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:
- The applicant is at least 18 years of age unless emancipated under the provisions of
- 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia;
- 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;
- The applicant is in good standing as a licensed optician in every jurisdiction where
licensed;
- 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;
- The applicant has successfully completed one of the following education requirements:
- 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
- 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;
- The applicant has disclosed his current mailing address;
- 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
- 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