Examination
Opticianry Licensure
All applicants seeking licensure must pass both the American Board of Opticianry’s (ABO) National Opticianry Competency Examination and the South Carolina Practical Opticianry Examination.
- National Opticianry Competency Examination: Examination information, registration and study materials can be found on ABO-NCLE’s website. Applicants will register and pay ABO-NCLE for all examinations. Applicants may take the national exam as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. Applicants must submit proof of passage of exam prior to licensure.
- Practical Opticianry Examination: The Board requires passage of the ABO Virtual Practical Examination. Upon application approval, applicants will be made eligible for the examination and provided with proof of eligibility to be submitted with exam registration. Registration, exam information and study materials can be found on ABO-NCLE’s Practical Exam webpage. The practical examination may be taken twice before restrictions may be applied. Additional attempts require an application for re-examination and a year period following the notice of failure.
Contact Lens Dispensing Licensure
All applicants seeking licensure must pass both the American Board of Opticianry’s (ABO) National Contact Lens Registry Examination.
- Contact Lens Registry Examination: Examination information, registration and study materials can be found on ABO’s website. Applicants will register and pay ABO for all examinations. Applicants may take the national exam as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. Applicants must submit proof of passage of exam prior to licensure