NBEO Part II- What to Expect on Test Day

With NBEO Part II coming up this week, we want to ensure that you are completely prepared for what to expect during the PAM (Patient Assessment and Management) examination so that you show up with everything you need, understand the process, and feel comfortable with how the day will proceed. We don't want any surprises come NBEO test day that can throw you off your game! 

Where/When to Report

All candidates will receive a verification email from Pearson VUE indicating the date, time, and location of their examination. The Part II exam is offered to each student on one of two dates, either December 6th, 2016 or December 8th, 2016. The starting time for the exam will vary depending on the appointment you have scheduled with Pearson VUE. Each candidate should arrive to the exam center 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to allow adequate time for the check-in procedures. 

Admissions

To be admitted to the test center, candidates will be required to show two valid forms of personal identification. In order to be considered valid, the IDs must exactly match the name used to register for the exam. Both forms of identification must contain your signature and must be current (not expired). At least one form must be a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, a passport, or a military ID). The other ID may be a student identification card, a credit or debit card, or any other card that has your name and signature.

If you do not present proper identification, you may be denied admission to the exam and you will not be eligible for a refund of the exam fee. 

Electronic Materials

• Calculators are neither required nor permitted for the Part II examinations. 
• No watches will be permitted in the examination rooms. It is suggested that watches not be brought to the testing center to avoid loss or theft. Large wall clocks will be provided within view of the candidates that that they are able to time their exam progress. 
• Cell phones are also not permitted in examination rooms. Candidates are advised not to bring cell phones to the venues to avoid loss or theft. 
• There will be lockers provided to store any personal belongings that must be taken to the site. 
• No other electronic devices of any kind are permitted in exam rooms, except for those necessary to assist disabled candidates. Any assistive devices that are deemed necessary must be approved by the NBEO prior to the testing date. 
• Non-compliance with any aspect of these policies will be reported to the National Board and may be subject to the consequences associated with cheating (including withholding of scores and various legal consequences). 

Breaks

• The Part II (PAM) exam consists of two, 3 and 1/2 hour sessions (each session consisting of 175 items).
• There is a mandatory break between the sessions. Candidates may take up to 45 minutes and may choose to take a shorter break. Following this break, candidates are not permitted to return to Session 1. 
• Food and drink are not permitted in the exam room, but may be consumed during the breaks.
• Candidates with special dietary/nutritional needs relating to a medical condition should make prior arrangements with the National Board prior to the testing date. 
• Candidates are allowed restroom breaks during the examination although no additional testing time is allotted. If you need a break, raise your hand and a proctor will escort you out of the testing room.

Test Critique Form

Each candidate will have the opportunity to comment on any part of the examination that they feel is necessary. A “Comment” button can be found on every screen in case you have a critique regarding a case, a question, an answer option, or an image. Once the comment button is pressed, a box will open which provides space for typing. All comments will be returned to the National Board office and sent to the members of the Examination Development Council for review. Additionally, upon completion of Session 2, more space is provided to inform the NBEO staff of an unusual occurrences during the computer administration of the examination. 

Scores

Scores will be available for Candidates to view no later than January 26, 2017. Once scores are released and available to be viewed online (https://www.optometry.org/scores/), the NBEO will immediately post an announcement on their homepage (http://www.optometry.org/) under “News and Notes.” Scores will not be available until this announcement is made.

If you wish to have further information or clarification on any of these points, please refer to the NBEO website www.optometry.org. 

-Dr. Dexter

Are you prepared?  Are you worried?