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How to become a licensed Optician in Alaska. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
Governing Authority
Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing — Dispensing Opticians
Official website →License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
10 hrs
CE Hours
$700
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Associate degree in opticianry accepted in lieu of apprenticeship
Accreditation
Recognized school or college of opticianry
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.
ABO & NCLE Certifications
VerifiedRequired
ABO Certification (Eyeglasses)
Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
Must pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) through ABO
NCLE Details
Must pass the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) through NCLE for contact lens endorsement
No State-Specific 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
1,800 hours
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 | $250 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $250 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate: application fee + ABO exam + NCLE exam | $700 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
10 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$250
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
Credentials review
Transfer Details
Alaska accepts applicants with 1,800 hours practicing in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction, or with an associate degree from a recognized school of opticianry.
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.
Alaska's dispensing optician program is administered by DCBPL rather than a standalone opticianry board. The 1,800-hour apprenticeship requirement is shorter than most licensed states. Contact lens dispensing requires a separate endorsement.
Alaska requires licensure for dispensing opticians.
The program is administered by the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, not a separate board.
ABO (NOCE) exam is required; NCLE (CLRE) exam is required for contact lens endorsement.
Apprenticeship requires only 1,800 hours, shorter than most licensed states.
Continuing education: 10 hours per 2-year renewal cycle.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#13 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$48,300
25th percentile
Median
$56,260
+21% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$67,080
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90 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+195% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$56,260
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$56,260
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$165,830
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.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Alaska requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing — Dispensing Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.