How to Guide: Dispensing Optician
- How To Apply
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Veteran’s Preference
- Fees
- Dispensing Opticians Licensure by Education
- Dispensing Optician Licensure by Experience
- Dispensing Optician Licensure by Education and Experience
- Dispensing Optician Licensure by Reciprocity
- Dispensing Optician Licensure Application - Military Only
- Optician Apprentice Licensure
- Reinstatement
- Renewal Checklist
- How to File
How To Apply
To apply for a professional license as a Dispensing Optician, it is required that you file an application with the Secretary of State. Dispensing Optician licenses expire every two years on March 31st of odd numbered years.
- Licensure requires signatures across all forms along with an application fee. Some forms require notarizing. See specific instructions below for these instructions.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- You should retain a copy of everything you submit to the board.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by March 31st of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is April 1 to April 30 of odd numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Dispensing Opticians Licensure by Education
Dispensing Optician Licensure by Experience
Dispensing Optician Licensure by Education and Experience
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Check Application Status >>
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Download program information>>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Dispensing Opticians Licensure by Education
If you have never been licensed in Georgia as a Dispensing Optician and meet the education requirements for licensure as a Dispensing Optician.
If you have never been licensed in Georgia as a Dispensing Optician and meet the education requirements for licensure as a Dispensing Optician, choose the option of licensure by Education on the application form. You must submit an application to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents. The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- High School Diploma/GED
- Opticianry School Transcript
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of License (Select State)
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Dispensing Optician Licensure by Experience
If you have already obtained the required experience as a registered apprentice...
If you have already obtained the required experience as a registered apprentice, choose the option of licensure by Experience on the application form. You must submit an application to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents.
Note: Individuals who plan to apply for licensure as a Dispensing Optician in Georgia who do not have the required education but plan to apply by experience must first register with the Board as an Apprentice in order for the experience obtained under supervision to be accepted for a Dispensing Optician’s license. If you live outside of Georgia, you must first register as an apprentice with the Georgia Board before any experience will be counted toward licensure. See Optician Apprentice licensure instructions on how to apply.
The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Affidavit of Employment
- High School Diploma/GED
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Dispensing Optician Licensure by Education and Experience
If you have never been licensed before in Georgia as a Dispensing Optician, and have completed a combination of the education and experience as a Georgia Board registered Apprentice required for a Dispensing Optician’s license.
If you have never been licensed before in Georgia as a Dispensing Optician, and have completed a combination of the education and experience as a Georgia Board registered Apprentice required for a Dispensing Optician’s license, choose the option of licensure by Education and Experience on the application form. You must submit an application to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents. The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- High School Diploma/GED
- Opticianry School Transcript
- Affidavit of Employment
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of License (Select State)
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Dispensing Optician Licensure by Reciprocity
For applicants licensed in another state.
If you are currently licensed and hold a valid unencumbered license as a licensed dispensing optician in another state or jurisdiction, submit the reciprocity application to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents. The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- High School Diploma/GED
- Opticianry School Transcript
- Official ABO Practical and NCLE Practical exam scores
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of License (Select State)
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Dispensing Optician Licensure Application - Military Only
For military spouses and transitioning service members by Endorsement.
If you have never been licensed before in Georgia as a Dispensing Optician,. and are a licensed dispensing optician in another state or jurisdiction, submit the Boards application for military spouses and transitioning service members to the Board along with the required fee and all supporting documents. The following is a checklist of the required supplemental documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- High School Diploma/GED
- Opticianry School Transcript
- Official ABO Practical and NCLE Practical exam scores
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Verification of License (Select State)
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Optician Apprentice Licensure
Individuals who plan to apply for licensure as a Dispensing Optician in Georgia who do not have the required experience must first register with the Board as an Apprentice.
Individuals who plan to apply for licensure as a Dispensing Optician in Georgia who do not have the required experience must first register with the Board as an Apprentice in order for the experience obtained under supervision to be accepted for a Dispensing Optician’s license. If you live outside of Georgia, you must first register as an apprentice with the Georgia Board before any experience will be counted toward licensure. The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Supervisor
- Employer
- Supervisor Affidavit
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Primary Training Location
- Apprentice Affidavit
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Reinstatement
If your Dispensing Opticians license has lapsed for failure to renew or been revoked by the Board, you can apply to have that license reinstated.
If your Dispensing Opticians license has lapsed for failure to renew or been revoked by the Board, you can apply to have that license reinstated. Reinstatement is at the sole discretion of the Board. The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Continuing Education Audit Form
- ABO Certification
- NCLE Certification
- Verification of License (Select State)
- Background Consent Form (If applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Renewal Checklist
Dispensing Optician licenses expire every two years on March 31st of odd numbered years.
Dispensing Optician licenses expire every two years on March 31st of odd numbered years. Licenses must be renewed online To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
How to File
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- After renewing online, CHECK your license expiration date online to assure the renewal was completed
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource National Academy of Opticianry
- Online Resource Opticians Association of Georgia
- Online Resource United Opticians Association
- Online Resource Southeastern Opticians Conference