Virginia

What are the continuing education requirements for license renewal in Virginia?

• No CE requirements for renewal.

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

• CE requirements are not needed for renewal.

What is the Optician Development Program approved for in Virginia?

ODP fulfills the requirement listed in Section 18 VAC 80-30-20 (5)(a): A board-approved two-year course in a school of opticianry, including the study of topics essential to qualify for practicing as an optician.

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

Section 18 VAC 80-30-20. Qualifications of applicant

An applicant for a license shall furnish satisfactory evidence on an application provided by the 

board establishing that: 

1. The applicant is at least 18 years of age unless emancipated under the provisions of 

• 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia; 

2. The applicant is a graduate of an accredited high school, has completed the equivalent of 

grammar school and a four-year high school course, or is a holder of a certificate of 

general educational development; 

3. The applicant is in good standing as a licensed optician in every jurisdiction where 

licensed; 

4. The applicant has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a misdemeanor or felony 

involving sexual offense or physical injury, or any felony involving drug distribution or 

that directly relates to the profession of opticianry. The board shall have the authority to determine, based upon all the information available, including the applicant's record of prior convictions, if the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the profession of 

opticianry. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this subdivision. The licensee shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree, or case decision by a court or regulatory agency with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree, or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such conviction. This record shall be forwarded by the licensee to the board within 10 days after all appeal rights have expired; 

5. The applicant has successfully completed one of the following education requirements: 
6. A board-approved two-year course in a school of opticianry, including the study of 

topics essential to qualify for practicing as an optician; or 

1. b. A two-year apprenticeship, including all required related technical instruction, 

while registered in the apprenticeship program in accordance with the standards 

established by the state Department of Labor and Industry, Division of Registered Apprenticeship, and approved by the board; 

6. The applicant has disclosed his current mailing address; 
7. The nonresident applicant for a license has filed and maintained with the department an 

irrevocable consent for the director of the department to serve as service agent for all 

actions filed in any court in the Commonwealth; and 

8. The applicant shall certify, as part of the application, that the applicant has read and 

understands Chapter 15 (§ 54.1-1500 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board.

For more information: Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

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

Passing of the written exam and practical examinations for ABO-NCLE.

How can you contact the Virginia state board?

Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

The Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians

Phone: (804) 367-8590

Contact Us | Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation