Optician Exam FAQs
The NOCE is the national certification for opticians, or those who work with the fitting and dispensation of eye glasses. The NOCE can help an optician demonstrate their knowledge, skills and dedication to the career field. While certification is voluntary, many employers require their opticians and ophthalmic dispensers to be certified prior to being hired. The NOCE certification is offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).
The NOCE exam includes multiple-choice questions.
There are 125 multiple-choice questions on the NOCE.
Two hours is given to complete the NOCE.
The NOCE 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 NOCE covers the following domains:
- Domain I - Ophthamalic Optics
- Domain II - Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Refraction
- Domain III - Ophthamalic Products
- Domain IV - Instrumentation
- Domain V - Dispensing Procedures
- Domain VI - Laws, Regulations and Standards
The NOCE was developed by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), a non-profit certifying body whose programs are certified by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. The ABO 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 NOCE 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 exam as the basis for state licensing.
Potential examinees must meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for the NOCE 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 NOCE 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 NOCE 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 NOCE exam.
NOCE 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 NOCE certification is every three years. Requirements for recertification are at 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 Optician NOCE 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 NOCE Practice Test to help you prepare for your optician 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 NOCE exam 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 to take a free NOCE Optician Practice Exam.