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How to become a licensed Optician in Georgia. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
10 hrs
CE Hours
$650
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Certificate from recognized school of Opticianry with Technical College System of Georgia
Accreditation
Board-approved opticianry program
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 ABO National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
NCLE Details
Must pass the NCLE Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)
State-Specific Exam Required
ABO Practical Exam (ABOP) and NCLE Practical Exam (NCLEP)
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
2 years (3,000 hours)
Supervision
Under a Georgia Board-registered 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 | $160 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $100 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $650 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
10 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$100
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
Georgia 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.
Georgia requires four separate examinations: NOCE, CLRE, ABO Practical, and NCLE Practical. Applications are processed through the GOALS online portal. Licenses expire on March 31 of odd-numbered years.
Georgia requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Must pass NOCE, CLRE, ABOP practical, and NCLEP practical — four exams total.
Apprenticeship requires Board registration as an apprentice and 2 years / 3,000 hours.
Applications submitted through the GOALS portal.
Licenses expire March 31 of odd-numbered years.
Continuing education: 10 hours per 2-year renewal cycle.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Georgia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 of 51
Cost
#9 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$37,430
25th percentile
Median
$45,640
-2% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$62,050
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,580 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+184% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$45,640
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$45,640
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$129,690
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: Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Georgia requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.