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How to become a licensed Optician in Colorado. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
Governing Authority
No state licensing board for opticians
No Optician License Required
Colorado does not require a license to practice as an optician. While licensing is not mandatory, voluntary certifications such as ABO and NCLE may enhance career opportunities.
Colorado is one of the states that does not require a license to practice as an optician. You may dispense eyeglasses without a state-issued license. While no state license is needed, voluntary ABO (American Board of Opticianry) and NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) certifications are widely recognized by employers and may enhance your career opportunities.
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Optician Practice Scope
VerifiedPermitted
Eyeglass Dispensing
Permitted
Contact Lens Fitting
No Additional Certification Needed for Contact Lenses
Permitted Activities
Restricted Activities
Opticians dispense and fit eyeglasses and, in some states, contact lenses based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. Opticians do not diagnose eye conditions or prescribe corrective lenses.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$450
Study guides & supplies
Optician Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$450
Average Optician salary in Colorado: $45,900/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 4 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Colorado Does Not Require Optician Licensing
Colorado is among the states that do not require a license to practice as an optician. Anyone may dispense eyeglasses and, in some cases, contact lenses without a state-issued license. However, voluntary certifications like ABO (American Board of Opticianry) and NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) are widely recognized and may be preferred or required by employers.
Unlicensed practice is explicitly allowed in this state.
Colorado does not require state licensure for opticians. Anyone can dispense eyeglasses without a license, though voluntary ABO/NCLE certification is recognized as a professional credential.
Colorado does not require state licensure for opticians.
Anyone may dispense eyeglasses in Colorado without a state license.
Voluntary ABO and/or NCLE certification is recognized as a professional credential but is not legally required.
Employers may prefer or require voluntary certification.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
All five points are consistent with available industry and regulatory sources.
Optician requirements in nearby states
Colorado ranks #5 out of 51 for lowest optician licensing fees ($450). See full ranking →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Colorado.
Optician Schools in Colorado
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$40,560
25th percentile
Median
$45,900
-1% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$54,160
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,510 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Opticians, Dispensing (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.9%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+6,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
9,300
per year (avg.)
86,000 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Vision Care Career Ladder+199% salary growth potential
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Optician
$45,900
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$45,900
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$137,370
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: No state licensing board for opticians — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No state licensing board for opticians — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Moving to Colorado? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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While Colorado does not require an optician license, pursuing ABO and/or NCLE certification can improve your career prospects and demonstrate professional competence to employers and patients.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.