How to Become an Optician in California

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Education Options for Optical Technicians in CA

You can obtain your education and training from optician school, which typically takes anywhere from one to two years, depending on the program. American Career College’s Optical Technician program takes 9 months to complete. Your optical technician program should prepare you for an entry-level position in the field of opticianry, providing you with training on how to:

Perform eye exam pre-screening tests
Operate optical equipment
Make recommendations based on a patient’s prescription
Manufacture prescription eyeglasses
Adjust and repair eyeglass frames
Prescribe, fit, and educate on how to properly use contacts
Fill prescriptions

Your program should also provide you with hands-on learning opportunities in real optical care settings. ACC’s Optical Technician program includes a 200-hour externship that gives students on-site, real-world practice to help prepare them for their future work environments.

Another option is to work as an optician’s assistant or apprentice, which allows you to gain on-the-job training that will help you prepare for the next step of becoming certified and registered as an optician.

Optician Certification Requirements in CA

Individuals who want to become licensed as an optician in California must pass a national certification exam. According to the California State Board of Optometry, if you are seeking a Spectacle Lens Dispenser license, you must pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exam. If you are seeking a Contact Lens Dispenser license, you must pass the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) exam.

The specific Certification exams you will need to take include the following:

National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) by the American Board of Optometry (ABO)
Contact Lens Registry Exam (CLRE) by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)

American Career College’s Optical Technician program helps students prepare for the NOCE (also known as ABO) and the NCLE.

Optical Technician Gallery

NOCE & CLRE Overview

Here are some important things to note about the NOCE and CLRE:

Eligibility: Candidates must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or GED

Test location: Choose a Prometric Test Center

Number of questions: 125 multiple-choice questions (a portion of these may not be scored and are instead pretested for future exam use)

Duration: 2 hours

Exam cost: $175 (non-refundable)

Number of times per year offered: Once per month

In regards to the exam cost, ACC reimburses students if they pass the test during their time in the Optical Technician program and up to six months after they have completed the program.

See the ABO-NCLE Basic Exam Handbook to learn about the exam content. It’s worth noting that while there are new practical exams offered by the ABO-NCLE, California does not require them.

Retaking the Exam

If you need to retake an ABO or NCLE exam, you may do so after waiting 14 days from the date of your last test. If you retake the exam three times and are unable to pass, you must wait 90 days before you become eligible for another retake.

Learn more about ACC's Optical Technician program

Available in Los Angeles and Ontario

View full program details

Optician License Requirements in CA

An optician can obtain licensure in California only if they are certified with the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) first. More on that later.

Anyone in California who fits and adjusts glasses and contact lenses must have a license registered with the California State Board of Optometry — unless they are operating under the direct supervision of an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or registered optician. In the latter case, the individual will be working as an optical assistant. It is illegal to call oneself an “optician” in California without registration with the state board.

There are four different types of optical technician licenses you can register for through the California State Board of Optometry, including:

Registered Dispensing Ophthalmic Business: This RDO registration is for businesses that offer fittings and adjustments of spectacles and/or contact lenses.

Spectacle Lens Dispenser: This registration is for optical technicians who plan to work in dispensing optical businesses.

Contact Lens Dispenser: This registration is for those who plan to work in dispensing optical businesses.

Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispenser: This registration is for out-of-state businesses that ship ophthalmic lenses to consumers within California.

To submit an application for or register a license, you can do so online using BreEZe.

License Application & Registration Fee

When applying for a license, you will need to first pay a $150 application fee to have your application reviewed by the Board. Upon approval, you will then need to pay a $200 registration fee to register your license with the Board. You will then need to pay a $200 renewal fee every two years

Application Processing Time

You can expect the following timelines for the proceeding of your application:

Application Type	Processing Time
Registered Dispensing Ophthalmic Business	3 - 5 weeks
Spectacle Lens Dispenser	3 - 5 weeks
Contact Lens Dispenser	3 - 5 weeks
Nonresident Ophthalmic Lens Dispenser	1 - 2 weeks

Source: Department of Consumer Affairs, California State Board of Optometry

Taking the First Step Toward Becoming an Optical Technician

If you’re ready to start your journey, enroll today in an educational program that will provide you with the foundational knowledge and training you need to feel confident working as an entry-level optical technician.

ACC’s Optical Technician program can prepare you for the role of connecting patients with eye care solutions. The program is offered at our Los Angeles and Ontario campuses and is taught in a blended format combining in-person instruction with online coursework.

Learn more about the Optical Technician program at ACC!