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How to become a licensed Optician in Washington. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Optician
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Health — Dispensing Optician Program
Official website →License
License Type
Required
ABO Certification
Required
NCLE Certification
Allowed
Apprenticeship
30 hrs
CE Hours
Varies
Total Initial Fees
Formal Education & Training
VerifiedFormal Education
Not Required
Degree Type
Prescribed course in opticianry approved by Secretary of Health
Accreditation
Secretary of Health-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.
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
3-6 years (6,000 hours minimum)
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 (CE due every 3 years)
Renewal Period
30 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
Washington 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.
Washington has the highest CE requirement among optician licensing states at 30 hours per 3-year cycle, with at least 15 hours required in contact lens topics. Since March 2018, the state has accepted ABO-NCLE national exams in lieu of its own state examination. Annual renewal falls on the licensee's birthday.
Washington requires state licensure for dispensing opticians.
Managed by the Department of Health.
Apprenticeship: 6,000 hours minimum in 3-6 years.
Must pass ABO-NCLE basic competency, basic contact lens, and practical examinations.
License renews annually on the optician's birthday.
30 hours CE every 3 years (at least 15 hours in contact lenses).
One of the most comprehensive CE requirements among licensing states.
There is no interstate compact for opticians.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#17 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Opticians, Dispensing (SOC 29-2081)
Entry Level
$44,140
25th percentile
Median
$48,320
+4% vs. national avg ($46,560)Experienced
$57,760
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,000 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+226% salary growth potential
You are here
Optician
$48,320
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
You are here
Optician
Opticianry program + ABO/NCLE certification
$48,320
OD degree (4 years) + NBEO exams
$157,650
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: Washington State Department of Health — Dispensing Optician Program — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Washington State Department of Health — Dispensing Optician Program — 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.
Washington requires ABO certification for opticians. An apprenticeship pathway is available. All licensing is managed through the Washington State Department of Health — Dispensing Optician Program.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.