Here you will find questions and answers that are most frequently asked of us. If you are unable to find the answer to your question here, please use the "Contact Us" page to send us your question and we will reply as soon as possible.
:: Is it possible to transfer my exam registration to a later exam date? 
The National Board does not allow candidates to transfer registration to a different administration. If you wish to withdraw from an exam, follow the guidelines for withdrawal listed on the web site. When you are ready to take the exam you must reapply.
:: What is the procedure for withdrawing from an exam?
In case of withdrawal, the fee(s) less a $150 service charge will be refunded if written notice of withdrawal is received by the National Board no later than the posted withdrawal deadline.
Notification of withdrawal must be in writing and may be sent by mail, e-mail, or fax. Examination fees will be forfeited if a candidate does not take the examination or if the National Board receives the written notice of withdrawal after the withdrawal date.
:: How do I report an address change to the National Board?
Please use our online address change form to submit address changes.
Updates may be made as often as is necessary, and we encourage candidates to keep their profile information current with the NBEO.
:: How do I report a name or ssn change to the National Board?
A name or ssn change must be made in writing with legal documentation supporting the requested change. Please click here to use our new online form.
:: What calculator models are acceptable for use during NBEO exams?
Permissible calculators for use during NBEO Part I exam. Only calculators within the TI-30 series will be permitted. Examples of allowable calculators include the TI-30Xa, TI-30X IIS, TI-34 II, and TI-36X. Any calculator within the TI-30 series is permissible.
Calculators from any other manufacturer other than Texas Instruments (TI) are prohibited, regardless of capability or similarity to the TI-30 series. Also, no other TI calculator (e.g., TI-25X) will be permitted, even if it is less powerful than the TI-30 model.
For more information on this policy, click here.
:: How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to me and the state boards?
STUDENTS: Please be reminded that upon verification of graduation and completion of Part III, the National Board will send a free cumulative score report to you and the state boards you selected during your registration for Part III.
NON STUDENTS: Score reports for any state board can be quickly and easily ordered online, and your request will be processed in 24 hours! You can even order an official copy for yourself! Click here to order your score report.
:: When are students' test scores sent to the state boards and what is the fee?
Upon verification of graduation and completion of Part III, the National Board will send a free cumulative score report to the state boards you selected during your registration for Part III.
:: How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to residencies?
The NBEO automatically transmits the necessary score information to the Optometry Residency Matching Service (ORMS) through the ORMS residency application process.
:: How do I have official NBEO score reports sent to a fellowship program?
You can quickly and easily order online an official copy of your NBEO score report to be sent to you for distribution to the program. Your request will be processed in 24 hours!
:: How do I apply for NBEO exams if I am a graduate of a foreign optometry school?
Click here for sponsorship information.
:: How do I apply for NBEO exams if I don't have a U.S. social security number?
If you wish to apply on-line but do not have a US social security number, call the National Board to request an NBEO ID number. Use this assigned number when you submit your application, and for all subsequent applications.
Notify the NBEO if you later receive a US social security number.
