Apply for a Dispensing Optician License

To become licensed as a dispensing optician - initial licensing - you'll need to have accomplished the following:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Received sufficient training through one of the following:
  • Completion of 4,200 hours of apprenticeship in no fewer than three (3) years; or
  • Graduation from a 2-year educational program in opticianry, which is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation; or
  • Completion of one year of an educational program which is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation along with completion of 2,100 hours of an apprenticeship in no fewer than 18 months.
• Achieved a passing score on the both the ABO and NCLE National Competency Examinations offered by the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners.
• Completely filled out an application for licensure.  
• Achieved a passing score on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts practical exam (see instructions below).

Your completed application must include the following documents:

• A Copy of the ABO and NCLE scores or Certificates.
• A 2”x 2” passport style photo.
• CORI Acknowledgement Form.
• A photocopy of your Apprenticeship Certificate, if applicable
• Transcripts from an approved school of Opticianry, if applicable (official transcripts must be included with your application and also mailed directly to the Board in an unopened, registrar-sealed envelope from the school).
• A letter or letters from the licensed optician(s) or optometrist(s) who sponsored your apprenticeship, on the letterhead of the business where you were employed, stating the training areas covered during your 4,200 hours (or the amount of hours for which they are signing if you worked for more than one supervisor) during the no less than 3-year period of apprenticeship. The original letter(s) must be mailed to the Board office. Please see the sample sponsor letter below.

        Sample Supervision Letter

• If you have ever held a professional license in another state, you must indicate this in your application as well as forward an official verification letter in an unopened sealed envelope from that state. Please note that if you are applying by endorsement (or reciprocity) please contact board staff at 617-727-5339 before you submit your application.
• Once you have submitted your application and documentation board staff will contact you via email and inform you of any deficiencies.  If the application is complete, you will receive a registration letter from the Board explaining how to schedule an appointment for the next available Practical Exam. Exams are offered two times each calendar year (usually in September and April).