Yes for the written exams. ABO-NCLE’s handbook lists the ABO Basic (NOCE), NCLE Basic (CLRE), their Spanish versions and the two Advanced exams as available through Prometric’s ProProctor remote proctoring. The ABO and NCLE Practical exams must be taken at a Prometric test center. If you need the exam for a state license, confirm with your state board that a remotely proctored exam counts before you book.
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Which ABO-NCLE exams can be taken remotely
| Exam | Test center | Remote (ProProctor) |
|---|---|---|
| ABO Basic (NOCE), English or Spanish | Yes | Yes |
| NCLE Basic (CLRE), English or Spanish | Yes | Yes |
| ABO Advanced (ABOAC) | Yes | Yes |
| NCLE Advanced (NCLAC) | Yes | Yes |
| ABO Practical (ABOP) | Yes | No |
| NCLE Practical (NCLEP) | Yes | No |
Remote or not, the Basic exam is the same: 125 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours, with a built-in scientific calculator. You register and pay on ABO-NCLE’s site first, then pick remote when you schedule (registration steps).
Check your state first
ABO-NCLE’s handbook says to ask your state board whether a remotely proctored exam is approved for licensing before you schedule one. If you only want the national certification, this doesn’t apply. If you need the result for a license, ask the board directly and keep the answer in writing. See our state license guide for board contacts.
Computer and room setup
- A computer with a working camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection.
- The ability to install Prometric’s lightweight ProProctor app before the exam.
- Run Prometric’s compatibility check and read the ProProctor user guide (ABO-NCLE links both from the handbook) well before test day.
- If something fails at launch, ABO-NCLE points you to its remote-testing FAQ and the live tech support chat in ProProctor.
Practical tips: use a computer you are allowed to install software on (a locked-down work computer may block it), plug in the power and pick a quiet, private room where nobody will walk in.
Remote exam rules
- Whiteboard, not paper: you may use your own whiteboard, white and at most 8½ × 11 inches, with no more than three dry-erase markers and an eraser. Erase it all at the end. The proctor checks.
- Breaks: a restroom break is allowed, but the timer keeps running. ABO-NCLE reviews the session, and suspicious activity can reverse your result.
- Closed book: the same rules as a test center apply. No notes, phones, other devices or help from anyone.
- ID: have a current government photo ID ready, in the name you registered under.
Remote or test center?
Remote can make sense if:
- the nearest test center is far away
- you have a quiet room and a computer you control
- your state accepts it, or you don’t need it for a license
A test center may suit you better if:
- your internet or home setup is unreliable
- you prefer scratch materials the center provides
- you need the practical exam, which is test-center only
Either way, see our exam-day walkthrough.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ABO exam available online?
Yes. ABO-NCLE’s handbook lists the ABO Basic (NOCE), in English and Spanish, and the ABO Advanced exam as available by ProProctor remote proctoring, as well as at Prometric test centers.
Can I take the ABO or NCLE practical exam remotely?
No. The handbook says the ABO Practical (ABOP) and NCLE Practical (NCLEP) must be taken at a Prometric test center.
What do I need for a remote ABO or NCLE exam?
A webcam- and mic-equipped computer on a solid internet connection that can install Prometric’s ProProctor app. ABO-NCLE recommends running Prometric’s system check and reading the ProProctor user guide before you schedule.
Can I use scratch paper on a remote ABO exam?
Not paper. The handbook allows your own whiteboard: white, no larger than 8½ × 11 inches, with no more than three dry-erase markers and an eraser. You must erase it at the end, and the proctor checks.
Does my state accept a remotely proctored ABO exam?
It depends on the state. ABO-NCLE tells candidates to confirm with their state licensing board that a remotely proctored exam is approved for licensing before they schedule one.
Sources: ABO-NCLE Exam Handbooks page: Basic Exam Handbook (October 2026 edition, linked from the Oct–Dec 2026 registration pages) (opens in a new tab) ; ABO-NCLE — Opticianry Licensing Boards directory (opens in a new tab)
Official sources
- ABO-NCLE Exam Handbooks page: Basic Exam Handbook (October 2026 edition, linked from the Oct–Dec 2026 registration pages) (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — Basic Exam overview (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — Opticianry Licensing Boards directory (opens in a new tab)
- Prometric — ABO-NCLE exam listing (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed . Requirements, fees, and dates change — always confirm with the official source before you register or apply. ABO-NCLE and IJCAHPO are the only authorities for their own exam facts, so those facts rest on a single source.