How to Become an Optician: Steps, Training, Certification, and State Licensing

Most opticians need a high school diploma and learn on the job, through an apprenticeship, or in a college opticianry program, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many then earn ABO certification, and some states require a license. BLS reports a median annual wage of $47,260 (May 2025).

Last checked Oct 10, 2026. Confirm fees and dates with the certifying body. optical.education is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABO-NCLE or any state licensing board. Disclaimer.

Optician at a glance

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Opticians.

What opticians do

Opticians help people choose frames and lenses, take measurements, verify finished eyewear and adjust it, working from a prescription. Optometrists examine eyes and prescribe; ophthalmologists are physicians who provide medical and surgical eye care. More on each role in eye care careers.

Step 1: Check whether your state licenses opticians

Start with your state board (optician requirements by state, or do you need a license?). Examples from boards we verified (checked Oct 8, 2026):

• New York: a two-year program or a 24-month Department-approved training program, plus the NOCE (or comparable exam) and the ABO Practical (NYSED).
• Florida: an associate degree or a registered apprenticeship of 6,240 hours, plus NOCE, CLRE and the national practicals (Florida Board of Opticianry).
• Washington: a registered apprenticeship of at least 6,000 hours over 3 to 6 years, plus ABO/NCLE exams and practicals (Washington DOH).
• Connecticut: an approved associate degree or at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship, plus NOCE, NCLE and a DPH practical (Connecticut DPH).

Step 2: Choose a training path

• On the job: the BLS-typical route, especially where the state doesn’t license opticians.
• Registered apprenticeship: supervised training that some licensing states accept. See optician apprenticeship rules by state.
• College opticianry program: BLS describes “a 2-year associate’s degree or a 1-year certificate.” Some boards (Hawaii, New York) name programs accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation.

Step 3: Earn ABO certification (and NCLE if you fit contacts)

The ABO Basic exam (NOCE) needs a high school diploma or GED, and “no prior experience is required.” It costs $275 and has 125 questions in 2 hours (October 2026 handbook). ABO-NCLE reports 2024 pass rates of 64.0% (ABO) and 59.0% (NCLE) (ABO-NCLE). Read the ABO certification guide, the NCLE certification guide, the ABO exam cost and how to study for the ABO.

Want it all in one place? The full ABO course has 11 chapters with quizzes and explanations plus two full-length timed mock exams, $59 for 6 months of access. Get the ABO course — $59 →

Step 4: Practical and state exams, if your state requires them

Some states add the ABO and NCLE practical exams or their own practical or law exam. See ABO certification vs a state license.

Step 5: Keep it current

ABO certification renews every 3 years with 12 continuing education credits (ABO-NCLE). State CE varies, for example Nevada 14 credits a year for a dual license, Washington 30 hours every 3 years, New York 18 hours per 3-year registration and Connecticut 7 hours a year (board pages, checked Oct 8, 2026). optical.education does not provide CE.

How long does it take?

Only where a board sets it: a 2-year program (New York, Hawaii), a Florida apprenticeship of 6,240 hours within 5 years, 3 to 6 years in Washington, and 4 years and 8,000 hours in Connecticut. Every state’s apprenticeship hours are on optician apprenticeship rules by state. In states that don’t license opticians: no state minimum; it depends on the employer.

Related eye-care careers

See eye care careers, the COA® certification guide and COA vs COT vs CPOT.