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Optician
Total cost: $700
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.
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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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (licenses expire June 30 of odd-numbered years, regardless of issuance date)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $700 | 4–148 wks | |
| Washington | — | 4–148 wks | → |
| Hawaii | — | 4–148 wks | → |
See how Alaska compares: Optician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare optician requirements across all states →
Optician licensing requirements nationwide →
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How does Alaska compare to other states for optician? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your optician license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Alaska.
Optician Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Optician requirements in Alaska verified against Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing — Dispensing Opticians, March 2026.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Alaska →
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.