Optician (Dispensing) / Tennessee
2026 data Tennessee board official source

Tennessee Optician (Dispensing) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Fits and adjusts eyeglasses and contact lenses. Licensed in ~22 states.

What the Tennessee data shows for Optician (Dispensing)s

Tennessee sets the entry bar for optician (dispensing)s at 1,000 training hours and a passing score on a state-approved exam. A background check is a standard part of the process. The credential is administered under Tennessee's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Certificate/Degree".

The initial price tag is $100 every 2 years. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Tennessee, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

Tennessee handles out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis instead of a standing reciprocity list.

Licensing Requirements in Tennessee

Education / Training Hours
Certificate/Degree
1,000 hours
Exam Requirement
Required
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
N/A
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required

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Compare all states for Optician (Dispensing) All Tennessee licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Tennessee licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optician (Dispensing) in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee's requirements cover 1000 hours of education or training, a state exam, and an initial fee of $100. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as an Optician (Dispensing) in Tennessee? ▼
Tennessee licenses optician (dispensing)s who complete its requirements (1000 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Tennessee licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optician (Dispensing) license to Tennessee from another state? ▼
There's no published blanket reciprocity rule for optician (dispensing)s in Tennessee - applications from other states are reviewed individually. Interstate licensing compacts cover many occupations and may still apply. Reach out to the Tennessee licensing board for the current process.
Does Tennessee require a background check for Optician (Dispensing) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for optician (dispensing) licensing in Tennessee. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.