year 3

Part

Visit the NBEO website to create your candidate profile and obtain your OE Tracker number.
๐Ÿ‘๏ธ
Year 4

Part

Register for the NBEO Part 1 Applied Basic Science exam during your third year of optometry school.
๐Ÿฅ
Year 4

Part

Book your testing appointment for Part 1 and Part 2 through Pearson VUE centers.

NBEO Test Costs

Budgeting for the NBEO exam is essential, as the costs for each part are significant. Below is a breakdown of the current fees.

๐Ÿ“š$725Part 1 ABS Applied Basic Science Fee
๐Ÿ‘๏ธ$725Part 2 PAM Patient Assessment Fee
๐Ÿฅ$985Part 3 PEPS Clinical Skills Fee
๐Ÿ’Š$450TMOD Only Standalone Exam Fee
๐Ÿ”ฆ$450LSPE Laser Exam Fee
๐Ÿ’‰$450ISE Injections Exam Fee

The total cost for the core NBEO boards (Parts 1, 2, and 3) is approximately $2,435, not including travel to Charlotte for Part 3.

Nbeo Exam - National Board of Examiners in Optometry study guide

NBEO Career Opportunities

Passing the NBEO optometry exam opens doors to various specialties and practice settings.

๐Ÿ‘ถ

Pediatric Optometrist

Specializes in vision care for children, managing development and binocular vision disorders.

๐Ÿฅ

Clinical Optometrist

Works in hospitals or multi-specialty clinics managing ocular disease and co-managing surgery.

๐Ÿ”ฌ

Research Optometrist

Conducts studies on vision science, contact lenses, and new ocular therapies in academic or industry settings.

๐Ÿง 

Vision Therapy

Provides rehabilitative exercises for patients with traumatic brain injury or learning-related vision problems.

๐Ÿ”

Low Vision Specialist

Helps patients with significant vision loss maximize their remaining sight through devices and strategies.

NBEO Testing Contacts

For questions about NBEO registration or scores, contact the National Board directly.

๐Ÿข

NBEO

Headquarters General Inquiries

Website: optometry.org

Services: Registration, Scores

Contact: 200 S. College St, Charlotte, NC

๐Ÿฅ

NCCTO Part 3

Testing Center

Website: optometry.org

Services: Clinical Exam Site

Contact: Charlotte, NC

๐Ÿ’ป

Pearson VUE Computer

Testing

Website: pearsonvue.com

Services: Part 1 & 2 Scheduling

Contact: Online Only

๐Ÿ“œ

ARBO

Licensure Info

Website: arbo.org

Services: OE Tracker

Contact: General Support

NBEO Test Day Checklist

Start Your NBEO Prep

Get ready for your NBEO optometry exam with our comprehensive practice questions.

NBEO Renewal Requirements

๐Ÿ”„

Renewal Cycle

1-2 Years

๐Ÿ“š

CE Hours

20-50 Hours

๐Ÿ’ต

Renewal Fee

$200-$500

Check your state board's requirements for CE credits, as they vary. The NBEO website also provides resources for continued competence.

NBEO Exam Questions and Answers

About the Author

Dr. Susan ParkOD, PhD Visual Science

Optometrist & Vision Care Licensing Exam Expert

UC Berkeley School of Optometry

Dr. Susan Park is a Doctor of Optometry with a PhD in Visual Science from UC Berkeley School of Optometry. She has 15 years of clinical optometry practice and academic instruction experience and specializes in preparing optometry graduates for the NBEO Part I, II, and III board examinations, as well as opticianry licensing and vision therapy certification programs.