MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
Revision Date 6/7/24 Page 1 of 7
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
OVERVIEW:
The optometrist license type allows a licensee to engage in the practice of optometry.
NOTE: The content contained below is a general overview of licensing requirements. Links to access the Public
Health Code and Administrative Rules for this profession can be found at the end of this guide.
LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
(Listed below are the minimum requirements needed to obtain
an optometrist
license.)
APPLICATION AND FEES
Online Application For an Optometrist License - Complete all fields, answer all questions, and upload any
supporting documentation.
Online application can be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus.
Application Fee + 2-year License Fee (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express
credit or debit card.):
Optometrist By Examination or Endorsement– $237.10
Optometrist Relicensure – $257.10
Controlled Substance – $176.40
DPA Certification – $82.60
TPA Certification – $82.60
DPA/TPA Certification – $143.20 (If applying for both certifications at the same time.)
THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO ALL APPLICANTS (EXCEPT RENEWAL)
A controlled substance license is required for every person who manufactures, distributes, prescribes, or
dispenses any controlled substance in Michigan. A separate controlled substance license is required for each
business location from which you manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. If you only
prescribe controlled substances at more than one location, you only need one controlled substance license.
An optometrist must hold a DPA/TPA certification to be eligible for a controlled substance license.
An optometrist may not prescribe a Schedule 2 controlled substance or an oral cortical steroid.
You may apply for a controlled substance license by completing the controlled substance license fields in the
application. If you do not apply for a controlled substance license on your optometrist application, you must
wait for the optometrist license to be issued before you may apply for a controlled substance license.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
Revision Date 6/7/24 Page 2 of 7
Opioids and Controlled Substances Awareness Training – An individual seeking a controlled substance
license of who is licensed to prescribe or dispense controlled substances must have completed training in
opioids and controlled substances awareness that meets the standards established in the Board of Pharmacy
Controlled Substances Administrative Rules, R 338.3135 prior to being issued a license.
Human Trafficking Training – An individual seeking licensure must have completed training in identifying
victims of human trafficking that meets the standards in Administrative Rule 338.303 prior to being issued a
license. The training must only be completed one time.
Implicit Bias Training – An individual seeking licensure must have completed at least 2 hours of implicit bias
training within the five years immediately preceding issuance of the license.
Criminal Background Check – Once the online application is completed and submitted you will be emailed an
Application Confirmation letter containing instructions to complete the Criminal Background Check (except
those applicants seeking relicensure, if the license expired within the last three years).
Good Moral Character Questions – Documentation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to
show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open
manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to the
occupation or profession for which you are seeking a license.
Social Security Number (SSN) – An individual applying for licensure is required to provide his or her social
security number at the time of application. If exempt under law from obtaining an SSN or do not have an SSN,
the SSN affidavit form will be required to be uploaded at the time the application is submitted.
Verification of Licensure – Verification of licensure must be sent directly to our office by the licensing agency
of any state of the United States or country in which you hold or ever held a license. The verification must
show that disciplinary proceedings are not pending against the applicant and sanctions are not in force at
the time of application. Verification can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Bureau of
Professional Licensing, PO Box 30670, Lansing, MI 48909.
English Language Proficiency – An individual applying for licensure must demonstrate a working knowledge
of the English language. This can be established if either the applicant’s required health professional
educational program was taught in English, a transcript establishes the applicant earned not less than 60
college level credits from an English-speaking graduate or undergraduate school, or that the applicant
obtained a passing score on an approved English proficiency exam as established by the department under
R 338.7002b(2) of the Public Health Code – General Rules.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTOMETRIST BY EXAMINATION
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL Applicants)
Certification of your passing examination scores on parts I, II, and III of the examination given by the National
Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), including a passing score on the Treatment and Management of
Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination imbedded in part II, submitted directly to this office from the examination
agency. Contact the NBEO on their website at www.optometry.org.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
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Final, official transcripts confirming your Doctor of Optometry degree and the date it was conferred, submitted
directly to this office from your ACOE accredited school.
Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by calling
PSI at 800-733-9267.
DIAGNOSTIC PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS (DPA) AND
THERAPEUTIC PHARMACEUTICAL AGENTS (TPA) CERTIFICATION
Upload a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation approved by the Department of
Health and Human Services, and offered or approved by The Red Cross, The American Heart Association,
an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or institution.
Management and Emergency Plan form. Be sure to make a photocopy of this form to keep permanently in
your office. Upload the completed ORIGINAL, signed plan with the application.
Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents (DPA) Training Form. Complete the top portion of the form and then
forward the form to the Director of the DPA educational program or the Registrar of the institution where the
training was completed for their completion. The educational program must return the form directly to this
office.
Verification of Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPA) Training Form. Complete the top portion of the form
and forward the form to the Director of the TPA educational program or the Registrar of the institution where
the training was completed for their completion. The educational program must return the form directly to this
office. YOU MUST HAVE DPA CERTIFICATION TO OBTAIN TPA CERTIFICATION.
NOTE: If you are applying for relicensure of your specialty and have previously provided the DPA and
TPA verification of training forms, you do not need to resubmit those forms.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL Applicants)
Applicants who have been licensed in another state for less than 3 years:
Final, official transcripts confirming your Doctor of Optometry degree and the date it was conferred, submitted
directly to this office from your ACOE accredited school.
Certification of your passing examination scores on parts I, II, and III of the examination given by the National
Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), including a passing score on the Treatment and Management of
Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination imbedded in part II, submitted directly to this office from the examination
agency. Contact the NBEO on their website at www.optometry.org.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
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Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by
calling PSI at 800-733-9267.
Documentation showing that you hold a license granting therapeutic prescriptive certification at the highest
level authorized in the state of the United States where you currently practice.
Submit a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by The Red Cross, The
American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or institution.
Applicants who have been licensed in another state for 3 years or more:
Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by calling
PSI at 800-733-9267.
Documentation showing that you hold a license granting therapeutic prescriptive certification at the highest
level authorized in the state of the United States where you currently practice.
Submit a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by The Red Cross, The
American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or institution.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT FOR THOSE LICENSED
IN A PROVINCE OF CANADA
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL Applicants)
Final, official transcripts confirming your Doctor of Optometry degree and the date it was conferred, submitted
directly to this office from your ACOE accredited school.
Certification of your passing examination scores on parts I, II, and III of the examination given by the National
Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO), including a passing score on the Treatment and Management of
Ocular Disease (TMOD) examination imbedded in part II, submitted directly to this office from the examination
agency. Contact the NBEO on their website at www.optometry.org. This only applies if you are licensed
for less than 10 years in Canada.
Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by calling
PSI at 800-733-9267.
Documentation showing that you hold a license in good standing granting therapeutic prescriptive certification
at the highest level authorized in the province of Canada where you are currently licensed.
Upload a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by The Red Cross, The
American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or institution.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPTOMETRIST RELICENSURE
(These are in addition to the requirements stated above that apply to ALL Applicants)
Online application can be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus, select MiPLUS Login, select
“Modification” next to your license number and then select “Relicensure.”
Applicants whose Michigan license has been lapsed for 3 years or less must:
Upload proof of having completed 40 hours of board-approved continuing education within 2 years
immediately preceding the date of this application with at least 2 hours in pain and symptom management. If
you hold a TPA certification, at least 20 of the continuing education hours shall be in the category of
pharmacological management of ocular conditions. Additional information about the continuing education
requirement can be found in the Administrative Rules found at www.michigan.gov/bpl.
If you hold TPA certification, upload a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued
by The Red Cross, The American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or
institution.
Applicants whose Michigan license has been lapsed for more than 3 years, but less than 6 years must:
Upload proof of having completed 40 hours of board-approved continuing education within 2 years immediately
preceding the date of this application with at least 2 hours in pain and symptom management. If you hold a
TPA certification, at least 20 of the continuing education hours shall be in the category of pharmacological
management of ocular conditions. Additional information about the continuing education requirement can be
found in the Optometry Administrative Rules found at www.michigan.gov/bpl.
If you hold TPA certification, upload a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued
by The Red Cross, The American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or
institution.
Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by
calling PSI at 800-733-9267.
Applicants whose Michigan license has been lapsed for 6 years or more must:
Upload proof of having completed 40 hours of board-approved continuing education within 2 years
immediately preceding the date of this application with at least 2 hours in pain and symptom management. If
you hold a TPA certification, at least 20 of the continuing education hours shall be in the category of
pharmacological management of ocular conditions. Additional information about the continuing education
requirement can be found in the Optometry Administrative Rules at www.michigan.gov/bpl.
If you hold TPA certification, upload a copy of your current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued
by The Red Cross, The American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or
institution.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
Revision Date 6/7/24 Page 6 of 7
Take and pass the 32-question jurisprudence examination. The passing score on the exam is 75% (24/32).
The jurisprudence examination covers material that can be found in the Michigan Public Health Code Article
1, Parts 11 and 12; Article 5, Part 55A; Article 15, Parts 161 and 174; and the Administrative Rules for the
Board of Optometry. You may contact PSI to schedule your exam by visiting www.psiexams.com or by calling
PSI at 800-733-9267.
An applicant that does NOT hold an active, valid license to practice optometry in another state must
achieve a passing score on parts I, II, and III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO)
examination, including a passing score on the Continued Professional Development in Optometry (CPDO)
examination given by NBEO. Have the passing scores submitted directly to this office from the examination
agency. Contact the NBEO on their website at www.optometry.org.
RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
Online Application For Optometrist Renewal – Can be completed by visiting www.michigan.gov/miplus.
Renewal Application Fee (Must be paid by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit
card.):
Optometrist Renewal Application Fee: $209.60
Controlled Substance Renewal Application Fee: $165.40
Renewal Cycle: 2 years
Good Moral Character Questions – Documentation will be required if you answer “yes” to either question to
show at the current time you have the ability to, and are likely to, serve the public in a fair, honest and open
manner, that you are rehabilitated, or that the substance of the former offense is not reasonably related to
the occupation or profession for which you are seeking license renewal.
Disciplinary Question – Documentation will be required if you answer “yes” to having sanctions imposed
against you by a similar licensure, registration, certification, or disciplinary board of another state or country
you have not previously reported to the department.
If you hold a controlled substance license, it will be automatically renewed and the renewal fee charged along
with your optometrist license unless you deselect the controlled substance license during the renewal
process.
Opioids and Controlled Substances Awareness Training – By the end of the renewal cycle that begins after
January 4, 2019, all controlled substance licensees or individuals who are licensed to prescribe or dispense
controlled substances must certify on their renewal application prior to renewing their license that they have
completed training in opioids and controlled substances awareness that meets the standards established in
Adminstrative Rule 338.3135.
Human Trafficking Training – A licensee seeking renewal must have completed training in identifying victims
of human trafficking that meets the standards in Administrative Rule 338.303 prior to renewing their license.
The training must only be completed one time.
MICHIGAN OPTOMETRIST LICENSING GUIDE
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Implicit Bias Training – A licensee seeking renewal must have completed a minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias
training for each year of the applicant’s license cycle. For the first renewal on or after June 1, 2022, licensees
will only need to have 1 hour for each year since the rule’s promulgation date of June 1, 2021.
Accept Renewal Attestation - By accepting the renewal attestation you as the licensee are certifying that you
have met the following continuing education requirements during the renewal period and all information
provided on your renewal application is true and correct:
If licensed during the full 2-year renewal cycle:
40 hours of continuing education in board-approved courses or programs completed during the
2-year renewal period, which includes:
A minimum of 2 hours of board-approved continuing education earned in the area of
pain and symptom management, as they relate to the practice of optometry.
A minimum of 20 hours of board-approved continuing education earned in a live,
synchronous learning format.
A maximum of 9 continuing education hours per licensure cycle in practice
management.
An applicant for license renewal who holds certification to administer topical ocular diagnostic
pharmaceutical agents or certification to administer and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents,
or both, must hold a current certificate in cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by The Red Cross,
The American Heart Association, an accredited hospital, or a comparable organization or institution
and.shall accumulate not less than 20 hours of board-approved continuing education in
pharmacological management of ocular conditions. The 20 required hours are part of, and not in
addition to, the 40 hours required.
Additional information regarding continuing education can be found by accessing the Administrative Rules
for Optometry at: www.michigan.gov/healthlicense and click on the optometry link.
HELPFUL RESOURCES AND FORMS
By visiting www.michigan.gov/healthlicense and clicking on the optometry link you can access the following
helpful resources and forms:
Resources:
Michigan Public Health Code
Administrative Rules for Optometry
Track continuing education using CE Broker - The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) has partnered
with CE Broker to help licensed professionals keep track of their continuing education (CE) credits. Additional
information can be found on our website.
