Loading...
Loading...
Optician
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
8 hrs
CE Hours
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Not specifically required if internship completed
Accreditation
N/A
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.
Browse Optician study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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 and NCLE 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
6 months full-time
Supervision
Under a licensed optician, optometrist, or physician trained in ophthalmology
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 |
|---|---|
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Renewal Fee | $150 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | Varies |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$150
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
North Carolina 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 North Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
North Carolina requires four separate examinations (NOCE, ABO Practical, CLRE, NCLE Practical) and has specific CE categories: 4 hours spectacles, 3 hours contacts, 1 hour board-mandated. The 6-month internship is shorter than most states.
North Carolina requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate.
Must pass NOCE, ABO Practical, CLRE, and NCLE Practical — four exams.
6-month full-time internship required.
Renewal fee is $150; late renewal incurs $50 penalty.
Continuing education: 8 hours per year in specific categories.
CE breakdown: 4 hours spectacles, 3 hours contact lenses, 1 hour board-mandated.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
Optician Schools in North Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
Optician requirements in North Carolina verified against North Carolina State Board of Opticians, March 2026.
Moving to North Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to North Carolina →
Transfer your Optician license from North Carolina to: Georgia → | South Carolina → | Tennessee → | Virginia →
North Carolina requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the North Carolina State Board of Opticians.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.