Top 11 Optician Certifications

Certifications for an optician are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional competence and knowledge. Certification is a formal process that requires an optician to demonstrate competency in areas such as anatomy and physiology, optics, contact lenses, patient care, and more. It also demonstrates to employers that the optician is up-to-date on the latest industry trends and practices. Additionally, certifications may be required by state boards or employers in order to practice as an optician. Overall, certifications can give opticians an added edge when it comes to finding jobs or advancing their career.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Opticians and explain how these certifications can help an optician advance their career.

What are Optician Certifications?

Optician certification is a professional credential that is granted by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) to qualified individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of eyewear fabrication and dispensing. An optician is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing vision care services such as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses, fitting eyewear, performing eye examinations, and providing patient education regarding vision health.

Optician certification can help opticians demonstrate their competence in the field of vision care. It provides employers with assurance that certified opticians are knowledgeable about the latest trends in eyewear technology and possess the necessary skills to provide quality patient care. Additionally, it demonstrates a commitment to continuing education and professional development. Furthermore, obtaining an ABO certification may help opticians become eligible for higher salaries or promotions within their organization. Finally, having an ABO certification may also increase credibility among customers or patients, since they know that certified opticians have met the standards set forth by the ABO.

Pro Tip: Invest in additional optician certification courses and exams to increase your knowledge and skillset. This will make you more attractive to employers, as well as give you the opportunity to offer enhanced services to customers.

Related: What does an Optician do?

Top 11 Optician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Opticians today.

1. American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Certification

The American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is a nonprofit organization that provides certification for opticians in the United States. ABO certification is a voluntary process that validates an optician’s knowledge and skills in the field of optics. It is designed to ensure that certified opticians have the necessary education, experience, and expertise to provide quality eye care services to patients.

To become ABO certified, an optician must pass two exams: the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) and the ABO Certification Exam. The NOCE covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, optics, lens fabrication, contact lenses, and patient care. The ABO Certification Exam focuses on business practices, laws and regulations related to opticianry, optical dispensing techniques, frame selection and fitting techniques, patient communication skills, and more.

The entire certification process typically takes between three to four months to complete. To begin the process of becoming ABO certified, an optician must first submit an application form with all required documentation (including transcripts from any relevant courses taken). Once approved by the ABO board of directors, applicants will be able to register for both exams online or by mail.

The cost of becoming ABO certified varies depending on how many exams an individual needs to take; however it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD for both tests combined.

2. National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Certification

National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Certification is a certification program offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). The NCLE was established in 1974 to ensure that contact lens practitioners meet a high level of competency and ethical standards.

The NCLE certification program requires applicants to have at least two years of experience as a contact lens practitioner, and successful completion of the NCLE's written examination. The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, optics, contact lenses, patient assessment, and fitting techniques.

It typically takes around six months to complete the certification process. To get started, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with their fee ($350 USD). Once approved, they will receive an email containing instructions on how to take the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must then provide proof of their experience as a contact lens practitioner before they can receive their certification.

The cost for the NCLE certification is $350 USD. This fee covers all aspects of the certification process including the application fee, exam fees, and any other associated costs.

3. Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Certification

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) Certification is a credential that recognizes the professional knowledge and skills of ophthalmic technicians. It is awarded by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). The certification requires passing an exam, which tests an individual’s knowledge and understanding of ophthalmology. The COT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the COT examination, individuals must have at least one year of full-time experience as an ophthalmic technician, or two years of part-time experience within the past five years. Additionally, applicants must have completed a JCAHPO-approved training program, or have equivalent education and experience as determined by JCAHPO.

The cost for taking the COT exam varies depending on your geographical location. In the United States, it costs $180 for members of JCAHPO and $225 for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with applying to take the exam.

Once you pass the COT exam, you will receive a certificate from JCAHPO that shows you are certified as an ophthalmic technician. This certification is valid for three years before renewal is required. To renew your certification, you must complete continuing education credits every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

4. Certified Dispensing Optician (CDO) Certification

Certified Dispensing Optician (CDO) certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and expertise of individuals who work in the field of dispensing eyewear. This certification is offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) and is recognized by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

The CDO certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as optics, anatomy, physiology, contact lenses, frame selection and fitting, lens fabrication, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get certified as a CDO, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field or have completed an accredited opticianry program. Applicants must also be 18 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license or other government-issued identification.

The cost for taking the CDO exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the exam. After passing the exam, there is an additional fee for obtaining your certificate which can range from $50-$100 depending on where you take it.

Overall, becoming certified as a CDO can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in opticianry. It demonstrates expertise in the field and provides recognition from employers and peers alike.

5. Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) Certification

Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO) Certification is a professional license that allows individuals to practice as an optician in the United States. An LDO is responsible for fitting and dispensing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-related products to patients.

In order to become an LDO, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Depending on the state, these may include completing a two or four-year accredited program in opticianry, passing an exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), and having at least one year of work experience as an optician.

The process of becoming an LDO can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on individual circumstances. Applicants should check with their state board for specific requirements and timelines.

The cost of becoming an LDO varies by state but typically includes fees for application materials, exams, and licensure renewal. In addition, some states may require continuing education credits in order to maintain licensure status.

6. American Academy of Opticians (AAO) Certification

American Academy of Opticians (AAO) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes opticians who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of opticianry. This certification is available to all licensed opticians, regardless of their educational background or experience level. It is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the optician's knowledge and skills, as well as to promote professional development and career advancement.

The AAO Certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. The first step is to register for the exam, which requires a fee of $250. Once registered, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam platform. After completing the online exam, applicants must submit proof of completion such as a copy of their license or certificate from an accredited opticianry program.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will be notified via email if they have passed the exam. If successful, they will then receive their AAO Certification credential within two weeks after passing the exam. The cost for this certification is $250 plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with registering for the exam.

In addition to receiving their AAO Certification credential, successful applicants may also be eligible for discounts on continuing education courses and other benefits offered by the American Academy of Opticians.

7. National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) Certification

The National Academy of Opticianry (NAO) Certification is a voluntary certification program for opticians in the United States. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of opticians who have achieved excellence in their profession. The NAO Certification is recognized by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

The NAO Certification process consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical exam. The online exam covers topics such as optics, contact lenses, ophthalmic dispensing, and practice management. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. The practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their skills in fitting eyeglasses, measuring pupillary distance, selecting frames, and adjusting eyewear. This portion of the certification process takes about one hour to complete.

In order to be eligible for NAO Certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working as an optician or hold a degree from an accredited opticianry school. Additionally, applicants must pass both parts of the certification process with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost of NAO Certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 for both parts combined.

8. Certified Optical Technician (COT) Certification

Certified Optical Technician (COT) certification is a professional credential for individuals who work in the optical industry. This certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the field of optics, including lens fabrication, optical instrumentation, and optical system design. It is issued by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

To become certified as a COT, applicants must pass an exam administered by either the ABO or NCLE. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as optics theory, lens fabrication, optical instrumentation, and optical system design. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the COT exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in the optical industry or have completed an accredited opticianry program. Applicants must also submit proof of their education and experience to the ABO or NCLE prior to taking the exam.

The cost of taking the COT exam varies depending on whether you are applying through ABO or NCLE. The fee for ABO is $300 while NCLE charges $350 for their exams. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application materials to either organization prior to taking the exam.

9. Certified Master Optician (CMO) Certification

Certified Master Optician (CMO) Certification is a professional certification program for opticians, which is offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). It is designed to recognize opticians who have demonstrated excellence in their field and have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill.

To become a Certified Master Optician, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the necessary coursework. The requirements include: having at least five years of experience as an optician; passing the NCLE's written examination; completing approved continuing education courses; and demonstrating proficiency in contact lens fitting, optical dispensing, and eyewear fabrication.

The process of becoming certified typically takes nine to twelve months depending on the individual's experience level. The cost of certification varies depending on the individual's state or province but generally ranges from $400 to $600 USD.

Once certified, opticians are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. This ensures that they are up-to-date with current trends in the field and remain knowledgeable about new developments in optics technology.

10. American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN) Certification

The American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN) is a professional organization that provides certification for ophthalmic nurses. The ASORN certification program is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of registered nurses who specialize in ophthalmology. It is an important credential for those who work in the field of ophthalmology, as it validates their expertise and experience.

It typically takes about six months to complete the ASORN certification process. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as an RN in an ophthalmology setting and must pass a written examination administered by ASORN. Applicants must also complete continuing education requirements every two years to maintain their certification status.

The cost of the ASORN certification process varies depending on the type of exam taken and whether or not applicants need to take additional courses or workshops to prepare for the exam. Generally, it costs between $200-$400 USD to become certified by ASORN.

In addition to providing recognition for experienced ophthalmic nurses, ASORN also offers resources and educational opportunities that help members stay up-to-date with current trends in ophthalmology nursing practice.

11. International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) Certification

The International Association of Contact Lens Educators (IACLE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing contact lens educators with the highest standards of education and professional development. IACLE Certification is a voluntary program that recognizes contact lens educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and clinical practice.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of experience as a contact lens educator and having completed the IACLE Core Curriculum. The Core Curriculum consists of four modules: Basic Contact Lens Theory, Clinical Contact Lens Practice, Ocular Anatomy & Physiology, and Contact Lens Materials & Care. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for certification.

The certification process typically takes two to three months to complete once all requirements are met. Applicants must pass an online exam before they can be granted certification status. The exam covers topics such as basic contact lens theory, clinical contact lens practice, ocular anatomy and physiology, and contact lens materials and care.

The cost for IACLE Certification varies depending on the country in which you live. In the United States, it costs $250 USD for members and $350 USD for non-members. For those living outside of the US, fees vary from country to country but generally range from $150-$200 USD for members and $250-$300 USD for non-members.

In addition to the initial fee, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 USD for members or $75 USD for non-members which must be paid each year in order to maintain certification status.

Do You Really Need a Optician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual’s goals. If you want to become an optician, then yes, you will need an optician certificate. The certificate is a formal qualification that shows employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work as an optician. It also provides proof that you have met the requirements set by your state or province for licensing as an optician.

If you are not interested in becoming an optician and simply want to learn more about optics and vision care, then no, you do not need an optician certificate. There are lots of resources available online, such as articles, videos, and websites dedicated to optics and vision care that can provide valuable information without requiring any certification. However, if you want to pursue a career in optics or vision care, then getting certified is essential.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an optician certificate depends on your individual goals. If becoming a certified optician is something that interests you, then it is recommended that you pursue certification in order to increase your chances of success in the industry.

Related: Optician Resume Examples

FAQs About Optician Certifications

1. What is an Optician Certification?

Answer: An Optician Certification is a credential that demonstrates competency in the field of opticianry, which involves providing eyeglass prescriptions, frames, and lenses to customers. It also requires knowledge of contact lenses and vision care products.

2. How do I become an Optician?

Answer: To become an optician, you typically need to complete a postsecondary education program in opticianry or ophthalmic dispensing, as well as pass a certification exam administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). You may also need to obtain licensure in some states.

3. Are there any prerequisites for becoming an Optician?

Answer: Yes, most programs require applicants to have completed at least two years of high school science courses such as biology or chemistry before enrolling in an opticianry program.

4. How long does it take to get certified as an Optician?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the type of program you choose and your level of experience or prior training. Some programs can be completed within one year while others may require up to two years for completion.

5. What are the benefits of becoming Certified as an Optician?

Answer: Becoming certified as an optician can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher pay due to increased knowledge and expertise in the field. Additionally, having certification can make you more attractive to employers who are looking for qualified candidates with specialized skillsets.