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Optician
Total cost: $500
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.
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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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual, by July 1st each 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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Arkansas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
Optician Schools in Arkansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Optician requirements in Arkansas verified against Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians, March 2026.
Moving to Arkansas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Arkansas →
Transfer your Optician license from Arkansas to: Louisiana → | Mississippi → | Missouri → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee → | Texas →
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.