Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CT Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Connecticut
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Connecticut, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Connecticut
Estimated timeline: 4 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 3
Hold an associates degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Opticians OR have completed at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of apprenticeship training under the supervision of a licensed optician.
- 4
Apprenticeship training completed in Connecticut will be accepted provided the applicant was duly registered as an optician apprentice by the Department.
- 5
The American Board of Opticianry's & National Contact Lens Examiners' (ABO-NCLE) National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE)
- and.
- 6
A DPH administered practical examination.
- 7
A fall 2023, examination event is being planned.
- 8
The application deadline for this examination administration is September 29, 2023.
Exam and processing details
- National Contact Lens Examiners' (ABO-NCLE) National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE)
- and
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Health Care Systems Branch • Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,780 median (39% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#2 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Connecticut eligibility requirements for Optician licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Hold an associates degree in ophthalmic dispensing approved by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Opticians OR have completed at leas...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required National Contact Lens Examiners' (ABO-NCLE) National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE); and.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (The application deadline for this examination administration is September 29, 2023.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Health Care Systems Branch~Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Connecticut
With a median salary of $64,780, Opticians in Connecticut earn 39% above the national median of $46,560. Connecticut ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 4 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,619Median annual salary
$64,780Hourly estimate
$31.1439% above national median
Difference: +$18,220
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#2 of 50 statesfor Optician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $66,250 |
| #2 | Connecticut | $64,780 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | $63,810 |
| #4 | New York | $60,100 |
| #5 | California | $57,770 |
Nearby States Comparison
Optician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $64,780 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 4 years |
| Massachusetts | $63,810 | Degree required | State exam required | 2-3 years |
| Rhode Island | $50,380 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $60,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Health Care Systems Branch • Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section
410 Capitol Avenue, P.O.Box 340308, Hartford, CT, 06134-0308
Phone: 8605097603
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Connecticut?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 4 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Connecticut?
Connecticut lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Connecticut?
The board typically expects Degree required for Optician licensure in Connecticut.
What is the typical Optician salary in Connecticut?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Connecticut is $64,780. Salaries range from $42,910 (10th percentile) to $82,610 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Connecticut compare to the national average?
Opticians in Connecticut earn 39% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $64,780.
How many Opticians work in Connecticut?
Connecticut employs approximately 580 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Connecticut from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Connecticut?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Health Care Systems Branch / Practitioner Licensing & Investigations Section. Review agency details at https://www.dph.state.ct.us/licensure/licensure.htm.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Connecticut?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.