Become a Certified Optician and Take Your Career to the Next Level
Opticians play a critical role in delivering excellent patient care and eyewear solutions. If you’re
looking to become a nationally certified optician and take your career to new heights, you've come to the
right place.
Our training platform helps you achieve ABO and NCLE certification, offering expert-led courses that
prepare you for success. Plus, we’ll help you understand state licensure requirements and provide you with
ongoing education after certification to keep your skills sharp.
How to Become a Certified Optician
Becoming a nationally certified optician (ABO & NCLE) is an excellent way to advance your career. Here's how OTI helps you achieve that:
ABO & NCLE Certification
Our Optician Development Program (ODP) is a comprehensive career training program designed to prepare you for the ABO and NCLE exams. The training includes foundational optical theory, lens design, patient care, and more. It’s a complete solution for those looking to start or advance their careers as opticians.
State Licensure Requirements
Some states require licensure to practice as an optician. We’ve made it easy to find out if you need a state license and how to get it. Check out the State Licensure page for specific requirements in your state.
Already an Apprentice or Looking to Start?
If you’re in a licensed state where an apprenticeship is required, or if you are already an apprentice, head over to our apprenticeship page for next steps and to learn more about how to get started with our Optician Development Program to support your apprenticeship.
Comprehensive Career Training for Opticians
The Optician Development Program (ODP) is an all-online, personalized, and self-paced career training program designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to succeed as an optician. It prepares you for ABO & NCLE certification and goes beyond the exams to ensure you’re ready for a thriving career.
Exam Pass Guarantee
We’re so confident in the effectiveness of our program that we offer an Exam Pass Guarantee for both ABO & NCLE exams. If you don’t pass, we’ll work with you until you do—or your money back (in full!)*.
Personalized 1:1 Support
Receive dedicated guidance through 1:1 study sessions with an advanced instructor. Our team is there to help you review difficult concepts, work on practice problems, and answer all your questions.
Study Resources for Success
Gain access to over 800+ practice questions, flashcards, gamified activities, and practice tests. These resources are designed to help you retain key information and prepare with effective study tools, along with test-taking tips to improve your exam performance.
* Students who complete the ODP curriculum and pass all module practice and final exams are eligible for the Exam Pass Guarantee. Students who do not pass the ABO or NCLE exam on their first attempt will receive additional coaching and study material. Students who complete the required material and do not pass the ABO or NCLE exam on their second attempt are eligible for a refund for the total cost of the course.
Self-Paced Exam Prep for Experienced Opticians
For experienced opticians seeking certification through the ABO and/or NCLE exams, OTI’s Exam Prep Digital provides a flexible, self-paced approach to exam preparation. These courses are designed to refresh and refine your knowledge of key concepts.
Comprehensive Study Materials
Dive into over 350 practice questions, quizzes, and multimedia resources, all designed to refresh and strengthen your foundational knowledge.
Flexible and Self-Paced Learning
Learn online and at your own pace with full access to the course on any device, anytime, anywhere. This is ideal for opticians with two or more years of experience who want a focused and flexible approach to certification.
Fast, Focused, and Exam-Centric
This course is built to get you certified quickly, in as little as 6-8 weeks. Perfect for opticians who are ready to advance their careers without needing personalized or additional support.
Enhance Your Technical Skills with Real-World Virtual Simulations
The Optician Simulator offers you the opportunity to practice your technical skills in a safe, virtual environment. This tool not only helps build your skills but also prepares you for the practical exam, which tests your ability to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios.
Realistic, Hands-On Practice
Simulate patient interactions and practice solving common optical challenges, like lens fitting and troubleshooting using six essential optical instruments: the lensometer, pupillometer, eyeglass adjustment tools, PD ruler, keratometer, and slit lamp.
Practical Exam Preparation
The Optician Simulator allows you to practice key skills such as lens measurement, fitting, and use of 6 optical instruments. This helps prepare you for simulated patient interactions during the exam and ensures you're ready to demonstrate your competency in real-world scenarios.
Confidence-Building Exercises
Practice key techniques without the pressure of working with actual patients, allowing you to refine your skills at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed in both the exam and your career.
Stay Compliant with OTI’s CE Courses and Automated Reporting
OTI offers a variety of Continuing Education (CE) courses to help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends, technologies, and industry standards. As a certified optician, ongoing education is key to maintaining your certification and growing your skill set.
ABO, NCLE & State Approved Courses
All courses are approved by ABO, NCLE, and state regulatory bodies (depending on your state), ensuring they meet the highest standards for professional development.
Flexible Learning Options with Automated Reporting
All courses are online, available anytime and anywhere. OTI also reports your credits directly to ABO & NCLE, so you don't have to scramble to meet CE deadlines or worry if your credits were reported.
Expand Your Knowledge and Skills
Courses range from new lens technologies to patient care techniques, providing comprehensive training across all areas of opticianry.
What Opticians Are Saying About OTI’s Trainings
Hear directly from our students about how OTI's training has transformed their careers and the impact it’s had on their personal lives.
"I prefer ODP because it mimics a classroom environment with the provided instructor videos. Unlike other training providers, where it's a textbook online with small print that makes it hard to focus, ODP has a better layout with the colors and brightness allowing for better studying."
"You are out here changing people's lives and don't even know how impactful you are. Your Optician Development Program has not only changed my life, but has allowed me to change my family's life too because if I didn't pass those tests and get that knowledge, I wouldn't have been able to take care of my family. So thank you for all you do. The program helped me see the value in education and certification, which has also directly impacted the patient care I deliver with my team."
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Optician Career?
Begin your journey with ABO & NCLE certification, enhance your skills through Continuing Education (CE), or dive into career training programs like the Optician Development Program (ODP) and Optician Simulator. OTI provides everything you need to succeed and take your career to the next level.