Washington 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 Washington State 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 Washington.
Washington State Opticianry Law:
Licensing: Chapter 246-824 WAC
General Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of GED
- At least eighteen years of age
- Of good moral character
- Applicant must answer personal data questions
Technical Skills and Training Requirements:
- Must complete one of the following…
- An apprenticeship program in Washington State
- Five years out of state experience
- Completion of a prescribed course in opticianry
- 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training
Opticianry Training Programs:
1) Seattle Central Community College offers a 2-year Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Opticianry. This program requires a minimum of 127 credit hours for completion. 81 of those hours exist within the major itself. Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- Has a High School Diploma or GED
- Has completed COMPASS placement testing
- Must be eligible for ENG 101 (Composition) and MAT 084 (Algebra I)
- This requirement is waived with a transcript showing completion of English and Math
A detailed list of the admission process including the steps you need to complete can be found on the general admissions page. If you would like to learn more about the curriculum including detailed course descriptions, you can visit the curriculum page by clicking here.
2) Highline Community College, located in Des Moines, offers an Apprenticeship Training Program for those wanting to become Licensed Dispensing Opticians (LDO). This program requires a 6,000 hour time commitment and generally takes 3 – 6 years to complete. Graduates become eligible to apply for and take the state exam administered by the Department of Health. Successful completion of the exam will allow graduates to become credentialed as Licensed Dispensing Opticians. The following requirements must be met in order to be admitted to the program:
- Has a qualified job in an optical retail store or clinic
- Has a High School Diploma or GED
- Is at least 18 years old
- Has completed the online admissions application
- Has registered with the Department of Health
- Has registered with the Dispensing Optician Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
To explore this opportunity in more detail, be sure to visit the program website. A detailed list of the curriculum, including required courses, can be found by clicking here.
Examination Requirements:
- State written and practical exams
- State law exam
- The examination schedule can be found here
Fees and Forms:
- Full examination, $200
- Practical Only examination, $50
- Written Only examination, $25
- Apprentice Registration, $75
- License Renewal, $100
State Contact Information:
Phone: (360) 236-4700
Fax: (360) 236-4818
E-mail: hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Department of Health
PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099
Web Site: Washington State Department of Health
State Association: Opticians Association of Washington
Current Job Opportunities:
I was told you are required to be ABO and NCLE certified to become a licensed optician in Washington. Is that true? I don’t see any mentions of the NCLE on the state website or here. I already have my ABO.
I have failed the practical part of the Washington state exam 3 times. I have been working in a retail optical store in the apprenticeship program. Is there any tutoring programs or licensed opticians available, so I can pass this part of the exam?
George,
I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with the practical exam. You would need to network with members of the optical community or optician educational programs in your area to find out if tutoring is available.
I have worked as an Optician Apprentice for two years but have not registered as an Apprentice with the WA State Department of Health. Will my previous hours count once I enroll into the program or do the hours start counting from the day I enroll?
Alex,
The guidelines adopted in Washington (246-824-020: Registration of Apprentices) state that “only the apprenticeship training received subsequent to the date the apprentice was formally registered with the secretary will be credited toward the required 6,000 apprenticeship hours. No apprentice may engage in the work of a dispensing optician unless formally registered as an apprentice with the secretary.” You may be able to receive credit if you were registered by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council and the program is approved by the secretary. We would highly recommend that you contact the Department of Health directly to find out if there is any way they can accept your previous experience.