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    NBEO Testing

    NBEO Testing

    The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) offers five examinations through Pearson VUE: the Part I – Applied Basic Science (ABS) exam, the Part II – Patient Assessment and Management (PAM) exam, the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) exam, the Advanced Competency in Medical Optometry (ACMO) exam, and the Continued Professional Development in Optometry (CPDO) exam.

    Testing Dates

    All NBEO examinations are event-based exams, administered on a single day.

    2018 testing dates:

    • ABS: administered two times in 2018 on March 20, 21, 22 and 23* and August 7
    • ACMO: administered one time in 2018 on June 22
    • CPDO: administered twice in 2018 on March 9 and September 14
    • PAM: administered twice in 2018 on April 3 and December 4/6*
    • TMOD: administered twice in 2018 on April 3 and December 6

    *The March ABS examination will be administered on four days. Candidates may choose to test on either March 20, March 21, March 22 or March 23, depending on their preference and schedules.

    **The December PAM examination will be administered on two days. Candidates may choose to test on either December 4 or December 6, depending on their preference and schedules.

    Registration and Scheduling Information

    Candidates wishing to take an NBEO examination must register and pay the examination fee using the NBEO’s online registration process at www.optometry.org. Once registration is processed, the candidate will receive an email from the NBEO with information needed to set up a web account with Pearson VUE for the purpose of selecting a test center location. In order to secure a seat at a convenient location, candidates are urged to schedule through Pearson VUE as early as possible. NBEO examinations are administered at test centers in the USA, Puerto Rico, and Canada only.

    Test Preparation

    Pearson Professional Center Online Tour

    Pearson Professional Centers are designed solely for high-stakes testing. This online tour will help you become more familiar with the testing environment you can expect on the day of your exam.

    NBEO Computer-Based Testing Tutorials

    These tutorials show you how to navigate through a computer-based exam, and give you the opportunity to practice taking a demonstration test. Candidates have the opportunity to view the same tutorial at the Pearson VUE test center just prior to taking their examination.

    It is highly recommended that you review the tutorial for your specific exam prior to arrival at the test center.

    Downloads Format Size
    NBEO Part I (ABS) Tutorial * MSI (EXE) 102.8 MB
    NBEO Part II (PAM/TMOD) Tutorial * MSI (EXE) 79.6 MB
    NBEO ACMO Tutorial * MSI (EXE) 78.8 MB
    NBEO CPDO Tutorial * MSI (EXE) 83.5 MB

    * Windows-based PC required; Tutorial is not available for Mac platforms

    Tutorial system requirements

    All computers at Pearson Professional Centers are Windows-based PCs.

    • Pentium III PC or compatible, 1 GHz (Pentium 4, 2 GHz recommended). Macintosh computers are not supported.
    • 512 MB of RAM
    • 60 MB of empty hard disk space
    • Microsoft Windows XP or 2000 (home or professional version), English edition. The content appears only in English.
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 or higher
    • Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher resolution monitor (1024 x 768 recommended) with high color (16 bit)
    • Microsoft compatible mouse or pointing device
    • Internet access is not required when viewing the tutorial or practice exams.
    Last updated 2018-01-04