Examination Overview

The entry-to-practice examinations are offered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).  The College of Opticians of Ontario (COO) recognizes the following examinations:

  1. Optical Sciences 1 - Eyeglass Examination
  2. Optical Sciences 2 - Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examinations

In order to qualify for registration as an optician in Ontario, individuals must: 

  • hold an active and current Certificate of Registration as an intern optician.
  • successfully complete both examinations.

Applicants in Ontario are deemed eligible to write the National Examinations in the following circumstances:

Accredited Education Candidates

Unaccredited Education Candidates

Candidates Seeking Registration in Another Province

Upon completion of opticianry training in:

  • contact lens
  • eyeglass

from an accredited educational institution.

Upon confirmation of eligibility by the Registration Committee, following successful completion of a competency assessment and/or specified bridging program, exam eligibility shall be granted.

Upon confirmation of eligibility by the candidate’s home province.

Candidate’s Certificate of Registration as an intern will be revoked after three years, or three unsuccessful attempts, whichever comes first. In order to be granted an additional attempt at the examination, individuals must submit a request and upgrading proposal to the Registration Committee.

Examination Schedule

Spring Exam Session May 3rd to 5th, 2024

If you are planning to write the National Exams in the spring please submit your application to NACOR before the March 29th deadline. 

You do not have to have completed your program to submit your application to NACOR, applications can be submitted while you are still in the program.  The only way to be sure you are registered for the NACOR examinations is to send in your application prior to the application deadline. 

The national examinations are administered by NACOR on behalf of the provincial regulatory offices and are the final step to becoming an optician. There are two national examinations one for eyeglasses and one for contact lenses. 

You can sit the national examinations if you have graduated from an accredited Canadian Optical program or completed the prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) Process. 

To apply to write the examinations, or for questions regarding examination content, procedure or results, please contact NACOR directly at 1-866-949-1950 or visit the NACOR website at www.nacor.ca .

For further information, please refer to the Examination and Upgrading Policy.

Examinations: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost to write the National Examinations?

The College of Opticians does not collect fees for the exams; all payments should be made directly to NACOR.  Information about National Examination content, process, deadlines and fees can be obtained by calling the NACOR office at 1-866-949-1950 or by visiting the NACOR website. 

2. How many times can I retake the Examinations?

Candidates are entitled to attempt the National Examinations a maximum of three times within the three-year period from the time they gain intern status. After three years or three unsuccessful attempts, whichever comes first, a candidate must submit a request to the Registration Committee for any additional attempts at the Examination. The Registration Committee will determine any upgrading requirements a candidate must complete in order to become eligible for another attempt at the exam.

3. When will I get my Examination results?

Within eight weeks of the examination, NACOR will mail examination results directly to candidates. Results will not be provided by telephone.  Please do not contact the College of Opticians for your results; the College does not grade examinations or mail out the results.

4. I have passed my exam, how do I become a Registered Optician in Ontario?

Congratulations on successfully passing the National Contact Lens and Eyeglass Examinations. Registration requirements are detailed in the Application Form and on our website

5. How long does it take to process my application to become a Registered Optician?

Application processing times are approximately 6-8 weeks.  Inquiries regarding registration with the College should be directed to registration@collegeofopticians.ca.  The College is committed to ensuring that all applications are processed in a timely fashion.

6. When can I begin practicing as an optician? 

You may begin to practice as an optician or use the title Registered Optician once you receive confirmation that your Certificate of Registration has been issued. 

Shortly after the approval of your application, you will receive an email informing you that your application for registration as a Registered Optician has been approved.  You can begin practicing as an optician upon receipt of this email.  Please ensure that your email address on file is current.


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