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Optician License in Colorado

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Optician license in CO. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$200

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

ABO & NCLE Exams

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Optician license in Colorado.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Optician training program in Colorado.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your CO application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the ABO & NCLE Exams.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Colorado licensing board and pay the $200 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in CO. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Optician license in Colorado, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. Colorado requires all applicants to pass the ABO & NCLE Exams before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in CO is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

Colorado has specific requirements for Optician licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses. A clean background check is mandatory in CO, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The ABO & NCLE Exams must be passed with a minimum score set by the Colorado board.

Fees & Costs

Obtaining your Optician license in Colorado requires a financial investment. The base licensing fee in CO is $200, which includes application processing and credential verification. Exam registration fees are separate and vary by testing center. Budget for approximately $350 total when accounting for all associated costs in Colorado.

License Fee Calculator — Optician in Colorado

Base License Fee$200
Estimated Total$200

Renewal Process

Maintaining your Optician license in Colorado requires timely renewal every 2 years. CO sets the renewal fee at $125. You must complete all required continuing education hours and submit proof to the Colorado board. Failure to renew on time may result in license suspension and reinstatement fees in CO.

License Expiry Calculator — Optician in CO

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Colorado requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Working as a Optician in Colorado offers numerous opportunities for career growth and professional development. CO has a robust job market for licensed professionals in this field. The state board actively works to streamline the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. Colorado also participates in interstate licensing compacts, which may facilitate practice across state lines for qualified Optician professionals.

Document Checklist — Optician

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Colorado Optician License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts CO Optician license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize CO Optician license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts CO Optician license via reciprocity agreement.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
California (CA) FullCA accepts CO Optician license via reciprocity agreement.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.
Iowa (IA) PartialIA requires additional exam or paperwork for CO license holders.

Where to File Locally in Colorado

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Denver

1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202

(303) 894-7855

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Colorado Springs

30 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

(719) 385-5175

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Aurora

15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012

(303) 739-7000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fort Collins

300 LaPorte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 221-6500

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Boulder

1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302

(303) 441-3388

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Official Colorado Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Colorado state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.