The new permanent CE requirements are now in effect for the 2026/2027 renewal period and each renewal period after that (unless changed by the board). The 2 major changes to the CE requirements are as follows:

1. Increase the number of CE credits FROM 12 every 2 years TO 15 every 2 years.

2. Permanently accepting NJ Approved ONLINE, or LIVE CE credits to fulfill your 15-credit requirement.

Below are some FAQs and answers. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE PAGE!

If you have any additional concerns, please feel free to contact Michael Della Pesca at 973-728-4372 or email to info@quantumoptical.com.

• So now we can get all of our credits ONLINE or LIVE or a mix of both?
  YES! The new rule now allows ONLINE as an option for CE delivery format. You still need to meet the requirements for the number of hours and the specific breakdown of credit category required by the New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians (see below).
   
• How many credits do we need in each category?
   
  
  For the 2026/2027 licensure period and going forward, all NJ Opticians need:
  
  One credit in statutes and rules governing the practice of ophthalmic dispensing;
      (NJ Rules & Regulations: 1 hour)
  At least five credits in topics relevant to the practice of ophthalmic dispensing;
      (Spectacle: 5 hours)
  At least three credits in dispensing of contact lenses;
      (Contact Lens: 3 hours)
  No more than two of the 15 credits can be MGMT / Elective;
      (MGMT/ELECTIVE: 2 hours)
  
  *Note: Bloodborne pathogens is only required once, not bi-annually. 
  (BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS: If you took this in the past, you DO NOT ever need to take it again. If you are recently licensed and taking CE for the first time, you need to complete this course.)   
     
  What is the actual breakdown of the 15 credits every 2 years based on the chart above?
  Basically, you need a MINIMUM of 5 SPECTACLE credits, 3 Contact Lens credits, and the NEW 1 credit NJ Rules and Regs course. That adds up to 9 credits. The other 6 can be either SPECTACLE, Contact Lens or MGMT/ELECTIVE, however no more than 2 credits of the 15 can be MGMT/ELECTIVE.
  
  
  
   
• Where can I obtain virtual or online credits?
  No matter how you obtain your credits (live or online) to qualify for licensure renewal, the courses must be reviewed and approved by the New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians, and offered through a NJ-approved CE provider, like Quantum Optical.
   
• Will I be able to get ALL 15 NJ CE credits through Quantum Optical online?
  YES, you can get all 15 of your NJ CE credits online through us! We are an established NJ-approved CE provider, and have received NJ State Board CE approval for 100+ Spectacle, Contact Lens and Management courses, so you will have plenty to choose from. The NEW 1-hour NJ Rules and Regulations course and 1-hour Blood Borne Pathogens course are now available on our online CE menu, making Quantum Optical the only site you need to complete all your CE credits ONLINE!
   

• Do I already have a user account in your system if I attended your Live conferences?
  Many of you have attended our Live events and have registered online, however that is a separate database. Unless you have taken online CE with us in the past, you will need to CREATE A USER ACCOUNT.
   
• On the second page of the signup form you have different account options like Standard, Silver Gold, Platinum. Which one should I select as a NJ Optician?
  If you don’t have any credits and are just starting your CE, we recommend selecting the Platinum Package (currently 8 Credits for $94.00). Once you complete the payment and are logged in, look for "Purchase Credits" in the "My Account" section, and purchase another Platinum Package. This will give you 16 credits on account, which is enough to fulfill your NJ CE requirements, for only $188.00! The additional purchased credit will remain on your account until the next renewal period.
   
• Do I need use all the credits I purchased with the package at once?
  Credits purchased with packages do not expire and can be completed anytime at your convenience. They do not need to be taken all at once.
   

• How do I access the CE courses once I have created my account?
  After logging in, click the "TAKE A COURSE" link in the top menu section or select the CE Course Menu in the top menu, under "ONLINE CE" to access our Online Course Menu.
   
• How do I know if the course is NJ CE approved?
  To the right of each course title are state abbreviations in green text. If you see NJ listed, the course has been approved by the New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers and Ophthalmic Technicians. Highlight or hover your mouse over NJ to see the number of credit hours and course category.
   
• Is there a way to only show NJ Approved CE Courses?
  YES! Above the course menu, there is a "LICENSE / CERTIFICATION" drop down box. Select "New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers (NJ)" and the menu will reload to show only NJ approved courses. NJ CE courses may also be approved by other state boards or governing bodies.
   
• What if I am also certified by ABO/NCLE or licensed in NY, FL, etc? Can I get certificates for those boards also?
  YES! As long as the course is approved by NJ AND those boards, or those boards accept ABO/NCLE as proof of CE. For example, many NJ approved CE courses are also approved by NY, FL and/or ABO/NCLE. If you see those boards in green text under the course title, along with NJ, you will be able to get certificates for those boards as well, upon successful completion of the test.
   
How do I get started taking NJ Online CE Credits?
Once you find a course title that you are interested in talking, and have verified that it is NJ approved:
 
• 1. Click the "TAKE THIS COURSE" button.
   
• 2. TIP! Click the "TAKE THIS TEST" button so that you can view / print the test and have it available while you're viewing the course material.
   
• 3. Then, click the "OPEN COURSE" button OR your browser's back button to go to Slide 1 and begin reading the course material.
   
 
• How do I submit the test for score?
  After reading the course material, entering all your answers into the online test, and rating the course, click the "SUBMIT FOR SCORE" button. At this point you will be asked for payment. If you purchased the Gold package(s), select "Use My Account Credits" and the credit amount will be deducted from your available credit balance. Credits are deducted from your account regardless of pass or fail.
   
• When do I get my NJ Online CE certificate?
  After selecting a payment option (in the previous step), you will receive your grade. You must score 80% or better to receive a NJ CE Certificate. Below your grade will be a list of available CE certificates which you can obtain immediately.
  
  IMPORTANT - Click "Receive NJ Certificate." After a few seconds you will see "NJ Sent! Click To Download." Downloading it from this page is just an option. At this point, a copy of your certificate has been sent to your email address as a PDF attachment, which you can save to your device. Additionally, a copy of your CE course activity has been logged into our database, and posted in your "TEST HISTORY"
  
  If you need a CE certificate for another board or governing body, please click the "Request Your _____ Certificate" for the appropriate board from this page. Once you have selected all your CE certificates, you can log out, or take another course.
   
• I forgot to request a certificate, how can I request one now?
  In your account, please visit your "COURSE HISTORY" page, find the course in the list, and click the "GET CERTIFICATES" button. Check the box for any certificate(s) you need, and click  "REQUEST CERTIFICATES" at the bottom of the list.