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Optician
Total cost: $130
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.
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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 |
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare New Hampshire with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire.
Optician Schools in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire verified against New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, March 2026.
Moving to New Hampshire? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to New Hampshire →
Transfer your Optician license from New Hampshire to: Maine → | Massachusetts → | Vermont →
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.