CLRE FAQs
The NCLE is the national certifying body for contact lens fitters, or those who work with the fitting and dispensation of contact lenses. The NCLE certification is offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-CLRE).
The CLRE is the Contact Lens Registry Examination offered by the NCLE. It tests opticians who work with the fitting and dispensation of contact lenses. It can help an optician demonstrate their knowledge, skills and dedication to the career field. While certification is voluntary, many employers require their ophthalmic dispensers to be certified prior to being hired.
The CLRE exam consists of multiple-choice questions.
There are 125 multiple-choice questions on the CLRE.
Two hours is given to complete the CLRE.
The CLRE is taken via a computer and are offered year-round at Prometric Testing Centers which has test centers in every US state and territory.
The CLRE covers the following domains:
- Domain I - Ocular Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
- Domain II - Refractive Errors
- Domain III - Instrumentation for Measurement and Observation
- Domain IV - Prefitting
- Domain V - Diagnostic Fitting
- Domain VI - Dispensing
The CLRE was developed by the National Contact Lens Examiners Association (NCLE), a non-profit certifying body whose programs are certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The NCLE has developed a set of standards that opticians and ophthalmic dispensers must meet in order to earn initial certification. In addition, both organizations have requirements for continuing education as part of the recertification process.
The CLRE is taken via a computer and is offered year-round at Prometric Testing Centers which has test centers in every US state and territory.
While certification is voluntary, many employers require their opticians and ophthalmic dispensers to be certified prior to being hired. Moreover, 90% of state licensing boards use the ABO-NCLE exams as the basis for state licensing.
Potential examinees must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for the CLRE examination:
- Be 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
Register at the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners website. The CLRE is taken via a computer and are offered year-round at Prometric Testing Centers which has test centers in every US state and territory.
You may re-take the CLRE exam 14 days after the date you tested. You have three attempts to retake the exam. After your third unsuccessful attempt you must wait 90 days to be eligible to retake the CLRE exam.
CLRE exam results are reported instantly after you have completed the exam. Candidates also receive an email within a couple of hours, after they have completed their exam, with their exam report.
Re-certification for your CLRE certification is every three years. Requirements for recertification are on the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners website. However, a state licensing board or agency may have separate requirements to maintain licensure.
Practice tests, such as Tests.com's CLRE Practice Exam, are a good way to study as it goes over the material you need to know while giving you a chance to practice your test taking skills. Additionally, study guides, text books, class notes, flashcards and videos are important study tools. It is best to use a wide range of test prep to get the most comprehensive coverage of the subject matter.
Tests.com has worked with instructors in opticianry to create a CLRE Practice Test to help you prepare for your certification exam. Tests.com's TestSim online interactive platform allows you to tailor tests to the subjects you want to study and to form tests to fit your study schedule. You can even simulate the actual CLRE by setting the number of questions and timer to the time period allowed for the actual test. Get experience reading multiple-choice questions and taking timed tests. Tests.com will help you pass your certification exam on your way to a successful career as an optician. Click here for a free CLRE Practice Exam.