Optometrist / Utah
2026 data Utah board official source

Utah Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Utah data shows for Optometrists

Utah's path to optometrist licensure runs through 4,284 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NBEO Exam Series, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Utah folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Budget $196 to get started, plus $167 at each renewal 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.

For optometrists, the reciprocity picture is: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
32/100
Optometrist · Utah

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
4,284 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$196
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$84/yr
$167 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 Utah

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,284 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$196
Renewal Fee
$167
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 Utah licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Utah licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optometrist in Utah? ▼
Utah requires 4284 education/training hours, passing an exam (NBEO Exam Series), and an initial fee of $196. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Utah? ▼
To become a licensed optometrist in Utah, you must meet the state's requirements including 4284 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Utah licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Utah from another state? ▼
Optometrist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Utah licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Utah require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
Yes, Utah 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 Utah? ▼
To stay licensed as an optometrist in Utah, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $167.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

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

  • See how Utah'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 Utah's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Utah overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Utah 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.