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Recertification

Rationale
Recertification in a specialty area through maintenance of continuing education requirements and helps professionals remain current in the field and aware of recent development in research, theory and practice. Certification renewal indicates adherence to the expected levels of standards of professional growth. Recertification shows that a professional is up to date and at the leading edge of developments in the profession. Recertification is a commitment to careerlong learning. The principle of lifelong learning is central to maintenance of competence and, by extension, to ensuring the public can expect high professional standards from their optometric assistants.

Purpose of Renewal
The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) renewal program ensures certified paraoptometrics remain current in optometric assisting skills and knowledge. The purpose of recertification is to ensure that certified paraoptometrics maintain their competence to practice by increasing their knowledge, encouraging interaction with peers and meeting professional standards.

Participation and General Requirements Option 1: Those who hold a designation of CPO™, CPOA™ or CPOT™ must participate in continuing education activities and report such activities to the CPC every three years. They must earn a minimum of 18 hours every three years. Those certificants who hold a designation of CPOC™ must participate in continuing education activities and report such activities to the CPC every three years. A minimum of 9 hours every three years must be earned.

Option 2: Certificants can recertify by applying, paying, and successfully passing the examination of the current designation due for renewal prior to the renewal date.

Failure to meet one of these requirements will result in
loss of CPC designation.

Appeals Procedures
Any applicant may make a written appeal of any decisions made by the CPC relating to renewal compliance. In the appeal, an applicant may: seek an extension of time to complete the CPC renewal Proud Member of About Certification Certification Examinations CPO™ CPOA™ CPOT™ CPOT™ Practical CPOC™ Examination Schedule Applications CPO™, CPOA™, CPOT™ CPOT™ Practical CPOC™ Recertification CPC Directory Approved Education Providers Information for Education Providers Tools/Services Assistant/Technician Training Programs Annual Reports Archived Newsletters and Press Releases Quick Links CPO™, CPOA™, CPOT™ Application CPOT™ Practical Application CPOC™ Application Recertification Exam Schedule CPC Directory PTC Approved Education Providers Tools/Services Annual Reports Newsletters Contact CPC Commission on Paraoptometric Certification 243 North Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis MO 63141-7881 (800) 365-2219 cpc@aoa.org compliance. In the appeal, an applicant may: seek an extension of time to complete the CPC renewal requirements, or seek a partial exemption from the requirements. All appeals must be addressed to the CPC administrator in writing within 60 days of notification of not having complied with CPC requirements. The CPC reviews and acts on all appeals.

Exemptions
An appeal in writing may be sent to request a partial exemption from CPC renewal requirements. An exemption allows the CPC to waive part or all of the requirements when there is an undue hardship, incapacity or disability or other extenuating circumstances. Supporting documents must accompany the written request to provide justification.

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