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About the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification

Take the First Step Toward Career Recognition

What is Paraoptometric Certification?

This program has been developed by a respected panel of American Optometric Association paraoptometrics and optometrists, created to encourage continuing education and knowledge as the field of optometric assisting grows.

Modern optometry demands that paraoptometrics accept a key role in the practice. They must receive continuing education and training in order to fill this role. Paraoptometrics serve only to enhance the profession of optometry, as well as the individual practices that employ them. Education and recognition is, and always will be, integral to the success of all involved.

Why Become Certified?

Demonstrated committment
Professional certification demonstrates to employers, patients, and co-workers that you are committed as a professional
Builds self-esteem
Professional certification enables individuals to be proud of their accomplishment and manage their future
Encourages continued professional growth
Encouraging advanced levels of certification and recertification provide an investment in one’s own professional development
Increased professional recognition
Professional certification promotes those who stand out in the industry
Improves career opportunities and advancement
Professional certification provides an advantage when being considered for promotions and increased delegation of responsibilities
Enhances Professional Image
Certification announces recognition to the public by way of professional credentials

Why Should I Employ a Certified Paraoptometric?

The Paraoptometric Certification Program optimizes your staff allowing you to make the most efficient use of time and operate at your highest level. A Certified Paraoptometric reinforces your professional image, enhances patient satisfaction, and increases the potential for additional referrals to your practice.

A Certified Paraoptometric demonstrates a commitment to the practice of paraoptometry, resulting in an increased level of competence and performance.

Steps to Becoming Certified

Level I – Certified Paraoptometric (CPO)

Check your eligibility for the Certified Paraoptometric Examination (CPO):

Applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Applicants must have at least 6 months employment in the eye care field.

Handbook for Candidates

Download a copy of the Handbook for the Certified Paraoptometric from the AOA website, www.aoa.org. The handbook is located under the section entitled “For Paraoptometrics” under “Manuals and Downloads”.

Choose an examination date and site

The examination schedule is published and available on the AOA website, www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Examinations are offered at 30 regional testing locations in April and September, 2008. Examinations may also be sponsored by state associations or other organizations near you. Be aware that state associations or other organizations may require additional registration fees and meeting registration. However, you must apply and submit examination fees directly to the CPC in order to be registered for these examinations. Applicants more than 300 miles from an established testing site may request a local special testing site for additional fees (see handbook for details). Military members may be eligible for testing at their base education facility. Contact the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification for more information at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.

Study Materials

Study materials for all levels of paraoptometric certification may be ordered from AOA’s Paraoptometric Section. For more information, order forms and prices, visit the AOA website at www.aoa.org or contact the Paraoptometric Section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222 or jvmurphy@aoa.org. Please note that study materials for the CPO exam are no longer included in the examination fee and will not be automatically mailed to you.

Application, Fees & Deadlines

Applications are available to download in a PDF format from the AOA website: www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Applications may be requested by calling 800-365-2219 ext. 4210. The fee for all written and practical examinations is $225. Paraoptometric student fees are $100 (see handbook for eligibility). Make note of the examination deadline on the schedule and be sure to submit your application and fees by the deadline. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed acceptance.

Level II – Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA)

Check your eligibility for the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant Examination (CPOA):

Applicants must have earned the CPO title and verify a minimum of 6 months experience as a Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) OR must meet one of the following requirements:

Submit a current resume` with a CPOA Reference form that verifies at least 5 years employment in the eye care field and be approved by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification to bypass the CPO examination

Currently hold ABO or NCLE certification(s) (a copy of your certification will be required)

Graduates or students currently enrolled and in good standing in their last semester of study in an approved optometric assistant program are eligible to sit for the CPOA examination. Graduates must have completed the program within the last three years and verify their eligibility.

Handbook for Candidates

Download a copy of the Handbook for the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant from the AOA website, www.aoa.org. The handbook is located under the section entitled “For Paraoptometrics” under “Manuals and Downloads”.

Choose an examination date and site.

The examination schedule is published and available on the AOA website, www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Examinations are offered at 30 regional testing locations in April and September, 2008. Examinations may also be sponsored by state associations or other organizations near you. Be aware that state associations or other organizations may require additional registration fees and meeting registration. However, you must apply and submit examination fees directly to the CPC in order to be registered for these examinations. Applicants more than 300 miles from an established testing site may request a local special testing site for additional fees (see handbook for details). Military members may be eligible for testing at their base education facility. Contact the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification for more information at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.

Study Materials

Study materials for all levels of paraoptometric certification may be ordered from AOA’s Paraoptometric Section. For more information, order forms and prices, visit the AOA website at www.aoa.org or contact the Paraoptometric Section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222 or jvmurphy@aoa.org.

Application, Fees & Deadlines

Applications are available to download in a PDF format from the AOA website: www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Applications may be requested by calling 800-365-2219 ext. 4210. The fee for all written and practical examinations is $225. Paraoptometric student fees are $100 (see handbook for eligibility). Please note that study materials are not included in the examination fee and will not automatically be mailed to you.

Level III – Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)

Check your eligibility for the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant Examination (CPOT):

Applicants must have earned the CPOA title and verify a minimum of 6 months experience as a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant OR must meet one of the following requirements:
Graduates or students currently enrolled and in good standing in their last semester of study in an approved ACOE (Accreditation Council on Optometric Education) optometric technician program are eligible to sit for the CPOT written examination. Graduates must have completed the program within the last three years and verify their eligibility.

Military members who hold a military technician training certificate may be eligible to sit directly for the CPOT examination. For more information on eligibility for military members, contact the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.

Handbook for Candidates

Download a copy of the Handbook for the Certified Paraoptometric Technician from the AOA website, www.aoa.org. The handbook is located under the section entitled “For Paraoptometrics” under “Manuals and Downloads”.

Choose an examination date and site.

The examination schedule is published and available on the AOA website, www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Examinations are offered at 30 regional testing locations in April and September, 2008. Examinations may also be sponsored by state associations or other organizations near you. Be aware that state associations or other organizations may require additional registration fees and meeting registration. However, you must apply and submit examination fees directly to the CPC in order to be registered for these examinations. Applicants more than 300 miles from an established testing site may request a local special testing site for additional fees (see handbook for details). Military members may be eligible for testing at their base education facility. Contact the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification for more information at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.

Study Materials

Study materials for all levels of paraoptometric certification may be ordered from AOA’s Paraoptometric Section. For more information, order forms and prices, visit the AOA website at www.aoa.org or contact the Paraoptometric Section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222 or jvmurphy@aoa.org.

Application, Fees & Deadlines

Applications are available to download in a PDF format from the AOA website: www.aoa.org under “Certification”. Applications may be requested by calling 800-365-2219 ext. 4210. The fee for all written and practical examinations is $225. Paraoptometric student fees are $100 (see handbook for eligibility). The fee for the practical examination is $100. Please note that study materials are not included in the examination fee and will not automatically be mailed to you.
Please note that the CPOT certification requires candidates to pass both the written and practical portion of the examination within a three (3) year period in order to earn the title CPOT. Graduates of ACOE approved technician programs or military members with technician certifications may not be required to participate in the practical portion of the exam. For more information, call the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.