Job requirements Optician in Canada
Find out what you typically need to work as an optician in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Opticians (NOC 3231).
Employment requirements
This is what you typically need for the job.
- Completion of a two- or three-year college program in ophthalmic dispensing or optical sciences is required.
- Licensing by a regulatory body for opticians is required in all provinces.
- Licensing requirements for scope of practice and protected titles related to dispensing and contact lens certification vary by province.
Source National Occupational Classification
Professional certification and licensing
You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.
| Location | Job title | Regulation | Regulatory body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Optician | Regulated | College of Opticians of Alberta |
| British Columbia | Optician | Regulated | College of Opticians of British Columbia |
| Manitoba | Optician | Regulated | Opticians of Manitoba |
| New Brunswick | Optician | Regulated | Opticians Association of New Brunswick |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Optician | Regulated | Dispensing Opticians Board of Newfoundland and Labrador |
| Nova Scotia | Optician | Regulated | Nova Scotia College of Dispensing Opticians |
| Ontario | Optician | Regulated | College of Opticians of Ontario |
| Prince Edward Island | Optician | Regulated | Prince Edward Island Board of Dispensing Opticians |
| Québec | Dispensing Optician | Regulated | Ordre des opticiens d'ordonnances du Québec |
| Saskatchewan | Optician | Regulated | Saskatchewan College of Opticians |
Do you want to work in another province or territory?
If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.
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