How Hard is the ABO & NCLE Exam? Pass Rates & Difficulty
An honest look at what makes these exams challenging and how to prepare for success.
The Bottom Line
The ABO and NCLE exams are moderately difficult professional certification tests. They're passable with dedicated preparation, but they're not easy—roughly 1 in 3 first-time test-takers don't pass. Success requires genuine study, not just showing up with work experience.
ABO & NCLE Pass Rates
While ABO-NCLE doesn't officially publish pass rates, industry surveys and anecdotal data suggest:
ABO Exam
First-time pass rate
Retake pass rate is higher (~80%) as candidates learn what to focus on.
NCLE Exam
First-time pass rate
Slightly higher than ABO, but still requires serious preparation.
Reality check: These rates mean that even with dedicated study, about 30% of prepared candidates don't pass on their first attempt. Don't underestimate these exams.
What Makes the ABO Exam Challenging?
Math-Heavy Content (~30%)
Optics calculations including Prentice's Rule, transposition, vertex distance, and prism. Many candidates struggle with the math portions.
Breadth of Knowledge
Covers lens types, materials, coatings, frames, measurements, fitting, troubleshooting—a lot to master across many topics.
Progressive Lens Questions
Fitting heights, corridor lengths, troubleshooting—PAL questions trip up many test-takers.
Material Properties
Knowing index of refraction, Abbe values, impact resistance, and when to use each material.
What Makes the NCLE Exam Challenging?
Specialized Knowledge
Deep understanding of contact lens materials, parameters, and fitting principles required.
Toric Lens Calculations
LARS rule, axis adjustment, rotation compensation—requires practice to master.
Complications & Troubleshooting
Must recognize complications, know when to refer, and understand causes.
Care System Knowledge
Different solutions, compatibility issues, and patient education requirements.
ABO vs. NCLE: Which is Harder?
It Depends on Your Background
ABO feels harder if:
- • You struggle with math
- • You have more contact lens experience than spectacle experience
- • You find memorizing material properties difficult
NCLE feels harder if:
- • You have limited contact lens fitting experience
- • Memorizing parameters and materials is challenging
- • You're less familiar with corneal anatomy
General consensus: The ABO is often considered slightly more difficult due to the math component, but both exams require serious preparation. Most opticians take the ABO first and build on that foundation for the NCLE.
Common Reasons People Fail
Relying Only on Work Experience
Work teaches you practical skills, but exams test theoretical knowledge that you may not encounter daily.
Not Enough Practice Questions
Reading material isn't enough—you need to practice applying knowledge under test-like conditions.
Weak on Math/Calculations
Skipping or under-preparing for math sections is a common mistake. These questions are worth significant points.
Underestimating the Exam
Waiting until the last minute to study or thinking "it can't be that hard" leads to failure.
Poor Time Management on Test Day
Spending too long on difficult questions and running out of time for questions you could answer.
How to Prepare for Success
Start Early (8-12 weeks)
Give yourself enough time to cover all material without cramming.
Use Structured Study Materials
A good course or study guide ensures you cover all exam topics systematically.
Master the Math
Practice Prentice's Rule, transposition, and other calculations until they're automatic.
Take Practice Tests
Simulate exam conditions. Time yourself. Review every wrong answer.
Focus on Weak Areas
Don't just review what you already know—spend extra time on challenging topics.
The Good News
These exams are very passable with proper preparation. Thousands of opticians pass every year. The candidates who fail are typically those who didn't take preparation seriously. If you follow a structured study plan and put in the work, you can absolutely pass on your first attempt.
Prepare to Pass
Our comprehensive course covers every ABO & NCLE topic with interactive lessons and 500+ practice questions to ensure you're ready on exam day.
Start Free ChapterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the pass rate for the ABO exam?
The ABO exam has an approximate 65-70% first-time pass rate. This means about 1 in 3 test-takers don't pass on their first attempt, making proper preparation essential.
Is the NCLE harder than the ABO?
They're different rather than one being harder. The NCLE is more specialized with a focus on contact lenses, while the ABO covers broader spectacle topics with more math. Many find the ABO more challenging due to optics calculations.
How long should I study for the ABO exam?
Most successful candidates study for 8-12 weeks, dedicating 1-2 hours per day. Those with optical work experience may need less time, while complete beginners may need more.
Can I take both exams on the same day?
Yes, you can schedule both the ABO and NCLE on the same day if you feel prepared. Each exam is 3 hours, so plan for a long day. Many prefer to take them separately to focus their preparation.