Optometrist / Alaska
2026 data Alaska board official source

Alaska Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Alaska data shows for Optometrists

Alaska sets the entry bar for optometrists at 4,149 training hours and a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Alaska's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Upfront cost is $138, with renewal running $123 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 40-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

On reciprocity, optometrists should know: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
38/100
Optometrist · Alaska

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,149 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$138
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$62/yr
$123 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Alaska

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,149 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$138
Renewal Fee
$123
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optometrist in Alaska? ▼
Alaska requires 4149 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBEO Exam Series), and an initial fee of $138. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Alaska? ▼
Alaska licenses optometrists who complete its requirements (4149 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Alaska licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Alaska from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for optometrists nationally works like this: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Alaska. Verify the specifics with the Alaska licensing board.
Does Alaska require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
Yes, Alaska requires a criminal background check as part of the optometrist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in Alaska? ▼
To stay licensed as an optometrist in Alaska, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $123.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

Optometrist in Alaska, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an optometrist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Alaska's optometrist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Optometrist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state optometrist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Alaska's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Alaska overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Alaska licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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