CE Credit and Licensing Requirements by State

Every state has different licensing and continuing education requirements. Some states don’t accept online CE credits. Select your state below and learn more about your state’s specific requirements.

Ohio

• 12 hours, every 2 years (after first biennial renewal in 2025, opticians will renew in odd years)
• 1st time renewals must complete 2 hours SCD
• 8 hours of Spectacle (ABO)
• 4 hours of Contacts (NCLE)
• *Up to 2 management hours can be used for spectacle

Licensed Spectacle-Contact Dispensing Optician:

• 24 hours, every 2 years (after first biennial renewal in 2025, opticians will renew in odd years)
• 1st time renewals must complete 2 hours SCD
• 8 hours of Spectacle (ABO)
• 16 hours of Contacts (NCLE)
• *Up to 6 management hours can be used for contacts

Licensed Contact Dispensing Optician:

• Contacts Only expire in 2024 altogether*
• Will need to upgrade to Licensed Spectacle-Contact Dispensing Optician

Allows internet CE?

Yes, if provider is state board approved (OTI is an approved provider)

Is Optical Training Institute an approved continuing education provider in Ohio?

Yes, licensed opticians in Ohio can take any of our online continuing education courses on our website.

What are the requirements to become a licensed optician in Ohio?

To obtain a license you must have:

1. Earned a degree in optical dispensing from a Board approved school; or
2. Completed a registered spectacle apprenticeship of one thousand (1000) hours in optical

dispensing under the direct supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist,

or physician engaged in the practice of ophthalmology; or

1. Completed a registered spectacle-contact lens apprenticeship of one thousand five

hundred (1500) hours in optical dispensing under the direct supervision of a licensed

dispensing optician, optometrist, or physician engaged in the practice of

1. A person who gained experience under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or

ophthalmologist that would qualify the person under division (B)(1) of section 4725.48

of the Revised Code to take the examination for optical dispensing is not required to

register with the board.

1. Successfully passed the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) examination for

licensure as a dispensing spectacle optician; or

1. Successfully passed the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) examination for

licensure as a dispensing contact lens optician.

1. Applied through: https://elicense.ohio.gov; and
2. Completed and submitted the Certification of Supervisor Form and the BCI/FBI

What exams are required in Ohio to become a licensed optician?

Passing of the National Opticianry Competency Examination offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) is required; or

Passing of the Contact Lens Registry Examination offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is required.

How can you contact the Ohio state board?

Vision Professionals Board

77 S. High Street, 16th Floor , Columbus, Ohio 43215