ABO WQE Practice Test 2026 — Free ABO WQE Exam Prep Questions
The Written Qualifying Examination (WQE) is the first step toward board certification by the American Board of Ophthalmology, taken after an accredited ophthalmology residency. It tests the basic science and clinical knowledge across all subspecialties. Our original clinical-vignette questions follow the current WQE content outline and explain every option.
A 68-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis has a crescent of peripheral corneal stromal thinning with an overlying epithelial defect. There is adjacent necrotizing scleritis. Cultures are negative. Which is the most appropriate management?
ABO WQE format, scoring & key facts
Computer-based, closed-book, in person at Pearson VUE test centers on one national date each year. Two sections of 2.25 hours with an optional 10-minute break; the appointment is about 5 hours including the tutorial. You cannot return to Section 1 after it closes.
| Questions | 250 multiple-choice, single best answer, 4 options each |
|---|---|
| Testing time | 4.5 hours in two 2.25-hour sections, optional 10-minute break |
| Content outline | Updated March 2025; effective from the 2026 WQE; nine subject areas |
| Passing score | 700 on a 200–1000 scale |
| Next exam date | Saturday, September 18, 2027 |
| Fee | $2,250 (2026) |
| Eligibility | Completed ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited ophthalmology residency; Board Eligible for up to 7 years after graduation |
| Recent pass rate | 73.9% in 2024 (ABO Scorecard) |
Facts last verified Nov 3, 2026. Source: www.manula.com/manuals/american-board-of-ophthal/abo-wqe-procedures-manual/1/en/topic/content-outline. Always confirm details with ABO before your exam.
When can you take the ABO WQE?
Given once a year. The next WQE is Saturday, September 18, 2027 at Pearson testing centers; registration opens in spring 2027 through the ABO Portal.
What the ABO WQE covers
Every PrepBanq ABO WQE test mirrors the official domain weights.
Domain distribution
% of the exam| Content domain | Weight | ≈ Questions on exam | Our practice questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Retina, Vitreous, and Intraocular TumorsMacular and retinal vascular disease, vitreous and peripheral retina, inherited retinal disease, trauma with intraocular foreign body, intraocular tumors. | 15% | ~38 | 22 questions → |
GlaucomaPrimary open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma, secondary glaucomas, glaucoma suspect, post-surgical glaucomas. | 14% | ~35 | 21 questions → |
Lens and CataractIsolated and associated cataract, cataract after prior procedures, aphakia and pseudophakia. | 13% | ~33 | 19 questions → |
Cornea, External Disease, and Anterior SegmentInfections, immune-mediated disease, neoplasms, toxic and traumatic disorders, ocular surface, dystrophies and degenerations. | 13% | ~33 | 19 questions → |
Neuro-OphthalmologyVisual loss, diplopia and eye movement disorders, pupil, headache and pain, systemic and CNS disease. | 10% | ~25 | 15 questions → |
Oculofacial, Plastics, and OrbitEyelid and face, orbit, lacrimal drainage system, aesthetics. | 10% | ~25 | 15 questions → |
Pediatric Ophthalmology and StrabismusAmblyopia, strabismus, pediatric anterior segment, retina and uveitis, neuro-ophthalmic and orbital disease, systemic disease, visual function. | 10% | ~25 | 15 questions → |
Refractive Management and OpticsOptics, instrumentation and low vision; non-surgical and surgical refractive error. | 8% | ~20 | 12 questions → |
UveitisAnterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis, infectious uveitis, masquerade syndromes and scleritis. | 8% | ~20 | 12 questions → |
How to register for the ABO WQE
Retake policy
Unsuccessful candidates may register for the next annual WQE. The written and oral exams must both be passed within the seven-year Board Eligible period after residency graduation.
Score release
Results are released on the ABO Portal 6–8 weeks after the exam; no results at the test center.
Credential renewal
Passing the WQE qualifies you for the ABO Oral Examination, the second step to board certification.
Your path to passing the ABO WQE
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ABO WQE FAQ
How many questions are on the ABO WQE?
The ABO WQE has 250 questions and you have 4 hours 30 minutes to finish. Question types: Multiple choice, single best answer: each question has four answer options listed in alphabetical or logical order. Some questions contain images. Each question covers one of four aspects of patient care: presentation, diagnostic testing, management and outcomes, or pathophysiology and basic science..
How long is the ABO WQE exam?
Testing time for the ABO WQE is 4 hours 30 minutes.
What is the passing score for the ABO WQE?
ABO WQE passing standard: 700 on a 200–1000 scaled score (criterion-referenced; no guessing penalty). Score range: 200–1000.
How much does the ABO WQE cost?
The ABO WQE registration fee is $2,250 (2026 administration). Check the official site for current fees before you register.
What is on the ABO WQE?
The ABO WQE covers Retina, Vitreous, and Intraocular Tumors (about 15%), Glaucoma (about 14%), Lens and Cataract (about 13%), Cornea, External Disease, and Anterior Segment (about 13%), Neuro-Ophthalmology (about 10%), Oculofacial, Plastics, and Orbit (about 10%), Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (about 10%), Refractive Management and Optics (about 8%), Uveitis (about 8%).
Who administers the ABO WQE?
The ABO Written Qualifying Exam (Ophthalmology) is administered by ABO. Delivery: Computer-based, closed-book, in person at Pearson VUE test centers on one national date each year. Two sections of 2.25 hours with an optional 10-minute break; the appointment is about 5 hours including the tutorial. You cannot return to Section 1 after it closes..
Can you retake the ABO WQE?
Unsuccessful candidates may register for the next annual WQE. The written and oral exams must both be passed within the seven-year Board Eligible period after residency graduation.
Is there a free ABO WQE practice test?
Yes. PrepBanq has 15 free ABO WQE practice tests with 150 exam-style questions in the real ABO WQE formats, and every answer is explained. No credit card is needed.
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