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Optician
Total cost: $509
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
12 hrs
CE Hours
$509
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
2-year educational program in opticianry accredited by COA
Accreditation
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA)
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
Commonwealth of Massachusetts practical exam
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 (4,200 hours minimum)
Supervision
Under a 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 | $59 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $95 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $509 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$95
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
Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Massachusetts requires a state practical exam in addition to ABO and NCLE national exams. The apprenticeship pathway requires 4,200 hours in no fewer than 3 years. All online continuing education is acceptable for renewal.
Massachusetts requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Must pass ABO (NOCE), NCLE (CLRE), and state practical examination.
Application fee is $59; endorsement application fee is $95.
Apprenticeship pathway: 4,200 hours in no fewer than 3 years.
Must be at least 18 years old.
All online CE is acceptable.
Continuing education: 12 hours per 2-year renewal cycle.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (you) | $509 | 4–148 wks | |
| Connecticut | $650 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Maine | — | 4–12 wks | → |
| New Hampshire | $130 | 4–12 wks | → |
| New York | $558 | 4–148 wks | → |
See how Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Optician Schools in Massachusetts
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Optician requirements in Massachusetts verified against Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians, March 2026.
Moving to Massachusetts? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Massachusetts →
Transfer your Optician license from Massachusetts to: Connecticut → | New Hampshire → | New York → | Rhode Island → | Vermont →
Massachusetts requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Board of Registration of Dispensing Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.