Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get an application?
Applications are available online at www.aoa.org. If you don’t have internet access, applications can be requested from the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.
Where can I get a Handbook for Candidate’s?
Handbooks are available to view or print at www.aoa.org under the ‘for paraoptometrics’ portion in the ‘certification’ section of the website or under ‘manuals & downloads’. If you are unable to view or print the handbook, contact the CPC at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210.
What’s my test center number?
Established regional test sites all have a test center number that may be found in the Handbook for Candidates. Regional test sites are test sites located across the United States where the examination is sponsored by the CPC, not in conjunction with conferences sponsored by state associations or other entities. State meetings and conferences will not have a test center number.
What is a special test center?
A special test center is an option for candidates who live 300 miles or more away from a regional test site. Professional Testing Corporation (PTC) will endeavor to locate a testing facility within a reasonable distance, often a local college or university, to administer the paraoptometric examination. Special test centers are only scheduled on regional examination dates and are not an option for those wishing to take the CPOT practical exam.
Do I have to pay the special test center fee?
When a special test center is requested, a special test center fee of $125.00 will be charged for each candidate, unless 5 or more candidates are guaranteed to test at that location, in addition to the regular examination fee.
Can I have a special test center at my doctor’s office?
No. The locations for certified paraoptometric examinations are neutral locations and are determined by the CPC with the assistance of Professional Testing Corporation.
Is the examination offered online?
All the paraoptometric examinations are proctored examinations and are not available online.
Who is eligible to pay student fees?
Candidates will be considered paraoptometric students only if they are enrolled full-time in a formal paraoptometric education program approved by the AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification or the ACOE.
What is the difference between the Handbook for Candidates and the Study Guide?
The Handbook contains general information regarding requirements and procedures for applying and taking the certified paraoptometric examinations as well as a study outline. Study guides are the actual publications you would use to prepare for the examination. Study guides are available for purchase from the AOA Paraoptometric Section.
How and when do I get a Study Guide?
Study materials/guides for all levels of paraoptometric certification are available through the AOA Paraoptometric Section. For more information, contact the paraoptometric section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222.
Can I order a study guide for the examination without registering for an examination?
If you wish to purchase a study guide without registering for the examination, you may do so by downloading the order form from the website, www.aoa.org. If you are unable to obtain a copy of the order form, contact the Paraoptometric Section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222.
I received my confirmation of application card, but haven’t received my study guide. When will I get my study guide?
All study materials must be ordered through the Paraoptometric Section at 800-365-2219 ext. 4222.
How much study time should I allow for preparing for the examination?
At least 3 months of study time should be allowed for each examination. Keep in mind that the examinations get progressively more difficult and length of study time may need to be adjusted.
Why should I do the self assessment exam? Is the self assessment exam a pre-test?
The self assessment examination is more of a diagnostic tool that will demonstrate a candidate’s areas of strengths and weaknesses as well as another method of studying. It is not a pre-test for the examinations. Candidates who pass the self assessment examination will be awarded a certificate of completion and 12 hours of continuing education to apply toward their certification renewal.
Are there any other study materials available?
A list of recommended reading materials as well as an outline with a brief explanation of the areas to be tested for each examination is listed in the appropriate level Handbook for Candidates.
Is there a way to skip the CPO examination?
Candidates with five or more years experience in the eye care field may be eligible to skip the CPO examination. The employer must attest to this experience by completing the CPOA Reference Form and submitting it to the CPC Administrator for review along with a the candidate’s resume`. Current, advanced certifications from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) or Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) may also be submitted for review. Documentation will be required.
Is there any way I can skip the CPO and CPOA examinations and go straight to the CPOT examination? Candidates who are currently enrolled full-time in their last semester of, or have recently graduated from, an ACOE (Accreditation Council on Optometric Education) approved paraoptometric program are eligible to sit for either the CPOA or CPOT examination without having taken the CPO examination. Military members who have attended comparable military programs are also eligible to bypass the CPO examination. Documentation is required.
Why are there 2 parts to the CPOT?
The written portion of the examination confirms the candidate’s professional knowledge while the practical portion demonstrates the candidate’s ability to perform the procedures required of a Certified Paraoptometric Technician on patients in an office type situation.
Does everyone have to pass the practical examination before becoming a CPOT?
The practical examination is waived for graduates of ACOE (Accreditation Council on Optometric Education) approved paraoptometric programs and those who have graduated from military paraoptometric programs.
Are the fees the same for both the written and practical portion?
The fee for all written examinations is $195.00 while the fee for the practical portion is $100.00.
Is there a study guide for the CPOT?
There is no specific study guide for the CPOT examination. A list of recommended reading is located in the Handbook for Candidates. Another good source of information is the study guide used for the CPOA exam.
Can I request a special test center for the practical examination?
No, practical examinations are held only at sites designated by the CPC.
How long do I have to wait between the CPO and the CPOA examinations and between the CPOA and CPOT?
Six months experience is required between each successive level of certification.
Can I take the CPOT written and practical examinations at the same time?
A candidate may sit for the CPOT written and practical at the same time, but is not required to do so. Candidates for CPOT must complete and pass both portions of the examination within a 2 year period in order to be considered a CPOT.
Can I get a refund or postpone my examination?
The CPC has set forth a policy that no refunds nor postponements shall be granted except in extreme hardship circumstances which will be considered on a case by case basis. If a postponement is authorized an additional fee of $100.00 will be assessed which must be paid before testing. When a refund is authorized a processing fee may be deducted. Persons who withdraw their application or fail to appear for their scheduled examination forfeit their application fees and if applicable, their special test center fees.
Hotel reservations are needed for the weekend of the examination. Where is the examination going to be held?
For exact location of the regional examinations, contact Professional Testing Corporation at 212-356-0661. Exact locations of examinations sponsored by other entities would be available from the sponsoring organization or the AOA.
The examination is next weekend and my admission card hasn’t been received. What do I need to do? Professional Testing Corporation issues examination admission cards which are required for admittance. You must have an admission card and a picture ID to enter an examination. PTC normally mails admission cards approximately two weeks prior to the examination date. Should you not receive your admission card within one week of the examination, contact PTC at 212-356-0661.
What do I need to bring with me to the examination?
Each candidate will need to bring several sharpened #2 pencils with erasers. Calculators are permitted, but not required. No other materials will be allowed. The proctor will designate an area of safekeeping for any personal items which are brought into the examination. Those items may be picked up after your examination is completed and turned in and you are ready to exit the examination area. (Candidates also are required to bring their admission card and one form of picture ID. (See Question 27 for more information.)
When will I get my results? Can they be emailed to me or can I get them over the phone?
Results will be processed and sent to the candidate in the mail within 6 weeks of the examination date. Due to confidentiality policies, results are mailed only to the candidate. No results will be faxed, given over the phone, nor published on the website.
My examination results indicate I failed, but I’m certain I didn’t. Is there anything I can do?
Candidates with reason to believe a discrepancy exists in the scoring or reporting of their test results may appeal in writing to the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC). The letter must be accompanied by supporting documentation, as applicable. The appeal must be received within 30 days after examination results are received by the candidates. The CPC will review the appeal and notify the candidate in writing of its decision.
If I failed the examination when can I retake it?
There is no designated waiting period. Unsuccessful candidates may retake the examination upon filing a new application, exam fee and if applicable, special test center fee.
If I failed the examination, is a free or reduced price available?
There is no free or reduced fee for repeating any of the examinations.
Is membership the same as certification?
No. Membership in the Paraoptometric Section and paraoptometric certification are completely different and are handled by two different departments at the AOA. Membership is handled by the Paraoptometric Section and requires yearly membership dues. Certification refers to the level of professional certification one has attained through formal testing and continuing education in the paraoptometric field. Certification requires renewal every three years and hinges on the satisfaction of required continuing education as well as submission of renewal fees to the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC).
When is my certification renewal due?
Certifications are renewable every three calendar years and are due by July 1 of the renewal year. Certified paraoptometrics will be reminded in January of their renewal year that their renewal is coming due shortly. Invoices are mailed out in June.
How often do I have to renew my certification?
Certifications are renewable every 3 years. Candidates are reminded in January of their renewal year that 18 continuing education credits and renewal fees will be due July 1.
Where can I get continuing education?
Continuing education is available from a variety of sources. State and national optometric conferences offer many opportunities to obtain continuing education. Online CE is available from a variety of sources. The Paraoptometric Section at the AOA offers free online CE to its members. Twelve hours of continuing education is also available through the Paraoptometric Section by completing the self-assessment examination in preparation for the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant examination. A list of sources and approved continuing education is available on the AOA website, www.aoa.org.
When can I start accumulating my continuing education hours and how many do I need?
Continuing education may be accumulated beginning January 1 of the first year of certification and may continue through June 30 of the renewal year. For example, a candidate who passes the examination between January and December 2006 will be due for renewal on July 1, 2009. Continuing education may be accumulated from January 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. Any unused credits may not be applied to the next renewal period. Currently, 18 hours of continuing education are required for certification renewal.
I have already passed the written (or practical) portion of the CPOT examination. A notice to renew my CPOA certification was received. Do I still need to renew as a CPOA if I’ve already passed one portion of the CPOT?
To be considered a CPOT, a candidate must pass both the written and the practical examinations within the maximum span of a 2 year period. If only one portion of the exam has been taken and passed, the candidate would still be considered a CPOA and would need to follow the renewal guidelines and submit their renewal as a CPOA.
When is the renewal late fee required?
The second renewal invoices are mailed on or about August 1. If your renewal has not been received or postmarked prior to August 1, a late fee is assessed. Those who request a renewal extension and renew after July 31 will be required to pay the late fee.