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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.
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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
At least 6,000 hours of certified apprenticeship training in no less than three years but no more than six years
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 |
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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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Washington with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Optician requirements in nearby states
See how Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington.
Optician Schools in Washington
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 Washington verified against Washington State Department of Health — Dispensing Optician Program, March 2026.
Moving to Washington? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Optician license to Washington →
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.