Massachusetts Optician License
Massachusetts is known for having some of the strictest optician licensing requirements in the nation. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to become a licensed optician in the Bay State.
Strict requirements
Annual average (2026)
Depends on pathway
Why Massachusetts Has Strict Requirements
Yes, Massachusetts requires state licensure for opticians. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Optometry oversees optician licensing and maintains some of the most rigorous standards in the country. This is to ensure patient safety and the highest quality of optical care.
Massachusetts was one of the first states to regulate the optical profession and has consistently maintained high educational and professional standards. The state requires both comprehensive education and ongoing professional development through mandatory continuing education.
Important Notice
Massachusetts requires annual continuing education (15 hours per year), unlike most states that require CE every 2-3 years. This is the most frequent CE requirement in the nation. Factor this ongoing commitment into your career planning.
Massachusetts Optician License Requirements
Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Complete ONE of the following:
- Associate Degree: Two-year A.A.S. in Ophthalmic Dispensing from an accredited program
- Two-Year Apprenticeship: 4,000 hours under a licensed Massachusetts optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist
Pass both national certification exams:
National exam covering spectacle lens dispensing
National exam covering contact lens fitting
Criminal background check required. The Board reviews all criminal history for moral character determination.
Education Pathways in Massachusetts
Option 1: Associate Degree
The most straightforward path is completing a 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from an accredited program. Massachusetts accepts programs accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA).
Massachusetts Accredited Programs:
- • Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology - Boston, MA
- • Several regional programs in neighboring states (CT, RI) accepted
- • Online programs with Massachusetts clinical sites
Cost: $10,000-$25,000 for 2 years (varies by institution)
Option 2: Two-Year Apprenticeship
Massachusetts requires 4,000 hours of supervised practical training (approximately 2 years full-time). This apprenticeship must be completed under a licensed professional in Massachusetts.
Apprenticeship Requirements:
- Pre-Registration: File apprenticeship paperwork with the Board BEFORE starting. Hours worked before registration are not counted.
- Qualified Supervisor: Must be a Massachusetts-licensed optician (5+ years experience), optometrist, or ophthalmologist in good standing.
- Monthly Reports: Submit detailed monthly logs to the Board documenting hours, tasks, and supervisor verification.
- Comprehensive Training: Hours must cover spectacles, contact lenses, frame fitting, adjustments, and lab work.
Massachusetts Audits Rigorously
The Board conducts regular audits of apprenticeship logs. Incomplete, inconsistent, or fraudulent hour logs will result in application denial and potential disciplinary action against your supervisor. Keep detailed, honest records.
ABO & NCLE Examination Guide
Massachusetts requires both the ABO and NCLE national certifications. These computer-based exams are offered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout Massachusetts (Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, etc.).
- • 125 multiple-choice questions
- • 3-hour time limit
- • 70% passing score required
- • Fee: $75 per attempt
- • Covers optical theory, dispensing, frame fitting
- • 125 multiple-choice questions
- • 3-hour time limit
- • 70% passing score required
- • Fee: $75 per attempt
- • Focuses on contact lens fitting & care
Prepare for Your Massachusetts Optician Exams
Massachusetts opticians face strict licensing requirements, so thorough exam preparation is essential. Opterio provides comprehensive ABO/NCLE study materials with 500+ practice questions, AI-powered explanations, and intelligent spaced repetition designed to maximize your first-attempt pass rate.
Start Studying with OpterioHow to Apply for Your Massachusetts License
Complete Your Education
Finish your associate degree OR complete your registered 4,000-hour apprenticeship with verified monthly reports.
Pass ABO & NCLE Exams
Register through ABO-NCLE.org and pass both exams. Request official certificates to be sent to the Massachusetts Board.
Complete Background Check
Submit to a criminal background check through an approved vendor. This typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Submit Application
Complete the Massachusetts optician license application through the Board's portal. Include:
- • Official transcripts or apprenticeship completion certificate
- • ABO and NCLE certificates
- • Background check clearance
- • Application fee ($150)
- • License fee ($150)
Receive Your License
After Board approval (typically 8-12 weeks), you'll receive your Massachusetts optician license, valid for one year.
Processing Time
From application submission to receiving your license: 8-14 weeks. The Board meets monthly to review applications, so timing depends on when your complete application is received.
Massachusetts Board Contact
Board of Registration in Optometry
Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 727-3071
Website: mass.gov/optometry
Continuing Education Requirements
Annual CE Requirement
Massachusetts requires 15 hours of continuing education EVERY YEAR—the most frequent requirement in the nation. Most states require CE every 2-3 years, but Massachusetts mandates annual completion. Plan your CE schedule accordingly.
Every year (license renewal cycle)
- • Optical dispensing techniques
- • Contact lens technology
- • Massachusetts laws & ethics
- • Patient safety & care
Approved CE Providers:
- ABO-NCLE: Offers board-approved online CE courses
- Vision Expo: Annual trade show with numerous CE-approved seminars
- State Optical Associations: Local CE events and workshops
License Renewal
Licenses must be renewed annually. Renewal fee is $125. You must certify completion of 15 CE hours with each renewal. The Board conducts random audits—keep CE certificates for at least 4 years.
Massachusetts Optician Salary & Job Outlook
Annual average (2026)
Starting range
Experienced opticians
Salary by Region
| Massachusetts Region | Average Salary | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|
| Greater Boston | $54,200 | High |
| Worcester | $48,500 | Moderate |
| Springfield | $46,800 | Lower |
| Cape Cod | $49,200 | Moderate-High |
Job Growth Outlook
Massachusetts has strong demand for licensed opticians, particularly in the Greater Boston area. The state's high concentration of medical facilities and universities creates a robust healthcare job market. Projected growth: 4-5% through 2032.
Massachusetts employs approximately 1,800 licensed opticians, with the highest concentration in the Boston metro area and surrounding suburbs.
Related Resources
Official licensing board with applications and requirements.
Visit Website →Register for the ABO and NCLE national exams.
Visit Website →General optician career information and training guides.
View Resources →Comprehensive ABO & NCLE study platform for MA opticians.
Start Studying →Ready to Start Your Massachusetts Optician Career?
Massachusetts has strict requirements, but they ensure you receive top-tier education. Prepare for your ABO and NCLE exams with Opterio's comprehensive study system.