Optician Exam Prep

Optician School Online

If you’re interested in starting an in-demand career in healthcare, our online Optician Training can help prepare you to sit for the ABO/NCLE certification exams. You’ll develop industry knowledge and gain hands-on training through live-action videos, interactive practice exercises, and video demonstrations.

  • Study and prepare to sit for multiple industry certifications, including the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE).
  • Learn how to fit and dispense glasses, fit contact lenses, and follow prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
  • Penn Foster is a trusted partner in optician training for businesses such as Walmart and Sam’s Club.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced

Save up to $380 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program

$1,399

$1,779 Save $380

or

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

optician placing prescription glasses on child.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to be an effective optician through the study of fundamental topics such as optical terminology and anatomy.
  2. How to read and interpret written prescriptions for corrective lenses.
  3. How to prepare for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) or the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE).
  4. How to apply your knowledge through interactive practice exercises and video demonstrations.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Optician Career Outcomes

Optician

AVG SALARY*

$39,610/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

73,300


Our online Optician Training is designed with job-readiness in mind. You'll develop the skills successful opticians have, which can help prepare you for a job in retail or clinical optical settings.

State Licensing Requirements

The Penn Foster Optician Certification Preparation program helps to prepare graduates to sit for the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification exam and the National Opticianry Certification Exam (NOCE), which are requirements to work as an optician in many states. Requirements to work as an Optician vary from state to state. Some states require ABO and/or NOCE certification, while other states have additional requirements beyond certification. Prospective students should view the State Licensing page to research their state requirements prior to pursuing a career as an optician.

Optician Training Curriculum

  • 7 courses
  • 30.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • 18 exams


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 11 months
  • Average time = 12 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our online Optician Training courses, you’ll develop the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills to work as an optician in an optometrist office, retail optical business, or eye clinic. You’ll cover fundamental topics to help you assist patients in selecting and fitting eye wear, and eye care in general. You’ll also prepare to sit for industry certification exams. Your courses include:


  • Ophthalmic Dispensing
  • Contact Lens Dispensing
  • Professional Practice and Certification Review

Show Full Curriculum

Optician Student Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Optician Training Program can help prepare you for the first step in your healthcare career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
quote icon

Alivia S.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I really enjoyed studying with Penn Foster. It worked with my schedule at the time and it taught me self discipline.”

Looking for healthcare training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Learn More

Optician Training Tuition

Take the next steps toward a career as an optician with our affordable, accredited, online Optician Training Program. With customized payment plan options, you can choose the one that works for your budget.

Option 1: Pay in full

Save up to $380 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$1,399

$1,779 Save $380

  • Best price. Best value.
  • Pay the full cost today
  • No monthly payments
Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Save up to $100 Ends 11/13/2024

Cost of Program1

$1,679

$1,779 Save $100

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $20 down
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program1

$1,779

  • Pay $59 per month
  • Start for $39 down
  • Mail your payments
Enroll Now

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Healthcare Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced 

Interactive

  • Digital study guides 
  • Self-check quizzes 
  • Simulations and videos 

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community 
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty 
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources 

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Optician Training FAQs

How much do opticians make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average salary for entry-level opticians is $39,610, or $19.04 per hour.* Pay for opticians can vary based on experience and where you work.

Can you learn to be an optician online?

Yes! Through Penn Foster’s flexible, online Optician Program you can develop the foundational knowledge and skills to become an optician while preparing for industry certification exams.

Do opticians need a degree?

Not necessarily. Most opticians have at least a high school diploma and some post-secondary education, usually a career training program, that prepares them for work in the field. Most Students will choose to continue their education and sit for various certification exams administered by the American Board of Opticianry.

What skills do opticians need?

Successful opticians have a few similar qualities including written and verbal communication skills, customer service skills, and dexterity, or the ability to handle and work with small items.

How does Penn Foster help prepare me for optician industry certifications?

Penn Foster’s Optician Exam Prep program includes courses that are mapped specifically to the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Your tuition also includes a voucher to cover the cost of sitting for the NOCE certification offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).