Written Qualifying
Examination
 The written
qualifying examination (WQE) is a 250 multiple-choice question examination
designed to evaluate the breadth and depth of the basic science and
clinical knowledge of candidates who have satisfactorily completed an
accredited program of education in ophthalmology. The examination is prepared by members of the Written Examinations Committee of the American Board of Ophthalmology. It is necessary to pass this examination
before being admitted to the Oral Examination.
The WQE will be administered at nationally-distributed ACT test center locations. The exam is administered on one day in an approximately five-hour testing period, this includes a tutorial and break time.
WQE Topics
The topics covered in the Written Qualifying Examination include the following:
- Optics and Refraction
- Ophthalmic Pathology
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
- Eyelids, Lacrimal System, and Orbit
- Cornea and External Disease/The Lens and Cataract
- Glaucoma
- Retina, Vitreous, and Uvea
Aspects of the candidate's ability that are tested in the WQE:
- Recall of Information
- Understanding and Application of Basic Knowledge
- Relation of Pathogenesis to Disease Process
- Evaluation of Clinical Data
- Utilization of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
- Anticipation and Recognition of Complications
- Ethics of Ophthalmic Practice
ACT Centers
ACT provides computer-based testing services for academic assessment, professional licensure and certification. The WQE will be given at ACT locations in the United States, Puerto Rico and some locations in Canada. These test centers provide the resources necessary for secure administration of the WQE, including video and audio recording and the use of digital cameras to record the identity of the examinees. For more information on ACT visit the web site: www.act.org
Practice Exams
Each test will begin with a tutorial designed to familiarize candidates with the computer-based testing format.
Exam Scheduling and ACT Center Location Information
In late January registered candidates receive an email from ACT, ABO's testing vendor, on how to schedule a test appointment for the Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) at an ACT location. Registered candidates can begin scheduling at that time. If you do not receive this email from ACT by the end of January, please contact the Board office.
Because personalized information necessary to schedule a test appointment is sent via email, it is important that candidates add the email domain of ABO@ACT.org to their Safe Senders List. The earlier a candidate schedules a test appointment, the more likely he/she is to receive their preferred test location. Candidates will not be able to schedule or change a site 48 hours prior to the exam.
Successful Completion of the WQE
Candidates who successfully complete the written exam are eligible to
sit for the oral examination. These candidates will be notified of their
oral examination assignment and sent instructions for registering for
the oral exam via the ABO’s online registration system. Written results will be mailed approximately 8 weeks from the date of the examination.
Failure to Complete the WQE
A candidate shall be required to reactivate his/her application for
approval, and submit an additional application fee under the following
circumstances that relate to the Written Qualifying Examination:
- if a candidate fails to take the Written Qualifying Examination
within twenty-four (24) months after notice has been sent to him/her
that his/her application has been accepted;
- if a candidate does not repeat the Written Qualifying Examination
within twenty-four (24) months after failing;
- if a candidate receives two consecutive failures on a Written Qualifying
Examination on the same application.
Click here for sample WQE questions and a WQE tutorial.
For more information about the Board’s policies and procedures for
applying for the WQE, download
the Certification Brochure.
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