CONTINUING EDUCATION

New Jersey CE Requirements

Stay informed about New Jersey's continuing education requirements for licensed ophthalmic dispensers. The New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians establishes the requirements for maintaining your professional license.

Continuing Education Overview

New Jersey licensed ophthalmic dispensers must complete continuing education during each biennial license renewal period.

15
Required CE Credits Every Two Years
3
Maximum Credits Eligible for Carryover

Required CE Credit Breakdown

The 15 required credits include the following subject areas:

New Jersey Statutes and Regulations
1 Credit
Ophthalmic Dispensing Topics
At Least 5 Credits
Contact Lens Dispensing
At Least 3 Credits
Additional Approved CE Coursework
6 Credits*
Total Required: 15 CE Credits

*Six additional credits remain after meeting the minimum category requirements. All coursework must be Board-approved. No more than two credits may be in management, sales, or marketing.

CE Credit Carryover

New Jersey permits limited carryover of excess continuing education credits into the next biennial licensing period.

Maximum Carryover:
Up to 3 excess CE credits may be carried into the next licensing period.

Eligible Credits:
Credits must be earned during the last year of the preceding biennial licensing period.

Earlier Credits:
Credits earned earlier in the previous licensing period are not eligible for carryover.

Additional CE Rules & Guidelines

Online Education
Approved online, video, and other media-based continuing education courses must include an examination that the licensee passes to receive CE credit.

First License Renewal
Licensees completing their first biennial renewal are exempt from the standard 15-credit requirement but must complete one credit in bloodborne pathogens.

Record Retention
Licensees must retain sponsor verification of completed continuing education coursework for four years.

Approved Coursework
Continuing education courses must meet the approval requirements established by the New Jersey State Board.

CE Credit Duration
One CE credit equals at least 50 minutes of instruction during a one-hour period.

Official New Jersey CE Regulations

New Jersey continuing education regulations were amended effective February 3, 2025.

Review N.J.A.C. 13:33-6.1 and the official State Board regulations for complete licensing requirements.

View NJ CE Regulations