ABO Exam Information

Prepare to take the abo optician exam (NOCE)

ABO-NCLE NOCE EXAM RESOURCES

About The Exam

The two-hour multiple-choice examinations are written by groups of Certified Opticians and Certified Contact Lens Fitters/Technicians with assistance from the testing service, Prometric.
The NOCE is offered at over 300 testing centers Monthly, in January-March, April-June, July-September, October-December.
The exams cost is $225 each and are payable by credit card at the time the candidate registers online.
A tutorial is available to preview the navigation functions including the highlight feature, the strikeout feature, the calculator and marking questions for review.
There is nothing tricky about the examination. Questions are created to test the ability of a candidate to recall knowledge and to apply that knowledge to specific dispensing functions.

Review all exam details in the ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Candidate Handbook. The above information was last revised 07/2024.

Exam Rules

All ABO-NCLE exams are “closed book.” Books, paper, PDAs, cell phones, or electronic (or other) devices or resources are not allowed.
There is an “on-screen” scientific calculator that can be utilized during the exam.
If a bathroom break is taken, the timer continues to run, and your exam will be reviewed by ABO-NCLE and any suspicious activity may reverse your exam results.
You may use a white board during your remotely proctored exam. You must supply your own white board, up to 3 dry erase marker(s) and eraser. The white board must be white in color and no larger than 8 ½ x 11 inches. You must erase all notes at the end of the exam. The Proctor will check to ensure all notes are erased.
No test materials, documents, or memoranda of any sort may be removed from the examination room or retained. You may not copy any test questions or make any notes regarding the content of the examination.
No food or drink, including water, may be taken into the testing room. You may leave the testing room to use the restroom or get a drink of water, but you will need to sign out according to the instructions that will be explained at the test site. Your testing time will not be increased to accommodate a break. If you have a medical condition and cannot comply with this rule, you must apply for special testing accommodations.

Review all exam rules on the ABO-NCLE website and in the ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Candidate Handbook. The above information was last revised 07/2024.

Exam Results

Exam results are reported instantly as soon as the candidate has completed their exam
Candidates also receive an email within a couple of hours, after they have completed their exam, with their exam report
On occasion, ABO-NCLE is required to undergo “health checks” for the exams. Candidates will receive a preliminary indication of their exam results after submission. Official results will be released after appropriate analysis and review is completed by the exam company
State licensing boards will receive rosters of Candidates from their state that have passed and not passed the exams. If candidates want their results sent to another state’s licensing board, they need to contact ABO-NCLE to make this request.

Review all exam results details in the ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Candidate Handbook. The above information was last revised 07/2024.

NOCE Content Outline and Test Specifications

I. Ophthalmic Optics (25%)

Terminology
Prescriptions
Lens characteristics
Lens powers and formulas
Lens types
Various lens materials
Effect of changes in base curve and thickness
Calculating prismatic effects
Effect of lens materials and design on thickness, weight, and dispersion (e.g., aspheric, digital surfacing)
Measurement systems and conversions (e.g., Imperial, metric, box)
Lens options for various occupations and other lifestyle activities
Usable accommodation and the range of vision with various lens powers
Neutralization of lenses
Ophthalmic Formulas

II. Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, and Refraction (10%)

Structure of the eye and function
Pathology
Refraction

III. Ophthalmic Products (20%)

Frames
Lenses
Low Vision Aids
Preassembled eyewear

IV. Instrumentation (15%)

Use of lens power measuring devices
Use of lens measurement devices
Dispensing instrumentation

V. Dispensing Procedures (20%)

Patient history
Fitting, adjusting, and measuring

VI. Laws, Regulations, and Standards (10%)

Product performance and limitations (e.g., “duty to warn” requirements, UV, HEV, ASTM)
Applicable national guidelines, laws, regulations, and standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI, FDA, EPA, HIPAA)
Universal precautions (e.g., health and safety issues)
Coding (CPT), EMR (electronic medical records), and related insurance requirements

Review all NOCE content outline and test specification details in the ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Candidate Handbook. The above information was last revised 07/2024.