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Optician
Total cost: $325
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
6 hrs
CE Hours
$325
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Graduate of accepted school of ophthalmic dispensing
Accreditation
Board-accepted ophthalmic dispensing program
Minimum Education
High school diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma
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
Board-approved examination in ophthalmic dispensing
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
Supervision
Under a licensed ophthalmic dispenser, physician, osteopath, or optometrist
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 | $50 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
License Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $325 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year (expires December 31 annually)
Renewal Period
6 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
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
Kentucky 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 Kentucky with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Kentucky uses the title 'Ophthalmic Dispenser' rather than 'Optician.' The Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers requires annual renewal. Continuing education must be completed in person — no online CE is permitted.
Kentucky requires state licensure for ophthalmic dispensers.
Must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma.
2 years training and experience or graduation from accepted school required.
Board-approved examination required.
Annual renewal with 6 hours CE per year.
No online CE permitted.
Apprentice license available for $50.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how Kentucky compares: Optician License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Kentucky compare to other states for optician? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Kentucky.
Optician Schools in Kentucky
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Optician requirements in Kentucky verified against Kentucky Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, March 2026.
Moving to Kentucky? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Kentucky →
Transfer your Optician license from Kentucky to: Illinois → | Indiana → | Missouri → | Ohio → | Tennessee → | Virginia → | West Virginia →
Kentucky requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Kentucky Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.