Paraoptometric Certification & Renewal
Paraoptometric certification is a program developed by a respected panel of American Optometric Association (AOA) certified paraoptometrics and doctors of optometry, created to encourage continuing education and knowledge as the field of optometric assisting grows.
The AOA offers four levels of certification for optometric staff. Each program requires successful completion of an examination prepared and administered by the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) with the assistance of Professional Testing Corporation (PTCNY). The purpose of the examinations is to assure a level of knowledge to perform the functions necessary to each certified designation. Recipients must renew their certification every three years to remain current in their field.
The CPO TM, CPOA TM and CPOT TM examinations are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA accreditation serves as a benchmark on how organizations should conduct certification and clearly distinguishes the excellence and value of CPC certification. The CPC is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, an organization that provides education, networking and other resources for professionals.
Earn continuing education (CE) credits by writing new items (questions) that may be used on the 2022 paraoptometric examinations. Who should participate? Any certified paraoptometric looking for a way to earn CE toward renewal of their certification or who may be interested in joining the CPC Item Review or Test Development Committee. Contact cpc@aoa.org for more information.
Certification programs
|
Program |
Level |
Description |
|
Certified Paraoptometric |
Entry |
A CPO is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating an understanding of the concepts used in optometric care |
|
Certified Paraoptometric Assistant |
Intermediate |
A CPOA is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating the ability to apply the concepts used in optometric care. |
|
Certified Paraoptometric Technician |
Advanced |
A CPOT is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating the ability to understand, apply, and interrelate the concepts used in optometric care. |
|
Certified Paraoptometric Coder |
Specialty |
A CPOC is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating proficiency, expertise, and validating superior knowledge in an optometric coding environment. |
Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook
- Eligibility requirements
- CPC and ACOE approved optometric assistant and technician programs
- Study materials chart
- Paraoptometric Certificate & Pin Order Form
Exam Schedule
The CPC determines the schedule for the 2021 examinations. The CPO , CPOA , CPOT , and CPOC examinations are administered during an established two-week testing period four times yearly, Monday through Saturday excluding holidays, at computer-based testing facilities managed by Prometric.
2021 examination dates
All applications are due by 9 p.m. ET of the application or late application deadline date.
|
2021 testing dates |
Application deadline |
Late application deadline |
|
February 13 – 27, 2021 |
Jan. 6, 2021 |
Jan. 20, 2021 |
|
May 1 – 15, 2021 |
March 17, 2021 |
April 7, 2021 |
|
August 14 – 28, 2021 |
June 30, 2021 |
July 21, 2021 |
|
November 6 -20, 2021* |
Sept. 22, 2021 |
Oct. 13, 2021 |
*Paraoptometrics whose renewal is due in 2021 and who wish to test in November for the next level of certification, must submit their renewal to the CPC office in St. Louis, Missouri for processing no later than Sep. 1, 2021 so that eligibility can be verified by the November application deadline. CPO and CPOA certifications must be current at the time of testing when attempting the next level examination. (Certifications expire on Oct. 31 and therefore must be renewed prior to the November application deadline before eligibility can be verified.)
Apply
Applicants will be held accountable for knowing the policies and procedures set forth in the handbook. Submission of an application is an attestation that the applicant read and understood all policies and procedures. Candidates may submit an application and payment online through PTCNY for the appropriate certification level. Once registered, you will be able to select a testing center at a Prometric testing site near you.
Scheduling your exam appointment
Special needs–Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Maintain your 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.
Need CE credit?
Renewal schedule & fees
As a courtesy to certificants, 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 2020, the renewal will be due on or before Nov. 1, 2023.
As a courtesy to certificants, 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 2020, the renewal will be due on or before May 31, 2023.
The 2020 CPC online renewal period is closed. Please submit your late renewal by mail with the full $195 fee and your CE credits to the address on your renewal invoice. Contact CPC@aoa.org with questions.
Mail certification renewals to:
AOA-CPC
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
Medical need for 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.
CPC annual reports
Year in review
Job Task Analysis
Attend the Paraoptometric Examination Item-Writing Workshop in EyeLearn.
7 states authorize doctors of optometry to give COVID-19 vaccinations: The latest
Congresswoman encourages federal recognition of optometry’s utility in COVID-19 vaccinations nationwide as more states activate doctors of optometry alongside new vaccine developments.
AOA emergency summit March 24 raises alarm over children’s eye health
The AOA Emergency Children’s Vision Summit will provide the opportunity for doctors of optometry to learn from experts on children’s eye care as they assess the crisis and chart a course forward. The members-only virtual event launches an ongoing conversation, led by the AOA, on children’s eye health and vision care. Its School Readiness Summit is set for July.
Paraoptometric advocacy lifts optometry: Why staff involvement is critical
Paraoptometric attendance at the AOA’s premier advocacy conference, May 23-25, helps reinforce optometry’s case for immediate changes that will affect the entire practice.