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Optician
Total cost: $650
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.
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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
Minimum of 3,000 hours, obtained in not less than 2 years
Supervision
Under a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician (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 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (licenses expire March 31 of odd-numbered 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 (for opticians licensed in states with standards at least equal to Georgia)
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Georgia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia (you) | $650 | 4–148 wks | |
| Alabama | — | 4–12 wks | → |
| Florida | $650 | 4–148 wks | → |
| North Carolina | — | 4–148 wks | → |
| South Carolina | — | 4–148 wks | → |
See how Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia.
Optician Schools in Georgia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Official Sources
Optician requirements in Georgia verified against Georgia State Board of Dispensing Opticians, March 2026.
Moving to Georgia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Georgia →
Transfer your Optician license from Georgia to: Alabama → | Florida → | North Carolina → | South Carolina → | Tennessee →
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.