Equivalency determination

for licensure as an optician

If you have not completed a Recognized Education Program, as listed in Schedule 5 of the CHCPBC Bylaws, you may be required to complete an equivalency determination before applying for licensure with CHCPBC.

Step 1

Visit the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) website and download the application package for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

Complete and submit the package to NACOR, along with all required documentation. The documentation must demonstrate sufficient education and/or experience in opticianry or a related field (e.g., optometry).

Application processing times may vary. Please note that all aspects of the PLAR process are managed by NACOR. CHCPBC staff cannot assist with your PLAR application or provide any updates during the process.

Step 2

Follow the instructions provided by NACOR to complete the PLAR assessments.

Step 3

Receive your PLAR “Reasons and Decisions” letter via email from NACOR. The letter will indicate whether any gaps in skills or knowledge were identified based on your assessments. If applicable, you will be assigned one or more self-directed learning module(s).

Step 4

If applicable, follow the instructions provided by NACOR to complete the assigned modules and post-tests.

Do not begin your application for licensure until you have completed your equivalency determination.