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How to become a licensed Optician in Rhode Island. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
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.
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 |
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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Rhode Island.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#12 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$43,890
25th percentile
Median
$50,380
+8% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$71,070
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
280 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+187% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$50,380
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$50,380
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$144,360
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: 4–148 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health — Opticians Advisory Committee — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Rhode Island Department of Health — Opticians Advisory Committee — 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.
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.