• 100 questions

ABO Certification Practice Test

An unofficial optician practice test on the six domains of the ABO basic certification exam, with every optics sum worked.

Parallel light comes to a focus 20 cm behind a thin lens. What is the power of the lens?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: 1 to 4 pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 100 questions, 96 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. Bank checked October 12, 2026.

The real exam, as ABO-NCLE describes it

Questions
125
Time limit
120 minutes
Fee
$225, by the handbook of February 2025
Retakes
After 14 days. Three retake attempts, then a wait of 90 days.
Scored questions
The test specifications list 100 questions in six domains. A portion of the 125 may be unscored questions being tried out for future exams.
Pass mark
No percent is published. The exam is criterion-referenced: a panel sets the minimum passing score by the Modified Angoff method.
Who can sit
Candidates need a high school diploma, a GED or the equivalent.
Delivery
A secure computer-based exam, at a test center or by remote proctoring, in four testing windows a year.

Checked October 12, 2026 against ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook, February 2025. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

ABO-NCLE's basic exam page

Next step ABO advanced practice testParaoptometric (CPO) practice test

All 100 questions

Ophthalmic optics 25

  • A -10.00 D spectacle lens was refracted at a vertex distance of 12 mm. What power gives the same effect at the cornea? Wikipedia, Vertex distance, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.3 (vertex compensation).
  • A distance prescription is +1.25 -0.50 x 090 with an add of +2.25. What is the prescription for single vision reading glasses? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Abbreviations and terms. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.2 (prescription measurements and the finished product).
  • A lens is +1.50 -2.00 x 090. What is its power in the horizontal (180 degree) meridian? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Axis component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 4 (lens powers: compound).
  • A lens is written +1.75 -0.75 x 035. What is the same lens in plus cylinder form? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Cylinder component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.3 (transposition of a prescription).
  • A prescriber writes -3.00 D.S. for the right eye. What do the letters D.S. confirm? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Axis component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.4 (common prescription irregularities).
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Ophthalmic optics, continued

  • A prescription reads -3.00 +1.25 x 160. What is it in minus cylinder form? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Cylinder component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.3 (transposition of a prescription).
  • A prescription reads OD -1.00 D, OS -4.50 D. Which condition does the difference between the two eyes show? Wikipedia, Anisometropia, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.7 (anisometropia and antimetropia).
  • A ray of light passes from air into a lens, a medium in which light travels more slowly. How does the ray bend? Wikipedia, Snell's law, explanation of the law. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 1 (terminology).
  • A trifocal is ordered with a distance power of -3.00 D and a reading add of +2.50. With the usual intermediate add, what is the net power of the intermediate segment? Wikipedia, Trifocal lenses, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 5 (lens types: multifocals).
  • A wearer slides plus-powered glasses down the nose, farther from the eyes. What happens to their effective power? Wikipedia, Vertex distance, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.3 (vertex compensation).
  • A wearer's eye looks through a minus lens at a point on the nasal side of its optical center. In which direction is the base of the induced prism? Wikipedia, Prism correction, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 8 (calculating prismatic effects).
  • An eye that needs no distance correction has 4.00 D of accommodation left. What is the nearest point it can focus on? Wikipedia, Accommodation (vertebrate eye), Amplitude of accommodation. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 12 (usable accommodation and the range of vision).
  • By the convention used on prescriptions, how does a cylinder axis of 90 degrees run? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Axis component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 1 (terminology).
  • In what steps are lens powers generally prescribed? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Prescription of corrective lenses. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 1 (terminology).
  • Lens materials are grouped by refractive index. In which group does an index of 1.56 fall? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Refractive index. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 6 (various lens materials).
  • Light passes through a prism. Which way does the image the wearer sees appear to move? Wikipedia, Prism correction, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 4 (lens powers: prism).
  • Light travels at about 300,000 km/s in a vacuum and about 200,000 km/s in a lens material. What is the material's refractive index? Wikipedia, Refractive index, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 3 (lens characteristics: index of refraction).
  • OD -2.00 D sphere, OS -5.00 D sphere. The wearer reads through points 10 mm below both optical centers. How much vertical imbalance is there? Wikipedia, Prism correction, Prentice's rule. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.2 (vertical imbalance).
  • On a prescription, which abbreviation means both eyes? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Abbreviations and terms. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.1 (format and content of a prescription).
  • The optical center of a -5.00 D lens sits 3 mm away from the wearer's pupil. How much prism does the wearer get? Wikipedia, Prism correction, Prentice's rule. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.1 (Prentice's rule).
  • Parallel light comes to a focus 20 cm behind a thin lens. What is the power of the lens? Wikipedia, Dioptre, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 4 (lens powers).
  • The same lens is written once in plus cylinder form and once in minus cylinder form. How do the two finished lenses differ? Wikipedia, Eyeglass prescription, Cylinder component. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 2.3 (transposition of a prescription).
  • Through a prism, an object 2 m away appears displaced by 5 cm. What is the power of the prism? Wikipedia, Prism correction, Prism dioptres. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 8 (calculating prismatic effects).
  • Two lens materials differ only in Abbe number. What does the lower Abbe number bring? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Optical quality, Abbe number. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 3 (lens characteristics: dispersion, abbe value).
  • Wearing new glasses, a patient with very unequal prescriptions sees a different image size with each eye. What is this called? Wikipedia, Aniseikonia, opening lines and Causes. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 14.8 (aniseikonia).

Eye anatomy, pathology and refraction 10

  • A patient's eyes make uncontrollable movements from side to side. What is this called? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Nystagmus, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 2.9 (nystagmus).
  • A patient's record says aphakia in the left eye. What does that mean? Wikipedia, Aphakia, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 2.8 (pseudophakia and aphakia).
  • Glaucoma causes vision loss by damaging which structure? National Eye Institute, Glaucoma, What is glaucoma?. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 2.2 (glaucoma).
  • In an uncorrected nearsighted (myopic) eye, where does light from a far object come to a focus? National Eye Institute, Nearsightedness (Myopia), What is nearsightedness?. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 3.1.b (myopia).
  • Tears leave the surface of the eye through the lacrimal punctum. Where do they drain in the end? Wikipedia, Lacrimal apparatus, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 1.1.c (lacrimal apparatus).
  • What is a cataract? National Eye Institute, Cataracts, What are cataracts?. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 2.5 (cataracts).
  • Which cells of the retina do nearly all the work of night vision? Wikipedia, Rod cell, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 1.3.f (rods and cones).
  • Which structure produces the aqueous humor? Wikipedia, Ciliary body, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, items 1.2.e and 1.3.b (aqueous humor, ciliary body).
  • Why does presbyopia develop? National Eye Institute, Presbyopia, What causes presbyopia?. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 3.1.d (presbyopia).
  • With fusion broken, a patient's eyes tend to turn inward. What is this latent deviation called? Wikipedia, Heterophoria, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain II, item 3.2.c (phorias and tropias).

Ophthalmic products 20

  • A customer who fishes wants less glare off the water. Which sunglass lens is made for that? Wikipedia, Anti-reflective coating, Applications, Corrective lenses. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: polarization).
  • A low vision hand magnifier has a power of +20 D. Rated by the formula of power in diopters divided by 4, plus 1, what is its magnifying power? Wikipedia, Magnifying glass, Magnification. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 3 (low vision aids).
  • A trifocal is described as a 7 x 28 flat top. What do the two numbers give? Wikipedia, Trifocal lenses, opening section. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.3 (lens parameters).
  • By FDA's device rules, what is a low-vision telescope intended to do for a patient with impaired vision? 21 CFR 886.5870, Low-vision telescope (FDA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 3 (low vision aids).
  • For a drilled rimless frame, which group of lens materials is recommended? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.2 (lens uses, limitations and liabilities).
  • How many segment lines does a trifocal lens have, and what does its middle area correct? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens types, Trifocal. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: segment styles).
  • In a bifocal, what is the area of the lens that serves near vision called? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens types, Bifocal. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: segment styles).
  • On a metal frame, what do the pad arms connect? Wikipedia, Glasses, Frames, Parts. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 1.3 (frame parameters).
  • Some frames are made of a memory metal alloy. What property sets it apart? Wikipedia, Glasses, History, Later developments. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 1.1 (frame availability: materials).
  • What do ready-made reading glasses leave uncorrected? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Over-the-counter correction. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 4 (preassembled eyewear).
  • What does an anti-reflective coating on a spectacle lens reduce? Wikipedia, Anti-reflective coating, Applications, Corrective lenses. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: coatings).
  • What is the main optical drawback of a progressive lens? Wikipedia, Progressive lens, Disadvantages. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.2 (lens uses, limitations and liabilities).
  • What is the main reason to choose a high-index plastic lens? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials, High-index plastics (thiourethanes). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: materials).
  • What most commonly makes a photochromic lens darken? Wikipedia, Photochromic lens, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: tints and special processes).
  • Which bifocal segment is also known as the D segment? Wikipedia, Bifocals, Construction. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: segment styles and sizes).
  • Which corrective lens material is the heaviest in common use? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials, Optical crown glass. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: materials).
  • Which lens material has an Abbe number of about 30, among the lowest in common use? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: materials).
  • Which lens materials block most ultraviolet light without an added UV coating? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens coatings, Ultraviolet protection. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: coatings).
  • Which part of a spectacle frame joins the end piece to the temple and lets the temple swivel? Wikipedia, Glasses, Frames, Parts. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 1.3 (frame parameters).
  • Why is a scratch-resistant coating typically applied to polycarbonate lenses? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials, Polycarbonate. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain III, item 2.1 (lens availability: coatings).

Instrumentation 15

  • A lens clock is a specialized version of which instrument? Wikipedia, Lens clock, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 2.1 (lens clock).
  • A website measures PD from a photo of the customer's face. What does the customer usually hold up as a size reference? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Measuring pupillary distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 3.4 (digital measurement system).
  • Before an eye examination, what can a lensmeter reading of the patient's current glasses supply? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain I, item 13 (neutralization of lenses).
  • Besides verifying finished eyeglasses, what is a lensmeter used for on uncut lenses? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).
  • Focimeter and vertometer are other names for which instrument? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).
  • For which refractive index is a typical lens clock calibrated? Wikipedia, Lens clock, How it works. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 2.1 (lens clock).
  • How is a monocular PD measured? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Measuring pupillary distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 3.1 (corneal reflex pupilometer).
  • Lens clocks have three pointed probes. Which of them moves? Wikipedia, Lens clock, How it works. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 2.1 (lens clock).
  • On a thin crown glass lens, a lens clock reads +8.00 D on the front surface and -5.00 D on the back. What is the approximate power of the lens? Wikipedia, Lens clock, How it works. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 2.1 (lens clock).
  • What does a corneal reflex instrument sight on to measure pupillary distance? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Measuring pupillary distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 3.1 (corneal reflex pupilometer).
  • What does a lensmeter need in order to verify the power of a contact lens? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).
  • What does a projection lensmeter do away with? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, History. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).
  • What is the small ruler traditionally used to measure pupillary distance called? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Measuring pupillary distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 2.3 (millimeter ruler).
  • Which power does a lensmeter measure on a spectacle lens? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).
  • Which values from a prescription does a lensmeter appraise? Wikipedia, Lensmeter, opening lines. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain IV, item 1 (lens power measuring devices).

Dispensing procedures 20

  • A +4.00 D lens must give 2 prism diopters base in without grinding prism. How should it be decentered? Wikipedia, Prism correction, Prentice's rule. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of optical centers).
  • A 50-year-old asks whether the reading prescription will keep changing. What does MedlinePlus say? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, Presbyopia, Treatment. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 1.1 (lifestyle visual needs of the patient).
  • A bifocal wearer works all day at a monitor placed straight ahead and reports muscle fatigue. Which change eases this? Wikipedia, Bifocals, Problems. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 1.1 (lifestyle visual needs of the patient).
  • A patient's binocular PD is 63 mm and the right monocular PD is 30.5 mm. What is the left monocular PD? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Interpupillary Distance Classifications. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of optical centers).
  • A progressive lens is placed with care relative to which point on the wearer? Wikipedia, Progressive lens, Disadvantages. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of multifocals).
  • A strong prescription is to be made as thin and light as possible. Which frame choice helps most? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Cosmetics and weight. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 1.3 (physical characteristics and frame and lens performance).
  • A wearer with a strong prescription in polycarbonate reports blur and color fringes when looking away from the lens centers. Which change of material addresses this? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Optical quality, Abbe number. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.11 (effects of changes in lens material).
  • Both lenses are -5.00 D. They were made with their optical centers 66 mm apart for a patient whose PD is 62 mm, the error split evenly. What prism does each eye get? Wikipedia, Prism correction, Prentice's rule. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of optical centers).
  • For a wearer of prescription glasses, what does taking monocular PDs help to ensure? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Interpupillary Distance Classifications. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of optical centers).
  • For the thinnest lenses, where should the pupil sit in the chosen frame? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Cosmetics and weight. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.9 (lens parameters: centration).
  • How long can adapting to a first pair of progressive lenses take? Wikipedia, Progressive lens, Adaptation. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.11 (effects of changes in lens design).
  • Near PD is the separation of the visual axes measured at which plane? Wikipedia, Pupillary distance, Interpupillary Distance Classifications. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of optical centers).
  • The reading segment of a bifocal gives a small field of view. What does a new wearer have to learn? Wikipedia, Bifocals, Problems. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.10 (coordination of eye and head movements).
  • What does a shorter vertex distance do for the wearer's view? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Vertex distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.8 (optical effects of tilt, face form and vertex distance).
  • What is the advantage of half-eye readers over full frame readers? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens types, Single vision. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 1.1 (lifestyle visual needs of the patient).
  • What is the average vertex distance of a pair of glasses? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Vertex distance. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.1 (fitting or adjusting of frames: vertex distance).
  • Which frame material is usually used for protective sports eyewear, because it is light and flexible? Wikipedia, Glasses, Types, Safety. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.6 (properties and handling of frame materials).
  • Which lens material is used in sports glasses and in glasses for children and teenagers because it is shatter resistant? Wikipedia, Corrective lens, Lens materials, Polycarbonate. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 1.1 (lifestyle visual needs of the patient).
  • Which problem can a wrongly specified fitting location cause in progressive lenses? Wikipedia, Progressive lens, Disadvantages. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.2 (positioning of multifocals).
  • Which risk do bifocals carry for some wearers? Wikipedia, Bifocals, Problems. Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain V, item 2.3 (differences between new and previous eyewear).

Laws, regulations and standards 10

  • For how long must records of the sale or distribution of impact-resistant lenses be kept under FDA's rule? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (laws, regulations and standards: FDA).
  • How does FDA's rule have plastic prescription lenses tested for impact resistance? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (laws, regulations and standards: FDA).
  • In FDA's impact test for eyeglass lenses, from what height is the steel ball dropped? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (laws, regulations and standards: FDA).
  • In OSHA's bloodborne pathogens rule, what does the concept of Universal Precautions require? 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 3 (universal precautions).
  • May an eye doctor make an eye examination available only to patients who agree to buy their glasses from the office? 16 CFR Part 456, Ophthalmic Practice Rules (FTC Eyeglass Rule). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (applicable national guidelines, laws and regulations).
  • Under FDA's rule, when may eyeglasses be fitted with lenses that are not impact resistant? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 1 (product performance and limitations).
  • Under OSHA's eye and face protection rule, what must eye protection provide when there is a hazard from flying objects? 29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and face protection (OSHA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (applicable national guidelines, laws and regulations: OSHA).
  • Under the FTC's Eyeglass Rule, must the patient ask before the prescriber hands over a copy of the prescription? 16 CFR Part 456, Ophthalmic Practice Rules (FTC Eyeglass Rule). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (applicable national guidelines, laws and regulations).
  • Under the HIPAA privacy rule, how much protected health information should an office use or disclose for a task? 45 CFR 164.502, Uses and disclosures of protected health information (HIPAA Privacy Rule). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (applicable national guidelines, laws and regulations: HIPAA).
  • Which consensus standard does OSHA's rule name for protective eye and face devices? 29 CFR 1910.133, Eye and face protection (OSHA). Outline: ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook (February 2025), NOCE Domain VI, item 2 (applicable national guidelines, laws and regulations: OSHA, ANSI).

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test specifications of the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) in the ABO-NCLE Basic Examination Handbook, February 2025 (https://www.abo-ncle.org/common/Uploaded%20files/Documents/Exam%20Handbooks%20Feb%2025/ABO-NCLE%20Basic%20Exam%20Handbook%20February%202025.pdf, linked from https://www.abo-ncle.org/ABONCLE/ABONCLE/Exams/ABO-NCLE-Exams/ABO-NCLE-Basic-Exam.aspx, read 2026-10-12): 100 questions in six domains (Ophthalmic Optics 25; Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Refraction 10; Ophthalmic Products 20; Instrumentation 15; Dispensing Procedures 20; Laws, Regulations, and Standards 10). The bank holds the same numbers. Every fact was read on 2026-10-12 in the public source its question names: Wikipedia's articles on spectacle optics, lenses, instruments and the eye, the National Eye Institute, the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia and federal regulations on ecfr.gov. Every computed answer is worked out again. No tolerance table of a private standard is used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This ABO certification practice test has 100 sample questions of our own for the basic optician exam, the National Opticianry Competency Examination. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners.

Read the full guide

What the exam covers

The Basic Examination Handbook of February 2025, read October 12, 2026, splits 100 questions over six domains: ophthalmic optics 25; anatomy, pathology and refraction 10; ophthalmic products 20; instrumentation 15; dispensing procedures 20; laws, regulations and standards 10. This bank holds the same numbers.

Timing

Exam mode asks all 100 in 96 minutes, the pace of the real exam's 125 questions in two hours.

Where the answers come from

Optics answers show their working and were worked out again. The rest name the public page they were read in: the National Eye Institute, MedlinePlus, federal regulations and Wikipedia's optics articles. Not asked here: lens tolerance tables of private standards, frame adjustment with hand tools and frame measurements by the boxing system.

  • Optics is a quarter of the outline. Practice transposition, Prentice's rule and vertex compensation until each is routine.
  • The handbook says an on-screen scientific calculator can be used during the exam, so work the sums here with a calculator too.

Questions and answers

Is this a free optician practice test?

Yes, with no sign-up. It works as an optician study guide too: every question is filed under one of the six domains and names the item of the outline it sits on, so a missed question shows which part to study next.

How many questions are on the ABO exam?

125 multiple-choice questions in two hours, by the handbook of February 2025. A portion may be unscored questions being tried out for future exams; the test specifications list 100 questions across the six domains.

What score do you need to pass the ABO exam?

The handbook gives no percent. The exam is criterion-referenced: a panel sets a minimum passing score by the Modified Angoff method. A result here is the number right and predicts nothing about the real exam.

Is the ABO exam an optician license test?

It is a national certification. If you are taking it for a state license, the exam's owner says to verify the requirements with your state licensing board before you register, because each state has its own regulations.

Is this an ABO-NCLE practice test for the contact lens exam too?

No. These questions follow the spectacle exam, the NOCE. The contact lens exam, the Contact Lens Registry Examination, has its own outline of eight domains in the same handbook and is not covered here.

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