Independent prescribing enables optometrists to clinically assess a patient, establish a diagnosis, determine the clinical management required and prescribe where necessary.
The Therapeutics Common Final Assessment (TCFA) in independent prescribing takes place three times a year, usually in spring, summer and autumn. The TCFA is delivered online via TestReach, a remote assessment provider, and you can sit the exam in your home or workplace.
Booking your exam
When to book
You will only be able to book your exam once you have had your logbook signed off
You must take your first attempt at the final examination within two years of completing your clinical placement
If you are concerned that you may not be able to start your clinical placement within two years of finishing your university course, please contact our Independent Prescribing team
How to book
If you are a member: book your examination in the My College area of the website
If you are not a member or only have a paper logbook: email the examination application form, below, along with your paper logbook to exams@college-optometrists.org
You must pay your fees to confirm your place on the exam. You will receive an invoice within the 'Invoices' section of your My College area, once you have applied
If required, you can apply for reasonable adjustments for the TCFA IP examination. Please note that the process is the same as the reasonable adjustment application process for Scheme for Registration trainees
23 July 2025, 14:00 Application, Logbook & payment deadline: 27 June Results date: 12 August
6 November 2025, 10:00 Application, Logbook & payment deadline: 10 October Results date: 25 November
Fees
Examination fees
Common Final Assessment in independent prescribing examination fee - £440 (£456 from November 2025 TCFA)
Logbook
The non-member logbook fee is £165 (£170 from November 2025 FCFA), or you can join today for free access
Appeals
Submitting an appeal to the Appeals Panel - £115 (£119 from July 2025)
Resubmitting an appeal to the Appeals Review Panel - £115 (£119 from July 2025)
Preparing for your exam
Exam format
The examination is completed online and the questions are based on the College’s Clinical Management Guidelines. The questions are grouped into patient scenarios and consist of:
75 multiple choice questions
10 pilot questions.
They will test your knowledge on:
the application of clinical knowledge in terms of differential diagnosis
interpreting clinical signs
pharmacological and non-pharmacological management
monitoring
prescribing safely and professionally (including risk assessment)