The National Optical Sciences Examinations are practical exams and are often referred to as the NACOR exams because they are administered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).

The national examinations are used by all the provinces in Canada except Quebec. 

The examinations are called Optical Sciences 1 Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences 2 -Advanced Practice Contact Lens.

Part of each examination is theoretical and the rest requires the candidate to demonstrate a required level of skill as outlined in the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians document.

The National Exams are held in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia at various times throughout the year. 

The examination schedule is posted at the NACOR website and is updated annually.