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How to become a licensed Optician in Arkansas. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
License
License Type
Not Required
ABO Certification
Not Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
5 hrs
CE Hours
$500
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Graduate of Board-approved school of opticianry
Accreditation
Board-approved opticianry program
Minimum Education
High school diploma or equivalent; must be at least 21 years old
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
VerifiedNot Required
ABO Certification (Eyeglasses)
Not Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
ABO certification not required by state
NCLE Details
NCLE certification not required by state
State-Specific Exam Required
State-administered written and practical examination prepared by the Board
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
Supervision
Under an Arkansas-licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or licensed/registered dispensing optician
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 | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $500 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
5 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
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
Arkansas 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.
Arkansas is one of few states that administers its own written and practical examination rather than requiring ABO/NCLE certification. The state requires applicants to be at least 21 years old. Arkansas offers two tiers: Licensed Dispensing Optician (formal education) and Registered Dispensing Optician (experience-based).
Arkansas requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Arkansas uses its own state-administered written and practical examination rather than ABO/NCLE exams.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Two license types: Licensed Dispensing Optician and Registered Dispensing Optician.
Continuing education: 5 hours per year.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arkansas.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#27 of 51
Cost
#5 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$35,850
25th percentile
Median
$45,440
-2% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$59,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
660 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+120% salary growth potential
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Optician
$45,440
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$45,440
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$99,970
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: Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Arkansas has specific certification requirements for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.