32-1724. Examination of applicants; time of examination

A. Licensing examinations shall be conducted and graded according to rules prescribed by the board. The board shall not grade examinations on a curve.

B. The board may give applicants a written examination on subjects currently being taught in universities or colleges of optometry as well as on this state's statutes and rules relating to the practice of optometry. In lieu of its written examination for licensure, the board may accept documentation from the national board of examiners in optometry that shows that an applicant has passed board designated parts of the national board's examination. To receive a passing grade on a written examination administered by the board, an applicant shall receive a grade of not less than seventy-five per cent on the whole written examination and not less than fifty per cent in any one subject.

C. The board may give applicants a practical examination on subjects currently being taught in universities or colleges of optometry and shall give an examination on this state's statutes and rules relating to optometry. In lieu of its practical examination for licensure, the board may accept documentation from the national board of examiners in optometry that shows that the applicant has passed board designated parts of the national board s examination. To receive a passing grade on a practical examination, an applicant shall receive a grade of not less than seventy-five per cent.

D. Examinations shall be held at least once each year. Notice of examinations shall be given not less than sixty days before the date of examination. The board shall adopt rules to establish conditions under which an applicant who is unable to take the examination and who notifies the board before the date fixed for the examination may take the next examination.