Tennessee requires a state-level optician license. The licensing authority is State Board of Opticianry. The median salary is $39,825 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Tennessee requires an optician to hold a state license. Fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists. Licensing is administered by the State Board of Opticianry.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | Opticianry program (1-2 years) or apprenticeship |
| Experience Details | Opticianry program (1-2 years) or apprenticeship |
Tennessee requires passing the Tennessee ABO/NCLE Certification Exams with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $175.
| Exam Name | Tennessee ABO/NCLE Certification Exams |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | ABO/NCLE Certification Exams |
| Application Fee | $175 |
Getting licensed as an optician in Tennessee takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $175 and renewal fees of $175 every 2 years. Continuing education of 12 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $175 |
| License Renewal | $175 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 12 hours |
Opticians in Tennessee earn a median salary of $39,825, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Tennessee |
| National average | $44,250 |
Yes — Tennessee requires a state-level optician license. Fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists.
The required exam is the Tennessee ABO/NCLE Certification Exams. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $175.
The median annual salary for opticians in Tennessee is $39,825. The national median is $44,250.
Tennessee requires 12 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.