Student Candidacy Program Overview

Application for student candidacy is open to all second semester third-year students and fourth-year students attending an ACOE-accredited school or college of optometry.

Step 1

• Complete online application and submit $25 student application fee (standard fee is $300).
• The following information will be required:
  • Demographic information including name, address, phone number, email, alternate email, student status and birthdate
  • School information and anticipated graduation date.
• Attest to the information provided and acknowledge that if student candidacy is granted, program requirements must be completed and submitted for Active Candidate status within six months of graduation.

Step 2

• The American Board of Optometry will review all information for eligibility. Approval typically takes 7-10 business days. An email notification will be sent when Student Candidate status is granted.
• Student candidate will complete a minimum of 6 out of 10 learning modules during their remaining time in optometry school.
  • Modules can be taken at the student’s discretion, through ABO’s online Learning Builder portal.
  • Each module covers a distinct topic domain, with reference materials provided.
  • Modules are 25 questions in length and are not graded.
  • Each completed module earns the student candidate 3 CE points toward board certification exam eligibility.

Step 3

• Student candidate may submit for Active Candidate status when the following requirements are met.
  • Graduation has been completed and degree confirmation is available
  • License to practice has been obtained in at least one state.
  • At least 6 modules have been completed in the student candidate’s Learning Builder portal.
• Submission for Active Candidate status must be made within 6 months of graduation date.
• Student candidates who do not submit for Active Candidate status within 6 months of graduation will have their applications expired. Expired applicants will lose any CE points earned as a student candidate and will need to pay the standard application fee if reapplying in the future.
• Verification of completed requirements typically takes 7-10 business days. An email notification will be sent when Active Candidate status is granted.

Step 4

• Once Active Candidate status is obtained, the remaining 150 qualifying points must be met to sit for the board certification exam.
• For more information on meeting Active Candidate requirements and taking the board certification exam, please visit our Certification Process page. Active Candidates entering through the Student Candidate program will skip to Step 3.