Last verified against the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians) (opens in a new tab). Sources: Board page + state law (2 sources); ABO-NCLE exam names and 8,000 hours: board page only.
Yes. Connecticut licenses opticians through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians). Exams: the NOCE and NCLE exams plus a practical exam administered by the Department of Public Health. We checked the board’s official website on Oct 8, 2026; confirm current rules with the board before applying.
See Connecticut’s official board page (opens in a new tab)
Connecticut at a glance
| Licensed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| License types | Optician license; apprentice permits |
| National exams | ABO-NCLE NOCE and NCLE (contact lens registry) exams |
| State practical or law exam | A practical exam administered by the Department of Public Health, with eyewear and contact lens components. See the DPH page for current dates and application deadlines. |
| Training routes | Associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the CT Board of Examiners for Opticians OR at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed optician |
| CE and renewal | Minimum 7 contact hours of qualifying CE in the 1-year period preceding annual renewal (Regs. Conn. State Agencies 20-146(c)-2) |
| Board | Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians) (opens in a new tab) |
| Verified | Oct 8, 2026 · Board page + state law (2 sources); ABO-NCLE exam names and 8,000 hours: board page only |
Exams required in Connecticut
ABO-NCLE NOCE and NCLE (contact lens registry) exams
State practical or law exam: A practical exam administered by the Department of Public Health, with eyewear and contact lens components. See the DPH page for current dates and application deadlines.
Guides: ABO certification, NCLE certification, ABO/NCLE practical exams.
Training routes
Associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the CT Board of Examiners for Opticians OR at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed optician
Renewal and continuing education
As stated by the board: Minimum 7 contact hours of qualifying CE in the 1-year period preceding annual renewal (Regs. Conn. State Agencies 20-146(c)-2) optical.education does not offer continuing education.
How to apply
Apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians) (opens in a new tab). We don’t list application fees or forms; the board’s site has the current ones.
What state law says
- Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-146 (Licensed opticians; examinations) (opens in a new tab): Opticians must be licensed by the Department of Public Health after passing examinations; the law sets a four-year apprenticeship or an approved two-year educational program.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut licenses opticians through the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians), per the board’s official website (checked Oct 8, 2026). Check the board for who must hold a license and any exemptions.
What exams are required for a Connecticut optician license?
ABO-NCLE NOCE and NCLE (contact lens registry) exams. (per the board, checked Oct 8, 2026).
Does Connecticut have its own optician exam?
A practical exam administered by the Department of Public Health, with eyewear and contact lens components. See the DPH page for current dates and application deadlines.
Can you become an optician in Connecticut through an apprenticeship?
Yes, per the board: Associate degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the CT Board of Examiners for Opticians OR at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed optician.
How many continuing education hours do Connecticut opticians need?
As stated by the board: Minimum 7 contact hours of qualifying CE in the 1-year period preceding annual renewal (Regs. Conn. State Agencies 20-146(c)-2). optical.education does not offer continuing education.
Who licenses opticians in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Department of Public Health, Optician Licensure (Board of Examiners for Opticians).
Official sources
- https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/optician-licensure/optician-licensing-requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/optician-licensure/continuing-education (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. §20-146 (Licensed opticians; examinations) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)