To date, 9 provincial regulatory bodies use the Optical Sciences 1 - Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences 2 - Advanced Practice Contact Lens examinations to evaluate candidates for membership.  Quebec has opted for different assessment modalities.

What are the national examinations?

The national examinations are administered by NACOR on behalf of the provincial regulatory offices and are used in every province except Quebec.  They are the final step in becoming an optician.

There are currently two national examinations, one for eyeglasses and one for contact lenses.

You can sit the national examination(s) if you have:

Graduated from an accredited Canadian optical program

or

Completed the prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) process

and

Completed any required bridging modules

and

Completed any additional eligibility requirements of your provincial regulatory office

 

DON’T WAIT TO APPLY!

You don't have to wait to receive confirmation from your school that you have graduated, nor confirmation from your provincial regulatory office that you have met their requirements for eligibility.

THE ONLY WAY TO BE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR THE NACOR EXAMINATIONS IS TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PRIOR TO THE APPLICATION DEADLINE.