Optometrists wishing to obtain a license to practice optometry in North Dakota may download an application form on this website, and send it to the Executive Director of the Board along with the license application fee of $200.00. Applicants for optometry licenses must:
- Be of legal age
- Have attended high school for four years or have the equivalent of such an education
- Be a graduate of an optometry school or college accredited by the council on optometric education of the American Optometric Association
- Have passed all three parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry tests
- Have passed the North Dakota Jurisprudence Examination, issued by the NBEO. Once the application is complete, the Board will authorize the NBEO to issue the examination online
- Have properly and completely filled out all of the necessary application documents as established by the Secretary of the Board, including payment of all application and license fees
In addition to the above, all applicants must include the following with their application:
- Certified copies of all NBEO scores
- Certified copies of all optometry transcripts, including proof of graduation
- A certified birth certificate
- Two letters of recommendation
- A check made out to the North Dakota State Board of Optometry in the amount of $200.00. This fee includes an application fee of 150.00, a certificate fee of 25.00, and an administrative fee of 25.00
- Copy of the current CPR certificate
License by Endorsement
Under certain circumstances, an applicant may secure a license to practice optometry in North Dakota without taking the required examinations. These circumstances would be:
Having practiced optometry in another state for a minimum of five years, and has presented to the Board a certified copy issued to him by that state where the requirements for license are equivalent to those of North Dakota, and where like privileges are accorded to holders of licenses issued in this state.
Having properly and completely filled out all of the necessary application documents as established by the Secretary of the Board, including payment of all application and license fees.
- Having passed the North Dakota Jurisprudence test issued by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry on behalf of the ND State Board of Optometry.
- Having the Optometry Board in the state in which he or she is practicing send a letter to the North Dakota Board of Optometry attesting that the licensee is current, in good standing, and has had no disciplinary actions against the license in the last five years.
- Copy of the current CPR certificate
North Dakota law does, however, allow the Board to give a practical examination to any applicant, if it is deemed necessary by the Board.