Maintaining and Renewing Your CPC Certification
Purpose of Renewal
The intent of the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification's (CPC) renewal program is to ensure 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, honing their skills, encouraging interaction with peers and meeting professional standards.
Find out what the general requirements are for renewing your certification.
Renewal Information
As a courtesy, renewal statements are emailed beginning in February of the renewal year. Renewal documents and payment are due every third year on or before Nov. 1 and the cycle is set on a calendar year. For example, if one earns a CPO certification anytime between January–December 2021, the renewal will be due on or before Nov. 1, 2024. Please make sure you review and understand the CPO, CPOA and CPOT guidelines.
As a courtesy, renewal statements are emailed in January of the renewal year. Renewal documents and payment are due every third year on or before May 31 and the cycle is set on a calendar year. For example, if one earns a CPOC certification anytime between January–December 2021, the renewal will be due on or before May 31, 2024. Please make sure you review and understand the CPOC guidelines.
The 2023 CPC online renewal period is closed. Certification renewals for the current year may be mailed to the address below. Please contact cpc@aoa.org with questions.
Mail certification renewals to:
AOA-CPC
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Medical/Financial Request for Waiver/Exemption
Any applicant may make a written appeal of decisions made by the CPC relating to loss of designation. In the appeal, an applicant may request an exemption based on written support of medical need from their physician. All requests for exemption must be received, in writing, by the CPC within 30 days of notification of non-compliance with CPC requirements or within 30 days of the renewal deadline.
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