Verified October 10, 2026 against the practice act, board rules and sources cited below. The board decides every application. All states
What optometrists miss in Arizona
- Arizona sends application status only to the applicant or to one representative the applicant designates in writing.
- Arizona also has universal recognition (A.R.S. § 32-4302) for new residents holding an Arizona driver license and at least one year of licensure elsewhere.
How does an optometrist licensed elsewhere get a Arizona license?
Optometrists who practiced at least four of the last five years in one jurisdiction with scope equal to or higher than Arizona must apply by endorsement, which waives the written exam. Those from a narrower-scope state may use a CELMO certificate. Others apply as regular applicants with NBEO scores from the last 10 years.
- By endorsement
- Practice required: 4 of the last 5 years
- Board: Arizona State Board of Optometry
Citation: A.R.S. § 32-1723
Which NBEO exams does Arizona require?
Regular applicants need NBEO Parts I, II, III and TMOD taken within 10 years of the application date. Arizona has no state practical exam.
- NBEO: I, II, III, TMOD
Does Arizona require a law exam?
Every applicant, including endorsement applicants, passes the Arizona jurisprudence exam. NBEO runs it as a remote, open-book Online State Law Exam that needs board pre-approval.
- Law exam (OSLE)
Does Arizona give its own exam or interview?
The board states there is no state practical exam.
What scope does a Arizona license carry?
Endorsement turns on scope: the home state must match or exceed Arizona and the optometrist must practice at that level. A CELMO certificate is the stated alternative when it does not.
- Applicants from other states: Endorsement requires a license from a state with equal or higher scope and current practice at that level
Citation: A.R.S. § 32-1723; board e-licensing page
Does Arizona recognize the CELMO certificate?
The board accepts a CELMO certificate to meet endorsement requirements for applicants whose home state has narrower scope than Arizona.
- CELMO recognized
Does Arizona require a controlled substance license?
Licensees holding a DEA registration must complete at least 3 hours of opioid, substance use disorder or addiction CE within the 32 required hours.
How often does a Arizona license renew?
Renewal requires 32 hours of CE, including pharmaceutical CE for prescribers. A license not renewed within four months after the birthday expires.
- Renews every two years
- Due On or before the licensee's birthday every other year
- 32 CE hours
Licensing in Arizona?
We prepare every supporting document and a question-by-question guide, order your verifications and NBEO scores, and track the file to a decision; you answer, sign, pay the board and sit every exam. A license is $699 per state, or $799 where the state gives its own exam or interview.