Revised January 2023
The Board Eligibility Policy requires successful completion of American Board of Ophthalmology certification requirements (both written and oral examinations) within seven (7) years of residency graduation.
During the seven-year Board Eligibility period, candidates may refer to themselves as “Board Eligible” and may:
- Sit for the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) each time it is offered until successful;
- Sit for the Oral Examination, after successful completion of the WQE.
Extensions of the seven-year eligibility period may be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be granted for extenuating circumstances, for example, to accommodate a candidate’s significant health problem.
Grace Period: January 2023 – December 2025
As of January 1, 2023, individuals who are no longer Board Eligible will have up to three years in which to obtain Board Certification contingent upon passing the Written Qualifying Examination in 2023 or 2024 and/or the oral examination by the 2025 exam administration(s).
2023 and 2024:
- Individuals who need the WQE:
- must register for and pass the 2023 or 2024 WQE to be able to pursue Board Certification
- Individuals who do not register for, do not take, or fail the 2024 WQE can no longer pursue Board Certification.
- Individuals who need the Oral Exam: can register for and take the 2023 and 2024 oral exams.
2025:
- Individuals who need the Oral Exam:
- can register for and take the 2025 oral exam(s)
- Individuals who do not register for the 2025 oral exam, do not take, or fail can no longer pursue Board Certification.
During the three-year grace period, individuals who choose to continue to pursue Board Certification may not refer to themselves as “Board Eligible” and can:
- Sit for the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) in 2023 and/or 2024;
- Sit for the Oral Examination, after successful completion of the WQE through 2025.
Non-Board Eligible candidates will not receive refunds for cancelled or no-show examinations.
