BOARD RULE
21 NCAC 42B .0113 REEXAMINATION
(a) A completed application, except for school transcripts, birth certificate, and National Board scores, is required in case of reexamination. The completed application, accompanied by the proper fee, must be received in the Board office 60 days prior to the examination date.
(b) Any applicant who has failed the clinical practicum examination three times after the effective date of this Rule shall be deemed ineligible to apply for reexamination until he successfully completes an additional course of study in clinical optometry encompassing at least one academic year, such course to be approved by the Board. Such applicant shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Board of the additional study at the time he makes an application for reexamination.
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Third-Time Failure Request Process for Reexamination
In following Board Rule 21 NCAC 42B .0113 REEXAMINATION, a candidate with three unsuccessful attempts at passing the North Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry’s (NCSBEO) Clinical Practicum Examination must submit a written request to the Board indicating his or her intent to pursue a course of study consistent with the Rule to be granted a fourth attempt at passing the Board’s licensing examination. Consistent with the Board Rule, before the Board would grant such a request, the candidate must “complete an additional course of study in clinical optometry encompassing at least one academic year, such a course to be approved by the Board.” This will be considered the candidate's “Remediation Plan”.
Also, the candidate must have a sponsor who will assist the candidate, working with the Board to create a Remediation Plan and support the candidate in preparing for reexamination if the candidate’s request is granted. The sponsor must be a North Carolina licensed optometrist that the Board would approve. Active clinical examiners and sitting Board members cannot serve as a sponsor. The remediation plan must include:
significant clinical exposure in a medically oriented practice environment,
directed continuing education based on the candidate’s past examination weaknesses,
clinical scenario case challenge exercises using the Board’s Examination Study Guide
The above hopefully leads to a level of competency where the candidate is likely to be successful upon reexamination. The sponsor will provide periodic feedback to the Board on the candidate's progress. The Remediation Plan must be appropriately robust based on the candidate’s exam performance history and particular circumstances.
Steps to Seek Reexamination Following Three Failures on Board’s Clinical Practicum Examination
Candidate submits a written request to the Board to seek reexamination for a fourth attempt.
Candidate identifies a sponsor and the Board approves the sponsor (the Board can provide a list of potential sponsors but it is up to the candidate to make contact and arrangement with that sponsor)
Candidate develops a Remediation Plan with assistance from the sponsor and Board, demonstrating they have an arrangement made to work as an Intern (Intern Permit) in a medically oriented clinic
The Board approves the Remediation Plan as written or with modifications
The Board receives periodic feedback from the sponsor on candidates' progress - The Remediation Plan can be modified based on this feedback from the sponsor.
When the Remediation Plan has been completed, the candidate’s sponsor will advise the Board if he or she supports or doesn’t support the candidate's reexamination request.
The Board reviews all information and can approve or disapprove the candidate’s request.
The Board will allow the candidate to register for the next examination if approved.
If disapproved, the disapproval would likely be based on evidence suggesting the candidate has not reached the level where passage of the examination is likely. If the candidate still wants to pursue their request, the Board can offer to extend and possibly modify the Remediation Plan.
Approval of a candidate’s Remediation Plan and completion of this Plan does not guarantee that the Board will grant the candidate’s reexamination request.
Approval of reexamination request does not guarantee passage of the Board’s Clinical Practicum Examination
Approved 11/02/2023
Amended 09/25/2025