Tennessee is one of only twenty-three states that require optician licensing by law. Rules and regulations regarding optician training requirements, licensing, and certification are established by the Tennessee Department of Health. The following information will be relevant to you if you are wanting to be licensed as an optician in the state of Tennessee.
Tennessee State Opticianry Law:
It is unlawful for any person who is not licensed to represent himself as a dispensing optician or to hold himself out to the public as being licensed by means of using a title on signs, mailboxes, address plates, stationery, announcement, telephone listings, calling cards, or other instruments of professional identification.
General Eligibility Requirements:
- At least 18 years of age
- Well regarded in moral character and professional ethics
- Graduate of an accredited high school or possess an equivalency
Technical Skills and Training Requirements:
- Must complete one of the following…
- A two-year course of study in opticianry in a college level program
- Practical experience and training (apprenticeship) of a grade and character satisfactory to the board for not less than three years under the supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, a licensed optometrist, or a licensed ophthalmologist.
If the applicant holds an unrestricted dispensing optician license in another state, the length of time for that state’s training and supervised experience requirements for initial licensure shall be considered as time toward fulfilling Tennessee’s three (3) year requirement.
Opticianry Degree Programs:
Roane State Community College, located in Harriman, offers a 2-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Opticianry. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to take the Tennessee State Licensing Exams. To learn more about the admissions process and the steps you will need complete prior to enrollment, click here. If you are interested in viewing a detailed list of the opticianry degree plan, click here.
Examination Requirements:
- The National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO)
- The minimum passing score in Tennessee is 70
- The National Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) administered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
- The minimum passing score in Tennessee is 72
- Tennessee Dispensing Optician Examination
- The minimum passing score is 70 on each portion of the examination
- The Tennessee Jurisprudence Examination
- The minimum passing score is 90
- This is an open-book examination
Fees and Forms:
- Application for Optician License, $270
- Application for Apprenticeship, $110
State Contact Information:
Phone: (615) 532-5138
Fax: (615) 532-5369
E-mail: tn.health@tn.gov
Board of Dispensing Opticians
227 French Landing, Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37243
Web Site: Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians
Association: Tennessee Dispensing Opticians Association
I am planning to move to Tennessee within the next year. I’m searching for information on what I will need to do, to become a licensed optician in Tennessee. I am from Pennsylvania, and unfortunately this state does not require a license to be an Optician. However, I have consistently maintained my ABO certification, since becoming certified in 1995. I was employed by the Cole Vision Corp. as manager of a Sears Optical location, now owned by Luxottica Group, working with contracted Optometrists, from 1992-2000. I would be able to obtain letters of verification from at least 2 of those Optometrists whom I worked with, for most of those 8 years. I have owned my own prescription safety eyewear business 1999-present.
Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Darla
Hello,
I am a licensed optician in the state of Alaska. Have been licensed for two years, and by the time I plan to move to TN I’ll be licensed for 3-4 years. Will I be able to transfer my license?
Hi Brian,
I have officially moved to Nashville, Tennessee from Florida and am now licensed here also. I want to keep both licenses active but I can’t find anything local that is approved by both states. Florida has course specifics too. I’ve called both boards as well as ABO/NCLE and many others but no one knows who is approved for what. I may have to return to FL every 2 yrs, ask TN for approval on the convention I attend, then do another 9 TN hrs the following year. Would you possibly have a better idea that doesn’t cost a non-reimbursable arm and leg?
Thanks in Advance
Christine,
Unfortunately, my best recommendation would have been to contact the Boards in each state. You may want to check with the state associations to find out if they can help you with this issue. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
I am a licensed optician in Washington State with a 2 year optician degree from Middlesex Community College in Connecticut. Is there any reciprocity between these two states?
Thank you in advance.
Annie,
The Board of Dispensing Opticians does have the option to approve a license based on reciprocity, but you would need to contact the Board directly to find out if they will accept your credentials.
I have looked into an online optician program that covers all the required classes of a two year program even though it is self-paced. The company is called ed2go based out of California and I was wondering if this degree is honored by and granted through the University of Tennessee? Will it be accepted the same as a two year program by the Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians?
Tim,
We currently do not endorse any programs offered online and would recommend that you contact the Board directly to make sure that they will recognize this program before enrolling. They should be able to provide additional direction on the appropriate steps to take in order to make sure that your education will be approved.
Hi, I am a Florida licensed optician since 2007. I have my ABO/NCLE and a 3 year apprenticeship from 2002-2005. I am moving to Tennessee soon and will need to take their state required exams. I’m hoping it’s just one and a practical exam. Can anyone shed some light on what to expect and if there are any review classes that cover what is on the exam? Thanks in advance.
Christine,
Details about the practical examination in Tennessee along with suggested reference material can be found here. Also, many people who have taken the national certification exams have found the books listed on our training resources page to be helpful.
I am an apprentice optician in New York that has been wanting to move to Tennessee. Will they be able to transfer my permit to TN? I work for a national company with stores in both states.
Nick,
The Tennessee Board of Dispensing Opticians requires an apprentice to work for three years or more under the supervision of a licensed dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The time that you have spent as an apprentice in New York may be accepted as time toward fulfillment of Tennessee’s three year requirement and we strongly encourage you to contact the Board directly to find out if they are able to accept your previous experience.
I am currently looking for a position in a lab or as an optician or even mangerial in the tricities area. Anyone aware of anything available right now? I am willing to work in Johnson City, Bristol, Kingsport and surrounding areas.
My husband and I are wanting to move to Tennessee from Michigan (a non-licensing state to a state requiring licensure). Is there any grace period? I have been an optician for 12 years and am not certified but would like to be.
Kate,
We are not aware of any grace period for licensure in Tennessee. Since we are not affiliated with the Board of Dispensing Opticians, we would recommend that you contact them directly to learn more about how they would handle your unique situation.
I am getting ready to sit for the practical next month. Late last year TN switched to a simulated practical (which seems simple enough, PD, SEG, and Rx neutralization), with a 75 multiple choice exam after. However, I can’t find any information on what I can expect on the latter portion.
I didn’t know if I needed to refresh my knowledge of everything I studied for the ABO, archaic as the info is- or if it will be more current.
I have asked the board and the testing agency, and neither have offered much help. I didn’t know if there was anyone out there that has taken it in this new format that could offer some insight.
Thanks!
Becca,
The most detailed information about the exam that we are aware of is found on the Board of Dispensing Opticians website. We agree that it is very general and we are hoping some of our visitors have experience with the new format.
If you are a licensed optician in the state of New York with a two year AAS degree, can you apply for a license in the state of Tennessee without taking any more exams?
Jane,
Tennessee requires that opticians complete a state specific practical examination. While the Board of Opticians may approve licensure based on credentials completed in New York, you will likely still need to take the practical exam. I hope that answers your question. You may wish to contact the Board directly if you want additional details.