Spectacle-focused
For opticians who measure, fit, adjust, and dispense eyeglasses. Heavy on optics math, lens and frame products, and dispensing.
Read the ABO guide →Contact lens-focused
For technicians and opticians who fit and dispense contact lenses. Heavy on fitting, patient instruction, and follow-up care.
Read the NCLE guide →Side-by-side comparison
| ABO Basic | NCLE Basic | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Spectacle lenses, frames, and dispensing | Contact lens fitting, dispensing, and follow-up |
| Exam name | National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) | Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) |
| Credential | ABOC | NCLEC |
| Questions / time | 125 questions (test specs cover 100 items) · 2 hours | 125 questions (test specs cover 100 items) · 2 hours |
| Fee (as of Oct 2026) | $275 | $275 |
| Eligibility | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent |
| Delivery | Prometric center or ProProctor remote | Prometric center or ProProctor remote |
| Biggest domains | Ophthalmic Optics (25%), Products (20%), Dispensing (20%) | Dispensing (20 items), Follow-Up (20 items), Prefitting (15 items) |
| 2024 pass rate | 64.0% | 59.0% |
| Renewal (every 3 years) | 12 approved CECs, including at least 6 ABO-approved ophthalmic CECs | 18 approved CECs, including at least 9 NCLE-approved ophthalmic CECs |
Which one do you need?
- Your state. Some states license opticians and may reference one or both exams. Start with our state requirements hub, then confirm with the board.
- Your job. If you mostly dispense eyeglasses, ABO is the natural starting point. If you fit or dispense contact lenses, NCLE covers that work.
- Your career plan. Many opticians pursue both over time — the joint renewal requirement is designed for people who hold both.
Both exams share the same testing windows, delivery options, eligibility, and retake rules, so you can plan them back to back. Practice with our ABO and NCLE sample quizzes to see where you stand.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hold both ABO and NCLE certification?
Yes. Holders of both credentials follow a joint renewal requirement: ABO 9 CECs (at least 5 ophthalmic) plus NCLE 12 CECs (at least 6 ophthalmic) per 3-year cycle.
Does any state require NCLE certification?
Some licensing states treat contact lens fitting separately. For example, Virginia requires licensed opticians to hold a separate contact lens endorsement before fitting contact lenses, which requires passing board-approved written and practical contact lens exams; Virginia’s DPOR lists ABO-NCLE as its exam administrator. Requirements vary, so confirm with your state board.
Sources: Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC80-30-80 (contact lens endorsement) (opens in a new tab) ; Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC80-30-90 (endorsement exams) (opens in a new tab) ; Virginia DPOR — Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians (opens in a new tab)
More answers, including which certification to get first: ABO exam FAQ · NCLE exam FAQ · ABO vs NCLE vs COA FAQ · 2026 exam fees and passing score.
Official sources
- ABO-NCLE — Basic Exam overview (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — ABO Basic Examination, Oct–Dec 2026 registration (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — NCLE Basic Examination, Oct–Dec 2026 registration (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Handbook (July 2026 edition, linked from the Register page) (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — Basic Certification Renewal (opens in a new tab)
- ABO-NCLE — Opticianry Licensing Boards directory (opens in a new tab)
- Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC80-30-80 (contact lens endorsement) (opens in a new tab)
- Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC80-30-90 (endorsement exams) (opens in a new tab)
- Virginia DPOR — Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed . Requirements, fees, and dates change — always confirm with the official source before you register or apply.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by ABO-NCLE, IJCAHPO, or any state board. Not medical advice. Practice questions are original and don't guarantee a passing score. Verify current requirements with the official source. Read the full disclaimer.