Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Optician Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for optician in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Optician in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 6
Be 18 years of age and satisfy education and experience and examination requirements.
- 7
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:.
- 8
EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 9
(Passing scores are listed after names.) The National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO), 70
- and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE), 72 are written examinations provided through the American Board of Opticianry.
- 10
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:.
- 11
Annual continuing education is required.
Exam and processing details
- National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO), 70
- and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE), 72 are written examinations provided through the American Board of Opticianry
Continuing education and program notes
- CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years
- Salary Position
$47,850 median (3% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#18 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (Be 18 years of age and satisfy education and experience and examination requirements.).
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required National Opticianry Competency Examination (ABO), 70; and the National Contact Lens Registry Examination (NCLE), 72 are written examinations provided through the American Board....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of $47,850, Opticians in Tennessee earn 3% above the national median of $46,560. Tennessee ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,297Median annual salary
$47,850Hourly estimate
$23.003% above national median
Difference: +$1,290
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOptician Salary Ranking
#18 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $47,850 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $44,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $54,320 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,570 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 18 years |
| Alabama | $35,570 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 19 years |
| Mississippi | $35,530 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Arkansas | $45,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
| Missouri | $36,960 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
665 Mainstream Drive 2nd floor, Nashville, TN, 37243
Phone: 6157415735
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $364,200 | Specific course required | 1-18 years |
| Athletic Trainer | $54,040 | Degree required | 3 months |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Optician in Tennessee?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Opticians in Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Opticians.
What education do you need to become a Optician in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Optician licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Optician salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Opticians in Tennessee is $47,850. Salaries range from $31,580 (10th percentile) to $70,970 (90th percentile).
How does the Optician salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Opticians in Tennessee earn 3% above the national median of $46,560, with a state median of $47,850.
How many Opticians work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 1,640 Opticians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Optician license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Opticians in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Optician license in Tennessee?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal AL REQUIREMENTS: Every two years.