Training & Qualifications for Optical Technicians:

Level 4 Certificate for Optical Technicians Examination

The SMC distance-learning course and qualification provide an in-depth understanding of the theory that lies behind the prescription and manufacture of spectacles.

It also acts as a link between the skills acquired at Level 2 and 3 in Optical Production Processes and the training required by dispensing opticians. Holders of this qualification are exempt from most of the first year course leading to the Association of British Dispensing Opticians Diploma.

The examinations are normally held twice a year in June and December. At the end of the first year Part 1 examinations are held and successful candidates may then continue to take Part 2, normally the following year. Unsuccessful candidates can undertake re-sits.

Further details can be obtained by contacting the administrator at the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers.

Brochure & Syllabus downloads

Brochure
PDF, 1.2MB

Syllabus
Word, 75K

Level 4 Certificate for Optical Technicians

To obtain the Level 4 Certificate for Optical Technicians, a candidate must successfully sit each of three interrelated examinations; written papers for both Parts I & II and a practical examination (Part II), which will include questions on a practical project that second-year undertake as part of their studies.

Part I Examination

1. A three-hour examination paper on Mathematics, Optics and Ancillary Subjects.
2. A three-hour written paper on Ophthalmic Lenses and Surfacing.

Part II Examination

1. A three-hour written paper on Ophthalmic Lenses.
2. A three-hour written paper on Frames and Ancillary Subjects.
3. The Practical Examination will embrace:

1. The Project (Section 5).
   Each candidate will be assigned a project involving frame repairs and setting up, lens surfacing and glazing. The finished work has to be presented to the practical examiners who will then question the candidate about the results achieved.
2. An Oral Examination (Section 6a) on:
   (i) Lens Working
   (ii) Quality of lenses and recognition of lens faults.
   (iii) Transposition of lenses.
   (iv) The candidate's project (see (3) above)
3. A Practical Examination (Section 6b) on
   (i) The measurement of frames.
   (ii) The description of frames.
4. A Practical examination (Section 6c) on the verification of completed spectacles, and the use of the focimeter, recording lens power and laying off of lenses for glazing.
5. A Practical Examination (Section 6d) on surface ticket writing.

In borderline cases, an additional oral examination may be held at the discretion of the Board of Examiners, to complete the assessment of a candidate's knowledge.

Passing the examination

A average of 50% for the two papers is required to achieve a pass in each of the Part I and Part II written examinations.

Similarly, to pass the Practical Examination, a candidate must average 50% across all five sections.

In all cases, the average of 50% must be obtained with a minimum of 40% in each individual paper or section. A candidate gaining less than 40% in any one paper or section will be required to resit that paper or section and obtain a minimum mark of 50% to pass.

Candidates will only be able to retake a written paper or section of the Practical Examination three times, and only within three years of their first sitting the paper or section concerned. Those who have still not achieved a pass by that stage will be required to re-sit the whole examination.

A candidate having to resit a whole part of the examination will be able to rely on the "60/40" ruling outlined above to achieve a pass.

Candidates will not be permitted to sit the Part II examination until they have passed Part I.

Grading

Results are not graded. A candidate either passes an examination, or fails it.

Prizes

The SMC and the Optical Industry award prizes at the annual awards Ceremony in October to those obtaining the best marks in each part of the examinations held in December and June.