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How to become a licensed Optician in Massachusetts. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
12 hrs
CE Hours
$509
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
2-year educational program in opticianry accredited by COA
Accreditation
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA)
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Accepted Alternatives
Some states require a formal opticianry education (associate’s degree from a COA-accredited program), while others allow apprenticeship training as an alternative pathway to licensure.
Browse approved optician training programs to find the right fit.
Browse Optician study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
ABO & NCLE Certifications
VerifiedRequired
ABO Certification (Eyeglasses)
Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
Must pass the ABO National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
NCLE Details
Must pass the NCLE Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)
State-Specific Exam Required
Commonwealth of Massachusetts practical exam
The ABO (American Board of Opticianry) certifies opticians for eyeglass dispensing. The NCLE (National Contact Lens Examiners) certifies opticians for contact lens fitting. Some states require one or both certifications for licensure.
Apprenticeship Alternative
VerifiedApprenticeship Pathway Available
Duration
3 years (4,200 hours minimum)
Supervision
Under a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist
Curriculum Requirements
Some states allow aspiring opticians to learn through a structured apprenticeship program (typically 2–3 years) under the supervision of a licensed optician, ophthalmologist, or optometrist, as an alternative to a formal degree program.
Optician Practice Scope
VerifiedPermitted
Eyeglass Dispensing
Permitted
Contact Lens Fitting
Additional Certification Required 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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $59 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $95 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $509 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$509
Study guides & supplies
Optician Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$509
Average Optician salary in Massachusetts: $63,810/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 3 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$95
Regulatory Board
Optician licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering opticianry practice, lens technology, and professional standards. Some states also require maintaining ABO/NCLE certification.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement
Transfer Details
Massachusetts accepts endorsement applications from opticians licensed in other states with equivalent requirements.
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Optician license reciprocity varies significantly between states. Some states accept ABO/NCLE certification as a basis for endorsement, while others require a full application and state-specific exams.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Massachusetts requires a state practical exam in addition to ABO and NCLE national exams. The apprenticeship pathway requires 4,200 hours in no fewer than 3 years. All online continuing education is acceptable for renewal.
Massachusetts requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Must pass ABO (NOCE), NCLE (CLRE), and state practical examination.
Application fee is $59; endorsement application fee is $95.
Apprenticeship pathway: 4,200 hours in no fewer than 3 years.
Must be at least 18 years old.
All online CE is acceptable.
Continuing education: 12 hours per 2-year renewal cycle.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $509 | 4–148 wks | |
| Connecticut | $650 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Maine | — | 4–12 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $130 | 4–12 wks | → |
| New York | $558 | 4–148 wks | → |
Massachusetts ranks #44 out of 51 for lowest optician licensing fees ($509). See full ranking →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
Optician Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#6 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$52,570
25th percentile
Median
$63,810
+37% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$76,420
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,430 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+136% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$63,810
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$63,810
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$150,820
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: 4–148 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Optician license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
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Massachusetts requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.