Opticians – Applicants

In BC, the titles “optician,” “dispensing optician,” and “contact lens fitter” (and any titles derived thereof, such as “student optician,” “optical dispenser,” or “dispenser”) are reserved titles. In addition, contact lens fitting is a restricted activity and independent automated refractions can be performed by opticians who are certified to do so. Anyone wishing to practice opticianry, identify with these titles, and/or conduct restricted activities in BC is required to register with CHCPBC.

Becoming an Optician

The following opticianry programs are accredited; this means they are recognized by CHCPBC and NACOR as providing adequate training for the purpose of becoming licensed to practice in BC:

• Douglas College: Dispensing Opticianry Diploma
  • Located in BC’s Lower Mainland
  • Offers training in opticianry, contact lens fitting, and refraction in a combined 2-year program.
• Stenberg College: Licensed Optician Diploma
  • Located in BC’s Lower Mainland
  • Offers training in opticianry, contact lens fitting, and refraction in a combined 2-year program.
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology: Optical Sciences Diploma
  • Available online across Canada
  • Offers a 2-year opticianry training program, with additional certificate  programs for contact lens fitting and refraction (each 1 year in length). 
  • French language offering available.

The following institutions outside of BC also offer accredited programs:

• Collège la Cité (Ontario)
• Georgian College (Ontario)
• Seneca College (Ontario)
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (Alberta)

NOTE: Accredited programs must be completed in full.

Once you have successfully completed an accredited opticianry program, the next step is writing the national licensing examination(s).

After completing an accredited program, a graduate may apply to write the National Optical Sciences Examination(s), administered by NACOR. The National Optical Sciences 1 – Eyeglasses Examination is mandatory for licensure as an optician. The National Optical Sciences 2 – Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examination is required for those who also wish to be licensed to fit contact lenses.

Upon passing the applicable exam(s), they may apply for registration as an Optician or Contact Lens Fitter with CHCPBC by completing and submitting all components of the Supplemental Package for Registration.

Graduates must complete their examination(s) and apply for registration with CHCPBC within three years of their graduation date.

NOTE: An individual who has graduated from an accredited opticianry education program is not automatically an optician. An individual who has passed the National Optical Sciences Examination(s) is not automatically an optician. Only those individuals who are registered with CHCPBC can use the title of “optician” in BC.

Optical professionals who have non-accredited education or optical industry experience can apply to complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process. 

In this process: 

• PLAR candidates complete a series of tests. 
• Based on the test results, candidates may be required to do additional learning. 
• Once the testing and required learning are complete, candidates take the national licensing examination(s) and apply to be licensed in BC. 

The goal of PLAR is to enable trained optical professionals to enter the regulated optical industry. 

PLAR is managed by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). More information, including application requirements, can be found on the NACOR website. 

For more information about becoming an optician in Canada, visit becomeanoptician.com. 

STEPS TO REGISTER WITH CHCPBC AS AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT

1. Apply for PLAR
   Download the application package from the NACOR website. 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). 
2. Complete the PLAR tests
   PLAR tests can be completed online, from anywhere in the world. They consist of multiple-choice questions and case scenarios in four different areas: 
   • Professional Practice(120 questions, 2-hour time limit)* 
   • Eyeglasses & Low Vision(165 questions, 2.5-hour time limit)* 
   • Contact Lenses(140 questions, 2-hour time limit) 
   • Refracting(120 questions, 2-hour time limit) * Professional Practice and Eyeglasses & Low Vision are mandatory for all PLAR applicants. 
3. Receive PLAR results
   PLAR results are sent by NACOR. On average, candidates receive results within 1–2 weeks of completing their final test. (Candidates will receive one email with results for all PLAR tests completed.) 
4. Complete additional learning (if applicable)
   If a candidate requires additional learning (as indicated by the PLAR results), they will be assigned online learning modules. Instructions for accessing modules will be included with the results. Each module is accompanied by a short online “post-test” to confirm comprehension. The candidate must pass the post-test to complete the module.
   Candidates who are not assigned any additional learning may proceed directly to Step 5. 
5. Pass the national licensing exam(s)
   More information about the national licensing exams can be found here. Applications can be submitted directly to NACOR. 
6. Register with COBC
   All registration requirements are detailed in CHCPBC’s Supplemental Package for Opticianry Registration. 

Optical professionals who have completed their education or gained industry experience outside of Canada can apply to complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

In this process:

• PLAR candidates complete a series of tests.
• Based on the test results, candidates may be required to do additional learning.
• Once the testing and required learning are complete, candidates take the national licensing examination(s) and apply to be licensed in BC.

The goal of PLAR is to enable internationally trained optical professionals to enter the Canadian optical industry more quickly and easily.

PLAR is managed by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). More information, including application requirements, can be found on the NACOR website.

For more information about becoming an optician in Canada, visit becomeanoptician.com.

Steps to register with CHCPBC as an international applicant

1. Apply for PLAR
   Download the application package from the NACOR website. 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).
2. Complete the PLAR tests
   PLAR tests can be completed online, from anywhere in the world. They consist of multiple-choice questions and case scenarios in four different areas:
   • Professional Practice(120 questions, 2-hour time limit)*
   • Eyeglasses & Low Vision(165 questions, 2.5-hour time limit)*
   • Contact Lenses(140 questions, 2-hour time limit)
   • Refracting(120 questions, 2-hour time limit)

* Professional Practice and Eyeglasses & Low Vision are mandatory for all PLAR applicants.

3. Receive PLAR results
   PLAR results are sent NACOR. On average, candidates receive results within 1–2 weeks of completing their final test. (Candidates will receive one email with results for all PLAR tests completed.) 
4. Complete additional learning (if applicable)
   If a candidate requires additional learning (as indicated by the PLAR results), they will be assigned online learning modules. Instructions for accessing modules will be included with the results. Each module is accompanied by a short online “post-test” to confirm comprehension. The candidate must pass the post-test to complete the module.
   Candidates who are not assigned any additional learning may proceed directly to Step 5.
5. Pass the national licensing exam(s)
   More information about the national licensing exams can be found here. Applications can be submitted directly to NACOR.
6. Register with CHCPBC
   All registration requirements are detailed in CHCPBC’s Supplemental Package for Opticianry Registration.

Opticianry regulators in Canada have established a Mutual Recognition Agreement that allows qualified individuals to move more easily between jurisdictions. The qualifications of a Licensed Optician are recognized as equivalent across most Canadian provinces.

If you are licensed as an optician in another Canadian province and are moving to BC, you can apply to CHCPBC as a “labour mobility” applicant. You won’t be required to complete any additional training or examinations before becoming registered—you’ll just need to submit a Supplemental Package for Registration, including a Letter of Good Standing from the province you’re registered in.

More information about the Letter of Good Standing and the other requirements for registration can be found in the Supplemental Package.

The below fees are in effect as of February 16, 2023.

For more information about how CHCPBC’s fees are allocated, we invite you to review our audited financial statements

ANNUAL LICENSING FEES

• Practicing optician $675.00
• Practicing optician and contact lens fitter $675.00
• Add: Certification to perform independent automated refractions $75.00
• Non-practicing (all designations) $295.00

LATE RENEWAL FEES

• Practicing registrant            $200.00
• Non-practicing registrant    $103.25

APPLICATION FEES

• Application for licensure     $225.00
• Document assessment      $225.00

REINSTATEMENT FEES

• Reinstatement of licensure $225.00
• Annual report (printed hard copy) $20.00

National licensing examinations

The national opticianry licensing examinations are offered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). The exams are held across Canada in different provinces at different times of the year, and applicants may challenge their exam(s) in any province. Visit the NACOR website to see the most up-to-date list of dates and venues for upcoming exams.

NACOR currently offers two licensing exams:

• Optical Sciences 1 – Eyeglasses Examination
• Optical Sciences 2 – Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examination

To become licensed as an optician and contact lens fitter, an applicant must pass both exams. To become licensed as an optician only, the applicant only needs to pass Optical Sciences 1.

Applicants must apply through NACOR to challenge the exam(s). Applicants requiring accommodations are encouraged to discuss their requests with NACOR well in advance of their exam date. More information about the exam process and protocols can be found in the Candidate’s Examination Handbook.

What do the licensing exams cover?

The national licensing exams are based on the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians, which outline the skills and knowledge required of any individual entering the profession. These same competencies are used as a foundation for all accredited opticianry education programs, and for CHCPBC’s Continuing Competency Program for opticianry.

Receiving your results
NACOR will contact you when the marks for your exam sitting(s) have been posted.

• What happens if I pass?
  Upon successful completion of your licensing exam(s), you may apply for registration as an optician and/or contact lens fitter with CHCPBC by completing and submitting all components of the Supplemental Package for Opticianry Registration.
• What happens if I don’t pass?
  Applicants may attempt each exam up to three times. If you are still unsuccessful on your third attempt, you must propose and complete an upgrading plan, that must be approved by CHCPBC Registration Committee, before making another attempt. For more information, please contact us.

Applicant FAQs