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How to become a licensed Optician in South Carolina. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Not Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
4 hrs
CE Hours
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Graduate of approved 2-year school/program in opticianry
Accreditation
Board-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
South Carolina Practical Examination in Opticianry
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 years (SC Apprentice Program)
Supervision
Under a licensed dispensing 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 |
|---|---|
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
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
4 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
South 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.
South Carolina offers four pathways to licensure, including a unique pathway for applicants with 2 years experience in states that do not license opticians. The state requires the ABO exam plus its own practical examination.
South Carolina requires state licensure for opticians.
Must have high school education or GED documented with the Board.
Must pass ABO examination and SC Practical Examination.
Four pathways to licensure: reciprocity from another state, 2 years experience in non-licensing state, 2-year opticianry program, or 2-year SC Apprentice Program.
Continuing education: 4 hours per year.
Contact: Contact.Opticianry@llr.sc.gov
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#22 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$37,670
25th percentile
Median
$46,830
+1% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$59,990
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
870 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+194% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$46,830
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$46,830
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$137,450
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: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Opticianry — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Carolina Board of Examiners in Opticianry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for the ABO and NCLE certification exams.
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South Carolina requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Opticianry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.