Loading...
Loading...
Optician
Total cost: $650
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
7 hrs
CE Hours
$650
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Associate degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing accepted in lieu of apprenticeship
Accreditation
Program approved by Connecticut Board of Examiners for Opticians
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 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
DPH-administered practical examination
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
4 years (8,000 hours)
Supervision
Under a licensed 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 | $200.00 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
License Fee | No separate license fee listed; only Initial Application Fee ($200), Renewal Fee ($205), Reinstatement Fee ($200) |
Renewal Fee | $200 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $650 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
7 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200
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
Connecticut 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 Connecticut with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Connecticut has one of the longest apprenticeship requirements at 4 years / 8,000 hours. The state also requires a DPH-administered practical exam in addition to ABO and NCLE national exams.
Connecticut requires state licensure for opticians.
Must pass ABO (NOCE), NCLE, and a DPH-administered practical examination.
Apprenticeship pathway is 4 years / 8,000 hours — one of the longest in the country.
Application fee is $200.
Continuing education: 7 hours per year.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $650 | 4–148 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $509 | 4–148 wks | → |
| New York | $558 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | — | 4–148 wks | → |
See how Connecticut compares: Optician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Compare optician requirements across all states →
Optician licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure optician is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Connecticut 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 Connecticut.
Optician Schools in Connecticut
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Optician requirements in Connecticut verified against Connecticut Department of Public Health — Optician Licensure, March 2026.
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Connecticut →
Transfer your Optician license from Connecticut to: Massachusetts → | New York → | Rhode Island →
Connecticut requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Connecticut Department of Public Health — Optician Licensure.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.