2010 Certification Renewal Update

Important information for all active CPC credential holders

The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) is dedicated to maintaining and administering internationally accredited credentials on behalf of the paraoptometric profession. As the number of CPC credential holders grows every year, the Commissioners have accessed our processes and systems so we can better serve our certification body.

Many CPC credential holders are aware of the large volume of CPC renewals that are processed during the renewal period. To better meet your needs, CPC will change all credential holders’ expiration dates. Currently, CPC credentials expire on July 1 of the third year after they earn the credential. Effective 2010, the certification renewal due date will be changed from July 1 to November 1.

The transition to the new system will begin taking place in the 2010 renewal year. Current CPC credential holders will have months added to their renewal cycle based on the anniversary of earning their credential—no one will have time taken away.

The information below describes how the transition will work. Substitute your own credentialing anniversary date for the example shown. This date can be found on your CPC certificate.

If your CPO certification is earned between January-December 2009, the renewal would be due on November 1, 2012. If a higher designated level is earned the following year, the renewal date would then be due one year later. For example, if a CPO who earned this designation in 2009 then earned a CPOA designation in 2010, the renewal would be due November 1, 2013. Keep track of hours as they are earned. When maintaining records, certificants may have credits that include a portion of a full hour. For example, a credit of 1.5 hours may be earned. Keep track of these as they may be needed at the time of renewal. Total points are not rounded up. For example, 17.5 credit hours earned at the end of the renewal cycle will not meet the requirement of 18 hours.

Points earned during a cycle may be claimed for that cycle only. Points do not carry over. Credits earned for renewal are only acceptable if they were earned within the three-year cycle. For example, if someone is certified in 2009 with a renewal in November 2012, the CPC will only accept credit from 2009-2012.

You will receive a series of notices, articles in CPC publications, and direct communications from CPC over the next several months that will provide information and guidance on your new expiration date.

Renewal reminder letters will be sent out in June and invoices will be mailed in September. Paraoptometrics should retain proof of at least 18 hours of CPC accepted continuing education documentation from the last 3 years and submit it along with the $75 renewal fee after receiving a renewal invoice. To maintain an active certification all renewals must be received by the CPC by November 1. If you do not maintain an active certification status by adhering to the CPC program, your credential will expire and you will no longer be allowed to refer to yourself as a credential holder. Your participation in continuing education activities indicates to your peers, employers, employees and clients that you are committed to professional development.

Paraoptometrics who renew their certification will receive a letter and updated certificate. Please allow 60 days for processing. If you have moved or changed employers within the last 3 years please make sure to update your contact information with CPC by emailing your name along with your old and new contact information to cpc@aoa.org.

We understand that you may have questions and are happy to provide the support you need. E-mail questions to cpc@aoa.org. Because this change affects all active CPC credential holders, please allow adequate response time.