Alaska Optician Requirements

License Required

Alaska requires opticians to be licensed. Pass ABO + NCLE exams, complete 8,000 hour apprenticeship, and earn 16 CE hours every 2 years.

License Status

Required

AK Board of Examiners

Average Salary

$54,800

Annual (2026)

Time to License

4 years

8,000 hour requirement

Licensing Requirements

1. Complete 8,000 Hour Apprenticeship

Work under a licensed optician or optometrist for 8,000 hours (approx. 4 years full-time). Among the longest apprenticeships in the US.

Alaska requires significantly more hours than most states (typically 4,000 hours).

2. Pass National Exams

ABO Exam: Tests optical theory, lens knowledge, frame selection, measurements.
NCLE Exam: Tests contact lens fitting, patient education, safety, troubleshooting.

Prepare with Opterio

Alaska opticians trust Opterio for comprehensive ABO/NCLE exam prep.

3. Apply for AK License

Submit application, apprenticeship records, exam scores, fees.

16 CE hours every 2 years

Topics: optics, contact lenses, ethics, regulations.

$54,800

Average

$44,000

Entry

$71,000

Senior

Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau. Higher salaries due to cost of living and licensing barriers. Growth: 4-5%.

Pass ABO + NCLE exams with confidence using Opterio's comprehensive prep platform.