Last verified against the Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee) (opens in a new tab). Sources: Board page + state law (2 sources).
Yes. Washington licenses opticians through the Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee). 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 Washington’s official board page (opens in a new tab)
Washington at a glance
| Licensed? | Yes |
|---|---|
| License types | Dispensing optician license; Dispensing optician apprentice (registration) |
| National exams | ABO and NCLE basic competency + basic contact lens exams AND the ABO/NCLE practical exams (passed on or after June 1, 2015), or the former state exam (offered on or before August 31, 2017 (WAC 246-824-040; DOH’s page says August 1, 2017)) |
| State practical or law exam | No state-administered exam since Mar 15, 2018 (national ABO/NCLE exams replaced it) |
| Training routes | Age 18+, high school diploma or GED; a registered apprenticeship of at least 6,000 hours over no less than 3 and no more than 6 years (board page). State law also lists a prescribed opticianry course at an approved college or university, or five years of practice outside Washington (RCW 18.34.070). |
| CE and renewal | 30 hours of CE every three years (WAC 246-824-075) |
| Board | Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee) (opens in a new tab) |
| Verified | Oct 8, 2026 · Board page + state law (2 sources) |
Exams required in Washington
ABO and NCLE basic competency + basic contact lens exams AND the ABO/NCLE practical exams (passed on or after June 1, 2015), or the former state exam (offered on or before August 31, 2017 (WAC 246-824-040; DOH’s page says August 1, 2017))
State practical or law exam: No state-administered exam since Mar 15, 2018 (national ABO/NCLE exams replaced it)
Guides: ABO certification, NCLE certification, ABO/NCLE practical exams.
Training routes
Age 18+, high school diploma or GED; a registered apprenticeship of at least 6,000 hours over no less than 3 and no more than 6 years (board page). State law also lists a prescribed opticianry course at an approved college or university, or five years of practice outside Washington (RCW 18.34.070).
Renewal and continuing education
As stated by the board: 30 hours of CE every three years (WAC 246-824-075) optical.education does not offer continuing education.
How to apply
Apply through the Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee) (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
- WAC 246-824-035 (Examination) (opens in a new tab): The examining committee approves the ABO-NCLE examinations for dispensing optician licensure.
- WAC 246-824-040 (Licensure requirements) (opens in a new tab): Applicants may qualify with the state examination offered on or before August 31, 2017.
- RCW 18.34.070 (Eligibility for examination) (opens in a new tab): Applicants qualify through apprenticeship training, a prescribed opticianry course at an approved college or university, or five years of practice as a dispensing optician outside Washington.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician in Washington?
Yes. Washington licenses opticians through the Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee), 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 Washington optician license?
ABO and NCLE basic competency + basic contact lens exams AND the ABO/NCLE practical exams (passed on or after June 1, 2015), or the former state exam (offered on or before August 31, 2017 (WAC 246-824-040; DOH’s page says August 1, 2017)). (per the board, checked Oct 8, 2026).
Does Washington have its own optician exam?
No state-administered exam since Mar 15, 2018 (national ABO/NCLE exams replaced it).
Can you become an optician in Washington through an apprenticeship?
Yes, per the board: Age 18+, high school diploma or GED; a registered apprenticeship of at least 6,000 hours over no less than 3 and no more than 6 years (board page). State law also lists a prescribed opticianry course at an approved college or university, or five years of practice outside Washington (RCW 18.34.070).
How many continuing education hours do Washington opticians need?
As stated by the board: 30 hours of CE every three years (WAC 246-824-075). optical.education does not offer continuing education.
Who licenses opticians in Washington?
The Washington State Department of Health, Dispensing Optician program (Dispensing Optician Examining Committee).
Official sources
- https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/dispensing-optician/licensing-requirements (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/dispensing-optician/continuing-education (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- WAC 246-824-035 (Examination) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- WAC 246-824-040 (Licensure requirements) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)
- RCW 18.34.070 (Eligibility for examination) (opens in a new tab) (checked Oct 8, 2026)