Exam Dates and Locations

Computer-based testing begins in 2009. Paper and pencil examinations will ONLY be offered at Optometry’s Meeting^® in June. Effective immediately, testing will no longer be offered at Regional or Special Testing Sites (with the exception of military candidates stationed overseas).

Military candidates stationed overseas should contact CPC at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210. All other military will need to contact CMSgt Michael Russey at 214-312-3960 or russeym@aafes.com for assistance.

Test Date(s)	Application Deadline Date
*June 26, 2009	May 15, 2009
August 15-22, 2009	June 27, 2009
November 14-21, 2009	September 26, 2009

*Paper/Pencil administration held in conjunction with Optometry’s Meeting® in Washington, D.C.

Practical Examination	Application Deadline Date
NOTE: APPLICATION DUE DATE CHANGE FOR PRACTICAL IN WASHINGTON DC. DUE TO REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE AT EXAM LOCATION, NO LATE APPLICATIONS FOR THE PRACTICAL EXAMINATION WILL BE ACCEPTED.
June 27, 2009	May 1, 2009 (Optometry’s Meeting®) NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
October 17, 2009 (Tulsa, OK)	Sept. 4, 2009

Instructions for finding a testing site at the PSI/Lasergrade website

http://www.lasergrade.com/index.html

On the Lasergrade homepage, scroll mouse over “Test Taker/Candidate”.
Click on “Available Tests” and select American Optometric Association – Commission on Paraoptometric Certification from the list.
Enter your home or work zip code for possible examination sites (every site location may not be available on all testing dates).
NOTE: Do NOT contact PSI/Lasergrade until your application has been accepted by AOA and you receive an eligibility letter and instructions from Professional Testing Corporation. Once you receive your eligibility letter and instructions it is your responsibility to make an examination appointment with PSI/Lasergrade for testing within the 8 day testing period on the date and at the location of your choice. (Testing times, dates, and locations are based on a first come, first served basis so make sure to secure your appointment as soon as possible after receiving your eligibility letter.)

Special Needs Individuals

Special testing arrangements may be made for special needs individuals submitting the Application examination fee and a letter describing the nature of the disability and the special accommodations needed for testing. Requests for accommodations of special needs must be received at least eight weeks before the testing date and the Special Test Accommodations form must be included with your application.

Submitting Applications

Submitting Applications by E-mail (If paying by credit /debit card only)

Application must be submitted in order to be received by or on the deadline date. Follow directions on the application form to save and e-mail the completed application. Submit only once. NOTE: If documentation is required (program graduate certificate, CPOA Approved Reference Form, etc.), as noted on the application, you can attach documentation to your e-mail or fax to the CPC office at 314-991-4101.

Submitting Applications by Mail

Application must be submitted in order to be received by or on the deadline date. Follow directions on the application form to print completed application. Fold the completed application and mail with the appropriate fees and any required supporting documentation in time to be received by the deadline date shown on the inside cover of this handbook to: AOA-CPC 243 N Lindbergh Blvd St Louis MO 63141-7881

Submitting Corrections or Rescheduling

If you made a mistake on an application that has already been submitted via email submission, or if you are rescheduling your examination to an alternate testing period, you must submit a new application and applicable rescheduling fees, if required. If you are submitting a corrected application by mail or by email submission, please notify the CPC that it is a correction. If you are rescheduling your testing period after the application deadline you are required to pay the rescheduling fee. Please indicate the reschedule fee of $140 in the payment section on page 2 of the application.

Admission to Testing

Scheduling Your Examination Appointment
(Computer Based Testing Candidates)
Once your application has been received and processed, and your eligibility verified, you will be mailed an Eligibility Notice. The Eligibility Notice plus current photo identification must be presented in order to gain admission to the testing center. A candidate not receiving an Eligibility Notice or other correspondence at least three weeks before the beginning of the one-week testing period should contact Professional Testing Corporation at (212) 356-0660.

The Eligibility Notice will indicate where to call to schedule your examination appointment as well as the dates in which testing is available. Appointment times are first-come-first-served. Schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your Eligibility Notice in order to maximize your chance of testing at your preferred location and on your preferred date.

Admission to Testing
(Paper/Pencil Candidates)
Candidates will receive an Admission Notice from Professional Testing Corporation approximately two weeks prior to testing. The time and exact address to which candidates will report will be noted on the Admission Notice.

The Admission Notice plus current photo identification must be presented in order to gain admission to the testing center. A candidate not receiving an Admission Notice or other correspondence should contact Professional Testing Corporation at (212)356-0660, no more than one week before the test date.

Contact the CPC office by email or phone at 800-365-2219 ext. 4210 for an application at least 3 weeks prior to deadline date.

Changing Your Examination Appointment

If you need to cancel your examination appointment or reschedule to a different date within the one-week testing period, you must contact PSI/LaserGrade at (800) 211-2754 no later than noon, Eastern Standard Time, of the second business day PRIOR to your scheduled appointment.