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How to become a licensed Optician in New Hampshire. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
Governing Authority
New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification
Official website →Registration
License Type
Not Required
ABO Certification
Not Required
NCLE Certification
Not Allowed
Apprenticeship
0 hrs
CE Hours
$130
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
No specific degree required — registration only
Accreditation
N/A
Minimum Education
No minimum education required by state for registration
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
VerifiedNot Required
ABO Certification (Eyeglasses)
Not Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
ABO certification not required by state — voluntary
NCLE Details
NCLE certification not required by state — voluntary
No State-Specific 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.
Optician Practice Scope
VerifiedPermitted
Eyeglass Dispensing
Permitted
Contact Lens Fitting
No Additional Certification Needed 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 | $110 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
License Fee | $20 |
Renewal Fee | $110 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $130 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
Renewal Fee
$110
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
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire is unique among states that regulate opticians: it requires only registration with no education, exam, or certification requirements. The state simply requires submitting an application and fee — making it the least restrictive among regulated states.
New Hampshire requires registration — not licensure — for ophthalmic dispensing professionals.
No education, certification, or examination requirements for registration.
Registration fee is $110 for initial application and $110 for renewal.
Registration renews every 2 years.
No continuing education required.
ABO/NCLE certification is voluntary but may be preferred by employers.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New Hampshire.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#15 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$43,700
25th percentile
Median
$49,400
+6% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$57,970
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
500 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+164% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$49,400
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$49,400
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$130,310
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: 4–12 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
New Hampshire has specific certification requirements for opticians. A formal education program is required. All licensing is managed through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.