The National Opticianry Competency Exam 2026 is a written examination administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE). It tests knowledge of optics theory, lens fabrication, optical instrumentation, and dispensing procedures. Candidates who pass the ABO exam (and, separately, the Contact Lens Registry Examination for contact lens work) earn ABO and/or NCLE Board Certification as an optician or contact lens technician - this is not the same credential as a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), which is a different certification issued by a separate organization for ophthalmic medical assistants.
The certificate demonstrates to the public, employers, and peers that you are competent in your field. ABO-NCLE certification must be renewed every three years, with continuing education credits earned within that three-year period.
Prepare for the NOCE - National Opticianry Competency exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Those who wish to become opticians must pass certification exams administered by the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE). These include the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE, the ABO basic exam) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE, the NCLE basic exam). Both exams have historically been offered about twice a year at roughly 250 testing sites nationwide - check abo-ncle.org for current dates and locations. Eligibility generally requires at least a high school diploma or GED; many candidates also complete a state-approved apprenticeship or an optometric/opticianry degree program before sitting for the exam.
The key to passing the NOCE is to study hard and make sure you understand the material before test day. Many study guides and practice tests are available to help you prepare - review the official ABO-NCLE content outline for a full list of topics.
In the United States, opticians pursuing ABO-NCLE Board Certification take the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) and, for contact lens work, the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Passing the relevant exam(s) earns ABO and/or NCLE certification, which helps in finding work in the eye care industry and shows the public you have the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care.
To prepare for these exams, study extensively using a dedicated review guide covering the ABO-NCLE content outline.
The NOCE and CLRE exams are developed by subject matter experts in opticianry and reviewed for content, clarity, and accuracy before being scored electronically. ABO-NCLE does not publish one universal numeric passing score for the exam - check your official score report and the ABO-NCLE site for how results are determined.
The National Opticianry Competency Exam has historically been offered at roughly 250 sites across the United States, about twice a year. It is a computer-based exam with 125 items (a small number are unscored developmental questions), and runs about two and a half hours. Calculators are not permitted. To take the exam, you must bring identification with your name, signature, and photo. Check abo-ncle.org for the current testing-center list, dates, and any accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
To become certified, you must pass the ABO basic exam (NOCE) and, if you also dispense contact lenses, the NCLE basic exam (CLRE). Many states also require completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program or degree program, and you generally must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED.
Both the NOCE and the CLRE are developed by subject matter experts in opticianry and contact lens fitting, based on job analysis, and are designed to assess a candidate's ability to apply their knowledge to real dispensing scenarios.
The exam covers areas such as: interpreting prescriptions; dispensing spectacles and other ophthalmic devices; adjusting and repairing optical equipment; using standard ophthalmic materials; and relevant legal and ethical issues.
A good study guide will help you prepare for the National Opticianry Competency Exam by covering ophthalmic science fundamentals, ocular anatomy and physiology, and instrument use and repair, along with practice questions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| NOCE exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains | Exam anxiety can affect performance โ practice tests help reduce it |
| Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients | Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date |
| Study materials and practice tests are widely available | Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods |
| Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers | Exam content updates periodically โ use current study materials |
| Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively | Testing center availability may require advance scheduling |
Try these questions from our free NOCE - National Opticianry Competency Examination practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A patient is being measured for single vision near glasses for reading at 40 cm. To ensure the optical centers are correctly placed for convergence, what setting should be adjusted on the corneal reflex pupillometer?
Answer: D. The vertex distance should be set to zero.
Modern pupillometers have a setting to account for the patient's convergence at near distances. By changing the dial from infinity (โ) to the patient's specific working distance (e.g., 40 cm), the instrument adjusts the measurement to provide an accurate near pupillary distance (PD).
When selecting a frame for a patient with a high myopic prescription (e.g., -10.00 D), which frame characteristic is MOST critical for minimizing lens thickness and weight?
Answer: D. A small, round eye size that centers the patient's pupils well within the lens aperture.
High minus lenses are thinnest at the optical center and thickest at the edges. Choosing a small, round frame that requires minimal decentration (i.e., the patient's PD is very close to the frame's geometric center distance) allows the optician to use the thinnest central portion of the lens blank, drastically reducing the final edge thickness and weight.
A patient's prescription is -6.50 D sphere. The optical center (OC) is inadvertently placed 4 mm below the pupil center. How much prismatic effect does the patient experience, and in what direction?
Answer: A. 2.6 Prism Diopters Base Up
Prentice's Rule is used to calculate induced prism: Prism (in diopters) = Power (in diopters) x Decentration (in cm). First, convert the decentration from mm to cm: 4 mm = 0.4 cm. Then, apply the formula: P = 6.50 D x 0.4 cm = 2.6ฮ. For a minus lens, the base of the prism is in the opposite direction of the decentration. Since the lens is decentered down, the prism base is up.
For a patient with a spectacle prescription of -2.50 -1.50 x 180, which contact lens type would provide BEST visual correction?
Answer: C. Toric soft contact lens
With 1.50 D of cylinder, a toric soft lens is the most appropriate choice since the residual astigmatism with a spherical lens would likely reduce visual acuity significantly.
Take the full NOCE - National Opticianry Competency Examination practice test