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Optician
Governing Authority
Rhode Island Department of Health — Opticians Advisory Committee
Official website →License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Not Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
12 hrs
CE Hours
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Associate degree or equivalent in opticianry
Accreditation
Approved opticianry 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)
Not Required
NCLE Certification (Contact Lenses)
ABO Details
Must pass the ABO National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
NCLE Details
NCLE certification not required by state
State-Specific Exam Required
ABO Practical Examination
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
2-3 years
Supervision
Under a licensed 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 | $30 |
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 | Varies |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (biennially, expiring January 31 of the renewal year)
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
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Rhode Island regulates opticians through the Department of Health and an Opticians Advisory Committee rather than a standalone board. The state requires the ABO practical exam. Online CE is acceptable for renewal.
Rhode Island requires state licensure for opticians.
Must pass ABO (NOCE) and ABO Practical Examination.
NCLE may not be required for basic spectacle dispensing.
Regulated by the Department of Health through the Opticians Advisory Committee.
Continuing education: 12 hours per 2-year renewal cycle.
Internet/online CE is acceptable.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Optician requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (you) | — | 4–148 wks | |
| Connecticut | $650 | 4–148 wks | → |
| Massachusetts | $509 | 4–148 wks | → |
See how Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.
Optician Schools in Rhode Island
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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Optician requirements in Rhode Island verified against Rhode Island Department of Health — Opticians Advisory Committee, March 2026.
Moving to Rhode Island? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Rhode Island →
Transfer your Optician license from Rhode Island to: Connecticut → | Massachusetts →
Rhode Island requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Rhode Island Department of Health — Opticians Advisory Committee.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.