National Exams

NATIONAL OPTICAL SCIENCES EXAMINATIONS

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.


WHO WRITES THE NATIONAL OPTICAL SCIENCES EXAMINATIONS?

All individuals wishing to become registered as dispensing opticians in Canada are required to write the National Optical Science Examinations. This includes those who have graduated from NACOR accredited educational programs as well as those who have been trained through unaccredited programs or international candidates who have completed the PLAR process.


Preparing for the Exams

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE NATIONAL OPTICAL SCIENCES EXAM

Candidates are encouraged to review the Candidates Examination Handbook on the NACOR website before applying for the exam. The Candidates Handbook will provide you with detailed descriptions of the Optical Sciences 1 – Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences 2 Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examinations, and instructions on how you can apply for the upcoming examinations.


Exam Venues

NATIONAL OPTICAL SCIENCES EXAM VENUES

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.



Applying for the Exams

APPLYING FOR THE NATIONAL OPTICAL SCIENCES EXAMS