Certification Renewal

All ABO and NCLE certifications are for three (3) years. Continuing education credits (CECs) must be earned within the three year certification period and may not be accumulated and carried over from one period to another. All CECs and renewal fees are due on or before your expiration date. If you fail to complete the requirements on time, you have a 4th year to complete them. During that year, your certification is suspended. This suspension year is not an extension, but will overlap into your next certification period. Renewing in the suspension year requires the payment of an additional $15 late penalty.

Continuing Education Renewal Requirements:

• ABO Certified: Send in 12 ABO approved CECs (up to 3 may be NCLE approved)
  and the $85 fee.
• NCLE Certified: Send in 18 NCLE approved CECs (up to 6 may be ABO approved)
  and the $85 fee.
• ABO and NCLE Certified: Send in 21 CECs (9 ABO approved and 12 NCLE approved)
  plus the $170 fee.

Acceptable Continuing Education Credit:

For ABO:

• Spectacle related courses approved by ABO with an assigned course number.
• Advanced certification prerequisite courses (ABO or NCLE).

For NCLE:

• Contact lens related courses approved by NCLE with an assigned course number.
• Advanced certification prerequisite courses (ABO or NCLE).

Contact lens related courses approved by NCLE with an assigned course number. Advanced certification prerequisite courses (ABO or NCLE).

Alternate Renewal Methods:

• New ABO: You may submit proof of maintaining a valid state license if the state has a satisfactory provision for continuing education.
• New NCLE: You may submit proof of maintaining a valid state license if the license entitles you to fit contact lenses and the state has a satisfactory provision for continuing education.
• For Either: You may also retake and pass the exam for recertification instead of earning CECs, but only in the third or suspension year of your certification. You may not sit for the exam at any other time during your certification.

Send CECs and Renewal Fees to:

ABO/NCLE
6506 Loisdale Rd., Suite 209,
Springfield, VA 22150

Be sure to include your name, address and certificate number.