The National Commission of State Opticianry Regulatory Boards

(NCSORB)

The National Commission of State Opticianry Regulatory Boards (NCSORB), which is a non-profit organization representing state licensing boards, developed the National Optician’s Practical Examination.

The examination is comprised of two examinations: 

1) Spectacles examination only that includes a multiple choice and skill examination; and 

2) Spectacles and Contact Lens examination that includes a multiple-choice and skill examination for both examination components.

Procedures and needed steps to register for the National Opticianry Practical Exam:

1. Once a candidate meets Florida’s educational/apprenticeship requirements and has successfully completed the ABO/NCLE Basic exams, they are eligible to complete and submit the Application for Licensure Examination. The candidate can complete the application online or download the paper version  and submit it directly to the board office by mail. The application fee for the licensure is $100 and is due with the application. Note: The board now accepts credit card payments with online applications.

2. Licensure applications are reviewed by the Florida Board of Opticianry (Board) to be certified eligible to sit for the NCSORB National Optician’s Practical Examination. The eligible candidate's information is forwarded to the NCSORB office.

3. The candidate will receive a confirmation from NCSORB with further instructions including the National Practical Optician Candidate Manual Practical, the Spectacle and Contact Lens Examination Candidate Checklist and Study Materials Overview. It is vitally important that the candidate thoroughly read both of these manuals.

4. Within 3-4 weeks of submitting your registration form and examination fee to NCSORB, you will receive an authorization letter from NCSORB. The authorization letter will provide you with the test administrator’s website and ID number to access the exam tutorials, candidate handbook, and scheduling information. The exam fee is $325 to take the combined two part exam at the same time and $275 for each part when taken separately.

The NCSORB National Optician’s Practical Examination is given in computer testing centers on a year round basis throughout the United States in a multiple-choice and skill simulation format. The NCSORB Optician’s examination is two-part, one for spectacles and one for contact lenses. An applicant must receive a passing score on both parts to obtain licensure as an Optician in Florida.

5. Candidates will be allowed to register and schedule their exam date with the exam testing center Pearson VUE only after they have completed their registration and exam payment to NCSORB. Candidates must schedule and complete their exam within 90 days of receiving the authorization letter  from NCSORB. Please refer to the National Practical Optician Candidate Manual for additional details on exam scheduling.


Consumer Info  |  Resources  |  Contact  |  Education  |  Florida Licensure  |  Member Services  |  Events  |  Marketplace

Copyright © 2024 Professional Opticians of Florida  |  Policy  

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software