California Optometry Law Exam (CALE) 2025 – Full Simulation
Practice Test with 100 Realistic Questions, Correct Answers &
Detailed Explanations
Introduction
Prepare confidently for the California Optometry Law Exam (CALE) 2025 with this
fulllength simulation practice test, designed to mirror the real exam in structure, difficulty, and
content coverage. The CALE is a critical requirement for all optometrists seeking licensure in
California, ensuring a thorough understanding of state laws, ethical responsibilities, and
professional standards governing optometric practice.
1. The California State Board of Optometry operates under which department?
A. Department of Public Health
B. Department of Consumer Affairs
C. California Medical Board
D. Department of Education
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation The California State Board of Optometry functions within the Department of Consumer
Affairs (DCA), overseeing licensing and consumer protection.
2. To legally practice optometry in California, an individual must:
A. Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
B. Be licensed by the California State Board of Optometry
C. Be a member of the American Optometric Association
D. Hold a national optometry certification only
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Only a Board-issued license authorizes practice in California; national certification alone is
insufficient.
3. An optometrist’s license must be renewed:
A. Every year
B. Every two years, on or before the licensee’s birthday
C. Every three years
D. Only if the Board requests it
✅ Correct answer B
,Explanation Optometry licenses are renewed biennially; expiration occurs at midnight on the licensee’s
birthday every second year.
4. Practicing optometry with an expired license is considered:
A. A minor infraction
B. A felony
C. Unlicensed practice, subject to disciplinary action or fines
D. Permitted for 30 days grace period
✅ Correct answer C
Explanation Practicing without an active license constitutes unlicensed activity — subject to
administrative discipline or misdemeanor charges.
5. Failure to notify the Board of a name or address change within 30 days can result in:
A. No penalty
B. License suspension
C. Administrative fine
D. Renewal delay
✅ Correct answer C
Explanation Title 16 CCR requires licensees to update contact information within 30 days; failure may
result in citation and fine.
6. Which of the following can cause license revocation?
A. Negligence, gross incompetence, or conviction of certain crimes
B. Moving out of California
C. Advertising eyewear discounts
D. Changing practice locations
✅ Correct answer A
Explanation The Board may revoke or suspend a license for professional misconduct, incompetence, or
moral turpitude-related offenses.
7. The Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) certification allows California optometrists to:
A. Prescribe systemic controlled substances freely
B. Use and prescribe specified topical and oral pharmaceutical agents
C. Perform surgical laser procedures without restriction
D. Administer general anesthesia
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation TPA certification authorizes the use and prescription of specified agents for ocular
conditions as outlined in the law.
, 8. To receive TPA certification, an optometrist must:
A. Graduate from any medical school
B. Complete specific pharmacology coursework and national exam
C. Submit a petition for exemption
D. Work under a physician for 2 years
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Optometrists must meet educational and examination requirements in pharmacology and
ocular disease treatment.
9. Which of the following acts requires a Glaucoma Certification?
A. Diagnosing dry eye
B. Managing open-angle glaucoma independently
C. Administering dilation drops
D. Measuring intraocular pressure
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Glaucoma certification permits independent management of glaucoma, which requires
additional training and certification.
10. Optometrists in California renew TPA and glaucoma certifications:
A. Automatically with license renewal
B. Only upon re-examination
C. By reapplying each year
D. By submitting continuing education documentation
✅ Correct answer D
Explanation CE hours in pharmacology and glaucoma management are required for renewal of
advanced certifications.
11. A California optometrist may perform which of the following?
A. Foreign body removal from the cornea or conjunctiva
B. LASIK procedures
C. Cataract surgery
D. Systemic chemotherapy
✅ Correct answer A
Explanation Optometrists may remove superficial foreign bodies within scope; refractive and intraocular
surgeries remain outside their authority.
12. Prescribing oral antivirals for herpes zoster ophthalmicus requires:
A. TPA certification
Practice Test with 100 Realistic Questions, Correct Answers &
Detailed Explanations
Introduction
Prepare confidently for the California Optometry Law Exam (CALE) 2025 with this
fulllength simulation practice test, designed to mirror the real exam in structure, difficulty, and
content coverage. The CALE is a critical requirement for all optometrists seeking licensure in
California, ensuring a thorough understanding of state laws, ethical responsibilities, and
professional standards governing optometric practice.
1. The California State Board of Optometry operates under which department?
A. Department of Public Health
B. Department of Consumer Affairs
C. California Medical Board
D. Department of Education
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation The California State Board of Optometry functions within the Department of Consumer
Affairs (DCA), overseeing licensing and consumer protection.
2. To legally practice optometry in California, an individual must:
A. Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license
B. Be licensed by the California State Board of Optometry
C. Be a member of the American Optometric Association
D. Hold a national optometry certification only
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Only a Board-issued license authorizes practice in California; national certification alone is
insufficient.
3. An optometrist’s license must be renewed:
A. Every year
B. Every two years, on or before the licensee’s birthday
C. Every three years
D. Only if the Board requests it
✅ Correct answer B
,Explanation Optometry licenses are renewed biennially; expiration occurs at midnight on the licensee’s
birthday every second year.
4. Practicing optometry with an expired license is considered:
A. A minor infraction
B. A felony
C. Unlicensed practice, subject to disciplinary action or fines
D. Permitted for 30 days grace period
✅ Correct answer C
Explanation Practicing without an active license constitutes unlicensed activity — subject to
administrative discipline or misdemeanor charges.
5. Failure to notify the Board of a name or address change within 30 days can result in:
A. No penalty
B. License suspension
C. Administrative fine
D. Renewal delay
✅ Correct answer C
Explanation Title 16 CCR requires licensees to update contact information within 30 days; failure may
result in citation and fine.
6. Which of the following can cause license revocation?
A. Negligence, gross incompetence, or conviction of certain crimes
B. Moving out of California
C. Advertising eyewear discounts
D. Changing practice locations
✅ Correct answer A
Explanation The Board may revoke or suspend a license for professional misconduct, incompetence, or
moral turpitude-related offenses.
7. The Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) certification allows California optometrists to:
A. Prescribe systemic controlled substances freely
B. Use and prescribe specified topical and oral pharmaceutical agents
C. Perform surgical laser procedures without restriction
D. Administer general anesthesia
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation TPA certification authorizes the use and prescription of specified agents for ocular
conditions as outlined in the law.
, 8. To receive TPA certification, an optometrist must:
A. Graduate from any medical school
B. Complete specific pharmacology coursework and national exam
C. Submit a petition for exemption
D. Work under a physician for 2 years
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Optometrists must meet educational and examination requirements in pharmacology and
ocular disease treatment.
9. Which of the following acts requires a Glaucoma Certification?
A. Diagnosing dry eye
B. Managing open-angle glaucoma independently
C. Administering dilation drops
D. Measuring intraocular pressure
✅ Correct answer B
Explanation Glaucoma certification permits independent management of glaucoma, which requires
additional training and certification.
10. Optometrists in California renew TPA and glaucoma certifications:
A. Automatically with license renewal
B. Only upon re-examination
C. By reapplying each year
D. By submitting continuing education documentation
✅ Correct answer D
Explanation CE hours in pharmacology and glaucoma management are required for renewal of
advanced certifications.
11. A California optometrist may perform which of the following?
A. Foreign body removal from the cornea or conjunctiva
B. LASIK procedures
C. Cataract surgery
D. Systemic chemotherapy
✅ Correct answer A
Explanation Optometrists may remove superficial foreign bodies within scope; refractive and intraocular
surgeries remain outside their authority.
12. Prescribing oral antivirals for herpes zoster ophthalmicus requires:
A. TPA certification
