Last verified against the Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab). Sources: Board page + state law (2 sources); ABO-NCLE exam names and apprenticeship length: board page only.
Yes. Nevada licenses opticians through the Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians. The exams the board names are listed below. We checked the board’s official website on Oct 8, 2026; confirm current rules with the board before applying.
See Nevada’s official board page (opens in a new tab)
Nevada at a glance
| Licensed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| License types | Ophthalmic dispenser license (dual: spectacles + contact lenses); Limited license (spectacles only); Apprentice dispensing optician license |
| National exams | ABO Basic, Advanced and Practical, and NCLE Basic and Practical (board’s Sep 2024 application requirements; an older board page also lists NCLE Advanced, so confirm with the board) |
| State practical or law exam | Nevada Laws and Ethics Exam (open-book; Sep 2024 requirements say emailed, an older page says mailed) |
| Training routes | Apprenticeship of 1 to 2 years “depending upon the education program chosen by the apprentice” (see board’s Apprenticeship Requirements document) |
| CE and renewal | Dual license: 14 credits per year incl. at least 7 contact-lens credits (up to 7 may roll over); Limited license: 12 credits per year (up to 6 may roll over); earned by Dec 31 of renewal year |
| Board | Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab) |
| Verified | Oct 8, 2026 · Board page + state law (2 sources); ABO-NCLE exam names and apprenticeship length: board page only |
Exams required in Nevada
ABO Basic, Advanced and Practical, and NCLE Basic and Practical (board’s Sep 2024 application requirements; an older board page also lists NCLE Advanced, so confirm with the board)
State practical or law exam: Nevada Laws and Ethics Exam (open-book; Sep 2024 requirements say emailed, an older page says mailed)
Guides: ABO certification, NCLE certification, ABO/NCLE practical exams.
Training routes
Apprenticeship of 1 to 2 years “depending upon the education program chosen by the apprentice” (see board’s Apprenticeship Requirements document)
Renewal and continuing education
As stated by the board: Dual license: 14 credits per year incl. at least 7 contact-lens credits (up to 7 may roll over); Limited license: 12 credits per year (up to 6 may roll over); earned by Dec 31 of renewal year optical.education does not offer continuing education.
How to apply
Apply through the Nevada State Board of Dispensing 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
- NAC 637.160 (Examination for license as dispensing optician) (opens in a new tab): Sets the subjects of the Nevada dispensing optician examination, including Nevada law, and requires any required certificate to be current when the license is issued.
- NAC 637.190 (Continuing education) (opens in a new tab): 14 hours by Dec 31 each year (at least 7 contact-lens; up to 7 from the prior year); limited license 12 hours (up to 6 from the prior year); first renewal exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician in Nevada?
Yes. Nevada licenses opticians through the Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians, per the board’s official website (checked Oct 8, 2026). Check the board for who must hold a license and any exemptions.
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (official site) (opens in a new tab)
What exams are required for a Nevada optician license?
ABO Basic, Advanced and Practical, and NCLE Basic and Practical (board’s Sep 2024 application requirements; an older board page also lists NCLE Advanced, so confirm with the board). (per the board, checked Oct 8, 2026).
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab)
Does Nevada have its own optician exam?
Nevada Laws and Ethics Exam (open-book; Sep 2024 requirements say emailed, an older page says mailed).
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab)
Can you become an optician in Nevada through an apprenticeship?
Yes, per the board: Apprenticeship of 1 to 2 years “depending upon the education program chosen by the apprentice” (see board’s Apprenticeship Requirements document).
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab)
How many continuing education hours do Nevada opticians need?
As stated by the board: Dual license: 14 credits per year incl. at least 7 contact-lens credits (up to 7 may roll over); Limited license: 12 credits per year (up to 6 may roll over); earned by Dec 31 of renewal year. optical.education does not offer continuing education.
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (opens in a new tab)
Who licenses opticians in Nevada?
The Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians.
Source: Nevada State Board of Dispensing Opticians (official site) (opens in a new tab)
Official sources
- https://nvbdo.nv.gov/licensure-exams/exam-information/ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- https://nvbdo.nv.gov/licensure-exams/applications-for-licensure/ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- https://nvbdo.nv.gov/continuing-education/ (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- NAC 637.160 (Examination for license as dispensing optician) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- NAC 637.190 (Continuing education) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)