The two written papers at a glance
| Item | Clinical Science (Paper 1) | Diagnosis and Management (Paper 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 144 multiple-choice questions, four options, one best answer | 18 short-answer questions, most with several parts, often with clinical photos |
| Scored | 120 scored, 24 unscored pilot questions (not identified) | All 18 |
| Time | 3 hours including reading time | 3 hours including reading time (about 10 minutes per question) |
| Delivery | Online, live remote proctoring, from home or another suitable place | Same |
| Materials | Pens and one blank A4 page; no calculator, notes or books | Same |
| Pass mark | Not published | Not published |
What the Clinical Science paper covers
OCANZ maps the paper to the Optometry Australia Entry-level Competency Standards for Optometry 2022 and publishes an approximate number of assessed questions per competency. The biggest areas are:
- Assessing the eye, adnexa and visual pathways: anatomy, examination techniques, diagnostic drugs, ocular pathology and OCT (about 18 questions).
- Contact lenses: selection, fitting, aftercare and complications (about 15).
- Spectacles: prescribing, lens design, materials and dispensing (about 13).
- Medicines at the non-endorsed level: diagnostic drugs, systemic medicines, basic pharmacology and first-line management of common conditions (about 12).
- Examination planning (about 9), pre- and post-operative care (about 8), low vision devices (about 6) and verifying appliances against Australian and New Zealand standards (about 6).
- Smaller items: occupational vision, visual processing, binocular vision therapy, communication, referral and urgency, ethics, cultural and social determinants of health, workplace safety, law and record keeping.
How scoring works
Only the 120 scored questions count, and you can't tell which 24 are pilots. Marks are given for correct answers only and nothing is deducted for wrong answers, so answer every question. OCANZ doesn't publish a pass mark or a pass rate for each paper; exam statistics appear in its annual reports. Results are emailed within 6 to 8 weeks.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free COE Clinical Science practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Fees and dates
For 2026-27 (1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027) the written examination costs A$3,534 for both papers or A$1,858 for one paper, per attempt, with no refund for failure. Before your first sitting you need a successful eligibility assessment (A$868, non-refundable, about 4 to 8 weeks). The written exam runs twice a year: in 2027 on 1 and 2 March (applications close 4 February 2027) and on 2 and 3 August (applications close 2 July 2027). Check the OCANZ Overseas Optometrists page for the current dates and deadlines.
Resit rules
- At your first attempt you must sit both papers at the same sitting.
- If you fail one paper, you get one further chance to sit only that paper, within 3 years of passing the other.
- If you fail it again, or don't sit it within 3 years, you must sit both papers at every later attempt.
- If you fail both papers, you repeat both. There's no limit on the number of attempts.
A 12-week plan for the Clinical Science paper
- Weeks 1-2: take the free test, read the COE Examination Guide and the Competency Standards, and start with your weakest topic.
- Weeks 3-4: optics, refraction and spectacles, with hand calculations (no calculator is allowed).
- Weeks 5-6: contact lenses, then ocular anatomy and the visual pathways.
- Weeks 7-8: ocular disease, examination techniques and referral urgency; pharmacology and systemic health.
- Week 9: binocular vision, paediatrics and low vision; professional practice, Australian standards and law. First full timed mock (144 questions in 3 hours).
- Weeks 10-12: clear your mistakes bank, take a second full mock and keep the last two days for light review.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the OCANZ Clinical Science exam?
144 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, including reading time. 120 are scored and 24 are unscored pilot questions.
What is the pass mark?
OCANZ doesn't publish a pass mark. Aim for 70% or more on timed practice before you sit.
Can I sit the written exam from my home country?
Yes. Both papers are online with live remote proctoring, taken from home or another suitable private room. You need a valid passport for the identity check.
Can I use a calculator?
No. Calculators, notes and books are not allowed. You may have pens and one blank A4 page.
What is the pass rate?
OCANZ publishes examination results in its annual reports rather than as a pass rate on the exam page. Check the latest annual report for the figures.
Official sources
- OCANZ: Written Examination
- OCANZ: COE Examination Guide 2026-2027
- OCANZ: Fees and Appeals
- OCANZ: Overseas Optometrists
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand rules change; confirm with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand before you apply.
