CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAM — 2026/2027
CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAMINATION
2026/2027 — 75 Questions — California State Board of Optometry
Jurisprudence Assessment for Optometric Licensure in California
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. A passing score of 75% (56/75) is required.
Total testing time: approximately 2–2.5 hours. This exam covers the California Business and Professions
Code Chapter 6, Title 16 Division 13.1, and recent 2025-2026 legislative updates.
Domain Questions Points
I. B&P Code Chapter 6 6 6
II. CCR Title 16, Div 13.1 6 6
III. Scope of Practice 6 6
IV. Prescriptive Authority & TPA 6 6
V. License Application & Renewal 6 6
VI. Professional Conduct 6 6
VII. Advertising & Business Practice 6 6
VIII. Patient Records & Privacy 6 6
IX. Infection Control & OSHA 5 5
X. Referral & Fee-Splitting 5 5
XI. Telehealth Regulations 5 5
XII. Recent Legislative Updates 6 6
XIII. Scenario-Based Decision-Making 6 6
TOTAL 75 75
SECTION I: CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE — CHAPTER 6
1. Under California Business and Professions Code §3000, which of the following best defines
the practice of optometry in California?
A. The examination, diagnosis, and treatment of all diseases and disorders of the human visual system
B. The examination of the human eye and its appendages, measurement of refractive
errors, and the employment of any means for the purpose of examining, diagnosing, or
treating visual defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye
C. The performance of ophthalmic surgery, including laser procedures, on the human eye and its
appendages
D. The prescribing and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other ophthalmic devices without
restriction
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3000 defines optometry as the employment of any means for the purpose of examining, diagnosing,
or treating visual defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its appendages, including the
adaptation of lenses or prisms. It does not authorize surgery.
2. According to California B&P §3041, what are the educational requirements for initial
licensure as an optometrist in California?
A. Completion of a two-year optometric technician program accredited by the AOA
1
, CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAM — 2026/2027
B. A doctorate degree in optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by
the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
C. A medical degree (MD) with a residency in ophthalmology
D. A bachelor's degree in a biological science plus completion of a one-year clinical internship
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3041 requires that an applicant for optometric licensure possess a doctor of optometry degree from a
school or college of optometry approved by the board. The program must be accredited by the
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) or equivalent.
3. Under B&P §3004, which of the following constitutes unprofessional conduct for a
California-licensed optometrist?
A. Advertising professional services in a local newspaper
B. Practicing optometry while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance
C. Referring a patient to an ophthalmologist for surgical consultation
D. Employing a licensed optician to assist with dispensing eyeglasses
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3004 lists unprofessional conduct grounds including practicing while under the influence of alcohol
or any controlled substance. The statute also covers fraud, gross negligence, conviction of a substantially
related crime, and other enumerated acts.
4. What penalty does B&P §3010 authorize the California State Board of Optometry to impose
on a licensee found guilty of unprofessional conduct?
A. Only a written warning with no further action permitted
B. Suspension or revocation of the license, or placement on probation with terms and
conditions
C. A mandatory fine not exceeding $100
D. Automatic referral to the California Medical Board for co-licensure review
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3010 authorizes the Board to revoke or suspend any license, or to deny the renewal thereof, and may
impose probation with terms and conditions as it deems appropriate for rehabilitation and protection of
the public.
5. Under B&P §3078, what is the maximum civil penalty the Board may assess per violation
under its Citation and Fine program?
A. $500 per violation
B. $2,500 per violation, not to exceed $10,000 for related acts
C. $5,000 per violation
D. $10,000 per violation with no aggregate maximum
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3078 allows the Board to issue citations carrying a penalty of up to $2,500 per violation. If multiple
violations arise from the same act or omission, the total may not exceed $10,000. This provides an
alternative to formal disciplinary proceedings.
6. Under B&P §3015, what must an optometrist who has been convicted of a crime notify the
Board of?
A. Only felony convictions within California
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, CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAM — 2026/2027
B. Any conviction, regardless of jurisdiction, within 30 days of the conviction
C. Only convictions directly related to optometric practice
D. Only misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3015 requires every licensee to report to the Board, in writing, within 30 days of the occurrence, any
conviction of any crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, in any jurisdiction. Failure to report is itself
grounds for disciplinary action.
SECTION II: CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS — TITLE 16, DIVISION 13.1
7. Under Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1522, what must an applicant for
optometric licensure submit as part of the application process?
A. A letter of recommendation from two practicing ophthalmologists
B. A completed application form, required fees, official transcripts, and passage of the
NBEO examinations
C. Proof of completion of at least 5,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in California
D. A portfolio of research publications in peer-reviewed optometry journals
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1522 outlines the application requirements including a completed application form, required fees,
official transcripts from the optometry school, and evidence of passage of all parts of the National Board of
Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
8. According to CCR §1524, which National Board examination parts must an applicant pass
before the California Board will grant licensure?
A. Only Part I (Applied Basic Science) of the NBEO
B. Parts I, II, and III (Applied Basic Science, Patient Assessment and Management, and
Clinical Skills) of the NBEO
C. Only Part III (Clinical Skills) of the NBEO
D. All four parts of the NBEO including the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD)
specialty exam
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1524 requires passage of NBEO Parts I, II, and III. California also requires passage of the California
Laws and Regulations Examination (CLRE) and the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
(TMOD) examination for therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certification.
9. Under CCR §1535, what are the supervision requirements for an unlicensed optometric
assistant working under the direction of a licensed optometrist?
A. No supervision is required; assistants may work independently after onboarding
B. All patient care activities must be performed under the direct, personal supervision of
the licensed optometrist who remains on the premises
C. Unlicensed assistants may perform refractions independently if they have completed a two-year
training program
D. Supervision is only required for procedures involving diagnostic pharmaceutical agents
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1535 requires that unlicensed personnel performing optometric tasks must do so under the direct
supervision of a licensed optometrist who is personally present and available on the premises. Unlicensed
personnel may not independently perform any act constituting the practice of optometry.
3
CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAMINATION
2026/2027 — 75 Questions — California State Board of Optometry
Jurisprudence Assessment for Optometric Licensure in California
Instructions: Select the single best answer for each question. A passing score of 75% (56/75) is required.
Total testing time: approximately 2–2.5 hours. This exam covers the California Business and Professions
Code Chapter 6, Title 16 Division 13.1, and recent 2025-2026 legislative updates.
Domain Questions Points
I. B&P Code Chapter 6 6 6
II. CCR Title 16, Div 13.1 6 6
III. Scope of Practice 6 6
IV. Prescriptive Authority & TPA 6 6
V. License Application & Renewal 6 6
VI. Professional Conduct 6 6
VII. Advertising & Business Practice 6 6
VIII. Patient Records & Privacy 6 6
IX. Infection Control & OSHA 5 5
X. Referral & Fee-Splitting 5 5
XI. Telehealth Regulations 5 5
XII. Recent Legislative Updates 6 6
XIII. Scenario-Based Decision-Making 6 6
TOTAL 75 75
SECTION I: CALIFORNIA BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE — CHAPTER 6
1. Under California Business and Professions Code §3000, which of the following best defines
the practice of optometry in California?
A. The examination, diagnosis, and treatment of all diseases and disorders of the human visual system
B. The examination of the human eye and its appendages, measurement of refractive
errors, and the employment of any means for the purpose of examining, diagnosing, or
treating visual defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye
C. The performance of ophthalmic surgery, including laser procedures, on the human eye and its
appendages
D. The prescribing and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other ophthalmic devices without
restriction
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3000 defines optometry as the employment of any means for the purpose of examining, diagnosing,
or treating visual defects or abnormal conditions of the human eye and its appendages, including the
adaptation of lenses or prisms. It does not authorize surgery.
2. According to California B&P §3041, what are the educational requirements for initial
licensure as an optometrist in California?
A. Completion of a two-year optometric technician program accredited by the AOA
1
, CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAM — 2026/2027
B. A doctorate degree in optometry from a school or college of optometry accredited by
the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)
C. A medical degree (MD) with a residency in ophthalmology
D. A bachelor's degree in a biological science plus completion of a one-year clinical internship
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3041 requires that an applicant for optometric licensure possess a doctor of optometry degree from a
school or college of optometry approved by the board. The program must be accredited by the
Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) or equivalent.
3. Under B&P §3004, which of the following constitutes unprofessional conduct for a
California-licensed optometrist?
A. Advertising professional services in a local newspaper
B. Practicing optometry while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance
C. Referring a patient to an ophthalmologist for surgical consultation
D. Employing a licensed optician to assist with dispensing eyeglasses
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3004 lists unprofessional conduct grounds including practicing while under the influence of alcohol
or any controlled substance. The statute also covers fraud, gross negligence, conviction of a substantially
related crime, and other enumerated acts.
4. What penalty does B&P §3010 authorize the California State Board of Optometry to impose
on a licensee found guilty of unprofessional conduct?
A. Only a written warning with no further action permitted
B. Suspension or revocation of the license, or placement on probation with terms and
conditions
C. A mandatory fine not exceeding $100
D. Automatic referral to the California Medical Board for co-licensure review
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3010 authorizes the Board to revoke or suspend any license, or to deny the renewal thereof, and may
impose probation with terms and conditions as it deems appropriate for rehabilitation and protection of
the public.
5. Under B&P §3078, what is the maximum civil penalty the Board may assess per violation
under its Citation and Fine program?
A. $500 per violation
B. $2,500 per violation, not to exceed $10,000 for related acts
C. $5,000 per violation
D. $10,000 per violation with no aggregate maximum
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3078 allows the Board to issue citations carrying a penalty of up to $2,500 per violation. If multiple
violations arise from the same act or omission, the total may not exceed $10,000. This provides an
alternative to formal disciplinary proceedings.
6. Under B&P §3015, what must an optometrist who has been convicted of a crime notify the
Board of?
A. Only felony convictions within California
2
, CALIFORNIA OPTOMETRY LAWS AND REGULATIONS EXAM — 2026/2027
B. Any conviction, regardless of jurisdiction, within 30 days of the conviction
C. Only convictions directly related to optometric practice
D. Only misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude
Correct Answer: B
B&P §3015 requires every licensee to report to the Board, in writing, within 30 days of the occurrence, any
conviction of any crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, in any jurisdiction. Failure to report is itself
grounds for disciplinary action.
SECTION II: CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS — TITLE 16, DIVISION 13.1
7. Under Title 16, California Code of Regulations, Section 1522, what must an applicant for
optometric licensure submit as part of the application process?
A. A letter of recommendation from two practicing ophthalmologists
B. A completed application form, required fees, official transcripts, and passage of the
NBEO examinations
C. Proof of completion of at least 5,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in California
D. A portfolio of research publications in peer-reviewed optometry journals
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1522 outlines the application requirements including a completed application form, required fees,
official transcripts from the optometry school, and evidence of passage of all parts of the National Board of
Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations.
8. According to CCR §1524, which National Board examination parts must an applicant pass
before the California Board will grant licensure?
A. Only Part I (Applied Basic Science) of the NBEO
B. Parts I, II, and III (Applied Basic Science, Patient Assessment and Management, and
Clinical Skills) of the NBEO
C. Only Part III (Clinical Skills) of the NBEO
D. All four parts of the NBEO including the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD)
specialty exam
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1524 requires passage of NBEO Parts I, II, and III. California also requires passage of the California
Laws and Regulations Examination (CLRE) and the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease
(TMOD) examination for therapeutic pharmaceutical agent certification.
9. Under CCR §1535, what are the supervision requirements for an unlicensed optometric
assistant working under the direction of a licensed optometrist?
A. No supervision is required; assistants may work independently after onboarding
B. All patient care activities must be performed under the direct, personal supervision of
the licensed optometrist who remains on the premises
C. Unlicensed assistants may perform refractions independently if they have completed a two-year
training program
D. Supervision is only required for procedures involving diagnostic pharmaceutical agents
Correct Answer: B
CCR §1535 requires that unlicensed personnel performing optometric tasks must do so under the direct
supervision of a licensed optometrist who is personally present and available on the premises. Unlicensed
personnel may not independently perform any act constituting the practice of optometry.
3
