NBEO Testing

The National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) offers four 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 and the Advanced Competency in Medical Optometry (ACMO) exam.

Testing Dates

2025 testing dates:

• ABS: administered two times in 2025 on March 10 - 13 and August 4 and 5
• ACMO: administered one time in 2025 on June 6
• PAM: administered twice in 2025 on April 8 and December 2 and 4
• TMOD: administered twice in 2025 on April 8 and December 4

Please be advised that NBEO would recommend that you schedule a seat at the best available location. You can continue to review the Pearson VUE website for additional availability options and potentially change your seat if an opening occurs.

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 a similar 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.

• NBEO ABS Tutorial
• NBEO PAM/TMOD Tutorial
• NBEO ACMO Tutorial