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Optician
Total cost: $423.50
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
12 hrs
CE Hours
$423.50
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
2-year college-level program in optical dispensing approved by the board
Accreditation
Board-approved program
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)
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.
Apprenticeship Alternative
VerifiedApprenticeship Pathway Available
Duration
1,500 hours supervised experience
Supervision
Under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician engaged in the practice of 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 |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $195 |
ABO Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
NCLE Exam Fee Paid directly to ABO-NCLE | $225 |
Total Initial Fees Approximate total including application, exam, and license fees | $423.50 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
ABO Renewal
CE Topics
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
Ohio 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 Ohio with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Ohio has two license types: Spectacle only and Spectacle-Contact Lens. Spectacle-only licensees must complete a specific CE course before they can dispense even pre-packaged contact lenses. Licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Ohio requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Two license types: spectacle dispensing optician and spectacle-contact lens dispensing optician.
Must pass ABO exam for spectacle license; ABO and NCLE for spectacle-contact lens license.
Application fee is $195.
12 hours CE per 2-year period for spectacle opticians; 24 hours for spectacle-contact lens opticians.
Apprenticeship: 1,000 hours for spectacle; 1,500 hours for spectacle-contact lens.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
1,000 hours for spectacle apprenticeship; 1,500 hours for spectacle-contact lens apprenticeship
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how Ohio 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 Ohio compare to other states for optician? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Ohio.
Optician Schools in Ohio
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 Ohio verified against Ohio Vision Professionals Board, March 2026.
Moving to Ohio? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Ohio →
Transfer your Optician license from Ohio to: Indiana → | Kentucky → | Michigan → | Pennsylvania → | West Virginia →
Ohio requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Ohio Vision Professionals Board.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.