Optometrist License in Maine
Quick Answer
To become a licensed optometrist in Maine, you need certification, an accredited O.D. degree, and NBEO passage. Unusually, Maine does not require continuing education for license maintenance, and the license is tied to a business. Contact the Office of Professional Regulation in Augusta for fees.
- Exam
- NBEO Parts I-III
- Timeline
- 3-6 months after O.D. graduation
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Annual
Requirements
Optometrist license in Maine
Optometrist Salary in Maine
Entry Level
$100,510
Median
$133,470
Experienced
$235,420
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Optometrist in Maine.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Specific course required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — NBEO Parts I-III
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation.
Optometrist Licensing in Maine: What to Know
Maine requires certification, specific coursework, and a third-party exam (NBEO) for optometry licensure. Notably, the COS data indicates no continuing education requirement is needed to maintain the license, which is unusual among states. The license is tied to a business location rather than being a stand-alone personal license, which may affect how practitioners operate. The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation under Maine's Department of Professional & Financial Regulation oversees licensing. No criminal record prohibitions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Optometrist license in Maine?
- The process typically takes 3-6 months after O.D. graduation, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Optometrist license in Maine?
- You need to pass the NBEO Parts I-III. Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Optometrist requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.