How to Get ABO & NCLE CE Credits Online (2025 Guide)

What Are CE Credits?

Continuing Education (CE) credits are required to maintain your ABO and NCLE certifications. They ensure you stay current with advances in optical technology, lens designs, and best practices.

One CE credit typically equals one hour of approved educational content. Credits must come from ABO-NCLE approved providers to count toward your renewal requirements.

CE Credit Requirements

ABO Requirements (Every 3 Years)

• Total: 18 ABO-approved credits
• Required: At least 6 credits in ophthalmic optics
• Remaining 12: Any ABO-approved topics
• Online: 100% of credits can be earned online

NCLE Requirements (Every 3 Years)

• Total: 18 NCLE-approved credits
• Required: At least 6 credits in contact lens topics
• Remaining 12: Any NCLE-approved topics
• Online: 100% of credits can be earned online

Dual Certification (ABO + NCLE)

• Some credits count toward both certifications
• Look for "ABO-NCLE approved" courses
• Still need core requirements for each (optics + contact lens)
• Can reduce total courses needed

Where to Get CE Credits Online

ABO-NCLE Website

Official

The certification body offers approved courses directly.

• Guaranteed to count toward renewal
• Credits automatically recorded
• Various topics and price points

Lens Manufacturer Courses

Essilor, Zeiss, Hoya, and others offer free or low-cost CE.

• Often free (product-focused but educational)
• Learn about latest lens technology
• Check ABO-NCLE approval before starting

Contact Lens Manufacturer Courses

CooperVision, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision offer NCLE CE.

• Focused on contact lens topics
• Good for NCLE renewal
• Often free with registration

Professional Organizations

OAA, state optical associations offer member CE.

• Networking + education benefits
• Often discounted for members
• High-quality, unbiased content

Third-Party CE Providers

Various online platforms offer optical CE courses.

• Wide selection of topics
• Bundle packages available
• Verify ABO-NCLE approval before purchasing

CE Credit Costs

Source	Cost per Credit	Notes
Manufacturer courses	Free - $10	Product-focused but valuable
ABO-NCLE website	$5 - $20	Official, guaranteed approval
Third-party providers	$5 - $30	Verify approval status
Conferences (online)	$50 - $200 total	Multiple credits at once

Budget tip: Mix free manufacturer courses with paid courses to minimize costs. You can complete all 18 credits for under $100 if you plan strategically.

How to Track Your CE Credits

Create an ABO-NCLE Account

Your official transcript is maintained at abo-ncle.org. Log in to view your current credits.

Keep Certificates of Completion

Download and save certificates from every CE course. You may need proof if credits don't auto-report.

Check for Auto-Reporting

Many approved providers automatically report credits. Allow 2-4 weeks for credits to appear.

Self-Report if Needed

If credits don't appear, you can manually submit them through the ABO-NCLE portal with your certificate.

Don't Let Your Certification Lapse

If you miss your renewal deadline:

• Your certification status becomes "inactive"
• You may need to pay late fees to reinstate
• Extended lapses may require retaking certification exams
• Some employers require active certification status

Pro tip: Set calendar reminders 6 months and 3 months before your renewal date.

State Licensing CE Requirements

If you're licensed in a state that requires licensure, you may have additional CE requirements beyond ABO-NCLE. Check with your state board—requirements vary significantly.

Important: State CE requirements are separate from ABO-NCLE requirements. Some credits may count for both, but always verify with your state licensing board.

Need More Than CE Credits?

If you're preparing for initial certification or helping colleagues study, our comprehensive course covers all ABO & NCLE exam topics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many CE credits do I need to maintain ABO certification?

You need 18 ABO-approved CE credits every 3 years to maintain your ABO certification. At least 6 credits must be in ophthalmic optics.

Can I complete all my CE credits online?

Yes, all ABO and NCLE CE requirements can be fulfilled through approved online courses. Many opticians prefer this flexible option.

What happens if I don't complete my CE credits on time?

Your certification will lapse if you don't complete CE requirements by your renewal deadline. You may need to pay late fees or retake certification exams to reinstate.

Do CE credits expire?

CE credits must be earned within your 3-year certification cycle. Credits from a previous cycle don't carry over to the next one.