Servicemembers and military spouses have two pathways to becoming a licensed optometrist in the state of North Carolina:
Permanent licensure for service members, military spouses, and veterans (G.S. 93B-15.1); or
Licensure under federal portability for service members and military spouses relocating due to military orders (50 U.S.C. § 4025a)
Applicants who receive licensure pursuant to 50 U.S.C. § 4025a are eligible to practice in North Carolina with full state scope of practice, provided they maintain their out-of-state license in good standing. Applicants who receive a permanent license pursuant to G.S. 93B-15.1 remain eligible to practice and renew that license even if they are no longer in North Carolina pursuant to military orders.
This licensure pathway may apply to:
Active Duty Personnel
Active Duty Spouses
Veterans
Veterans: Send DD214 prior to application submission.
The application requires specific documentation, including:
Proof of military status
Marriage license, for spouses only
Educational credentials
NBEO examination scores, including ISE passing score, except as noted below
Verification of other state licenses
Three letters of recommendation
Documentation showing active practice or recent experience for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application, as applicable under G.S. 93B-15.1
For military-trained applicants, G.S. 93B-15.1(a)(2) requires that the applicant has “engaged in the active practice of the occupation” for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application.
For military spouses, G.S. 93B-15.1(b)(2) allows the Board to determine competency through methods such as continuing education or “recent experience” for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application.
None.
There are two ways to become licensed under this statute:
1. Substantial Equivalency Review
Under G.S. 93B-15.1(a), the Board determines whether the military applicant:
Completed testing or equivalent training and experience;
Performed in the occupational specialty;
Engaged in active practice of the occupation for at least two of the five years preceding the date of application; and
Practiced at a level that is substantially equivalent to or exceeds the requirements for licensure in North Carolina.
If the Board determines that the applicant meets these requirements, the license will be issued.
ISE score not required under this pathway.
2. Clinical Competency Interview
If the determination under the substantial equivalency review is negative, the applicant must successfully complete a Clinical Competency Interview, which is approximately one hour.
Authority: G.S. 93B-15.1(a2)(2)
Licensure is issued for the North Carolina scope of practice.
The license follows the standard annual renewal cycle of the Board.
The license remains active at the end of the military orders, subject to the Board’s standard renewal requirements.
Eligibility:
Active duty service members or spouses of active duty service members who possess a “covered license” [as defined by 50 U.S.C. § 4025a(a)] and who relocate to North Carolina for military service due to military orders.
Application Process: Requires:
Copy of military orders
Marriage License (for spouses only)
Evidence of good standing with the licensing authority that issued the covered license and with any other authority that issued a license at a similar scope of practice
Notarized affidavit attesting to the items listed in 50 USC§ 4025a(c)(3), which include that the applicant has read and understands the Board’s requirements to receive a license and the scope of practice, that the applicant is in good standing in all States in which the applicant holds or has held a license, and that all statements made in the application are true, correct, and complete.
The Board reserves the right to require a background check as part of the application process, in accordance with 50 U.S.C. § 4025a(d)
Fees: None
Exam Type: None
License Type:
The license issued under this provision grants full North Carolina scope of practice and is equivalent to a standard license issued by the Board.
The license remains valid only while the covered license is maintained in good standing.
By accepting a license under 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, the servicemember or spouse submits to the authority of the Board, including standards of practice, discipline, and continuing education requirements.
Renewal: Follows the standard annual renewal cycle of the NCSBEO. Continued licensure requires verification that the covered license remains in good standing.
Continuity: The license remains valid as long as the out-of-state license is maintained. The license is no longer tied solely to the duration of military orders.
Scope of Practice:
Both pathways result in licensure with full North Carolina scope of practice. Licensure under G.S. 93B-15.1 is permanent and unrestricted. Licensure under 50 U.S.C. § 4025a remains valid only while the original license remains in good standing.
Urgency and Flexibility:
The 50 U.S.C. § 4025a pathway may be quicker and more flexible for those recently relocated and needing to practice immediately.
Long-Term Career Plans:
If North Carolina is a servicemember's or spouse's intended long-term home, permanent licensure under G.S. 93B-15.1 may offer greater long-term benefit and flexibility.
To apply, request a military application via email to Samantha at Samantha@ncoptometry.org.
Direct any questions to Samantha at Samantha@ncoptometry.org.