Making the grade

A paraoptometric in North Carolina, Roxanne Baker liked what she was learning about Remote Proctored Testing (RPT).

Baker wouldn’t have to drive to a designated testing center—she could take the test for paraoptometric certification at home, as long as certain conditions were met.

Aside from convenience, RPT would help her advance her career.

“I decided to take the test remotely to save from driving, to be able to schedule it at a time that was convenient for me, and I also figured I could be a little more relaxed in the comfort of my home,” Baker says.

A little more than a year ago, the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) launched RPT to provide greater access for optometric staff seeking to pass the exam and earn professional certification.

And doctors stood to benefit, too, by having CPC-certified staff in their practices to serve patients.

She passed!

“It has given me more confidence in knowing that I was able to achieve certification,” says Baker, CPO.

“It gives the doctor and patient more confidence in knowing that I have the knowledge necessary to perform my job at an advanced level, “she says.  “I would take it remotely again, for sure.”

⏩September is Paraoptometric Appreciation Month. Read more about the observance, how to become an AOA associate member and get access to members-only paraoptometric resources. 

How does RPT work?

According to Prometric, which administers the certification tests, remote proctoring is “an assessment delivery service that utilizes an online proctor to confirm the identity of the test taker, protect the security and identity of the exam, and deliver the computer-based test to the candidate.”

Anyone is eligible for RPT. But it launched, in part, for individuals who may find time, distance and costs to be factors in their ability to take the examinations for Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) and Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) certification. The next eligible testing period (and the last in 2024) for certification is Nov. 2-16, with an application deadline of Sept. 18. Late application deadline is Oct. 9. CPO, CPOA and CPOT exams may be taken at a Prometric test center or via live remote proctoring in the candidate’s home or other quiet area free from distractions. The Certified Paraoptometric Coder examination is an open-book exam and must be taken at a physical Prometric test center. Get the details on RPT in the Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook.

AOA paraoptometric certification test prep materials

Confident staff make competent staff—paraoptometric certification is how optometric practices can validate their staff’s clinical support and practice management skillsets. Use these AOA study resources, based on Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) exam outlines, to build staff confidence in their exam prep:

• Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook. Start here in preparing for a CPC exam by reading and understanding the candidate handbook. The CPO, CPOA and CPOT outlines are included in the handbook, making it a valuable tool in knowing what to study.  
• Paraoptometric Examination Study Resource Checklist. Use the AOA’s study resource checklist to help keep staff’s study prep on track. The majority of AOA recommended study resources are available in the AOA EyeLearn Professional Development Hub.  
• CPC 2024 Examination Schedule. Consult the exam schedule with CPO, CPOA and CPOC exams administered during testing periods four times yearly. Consult the know-before-you-go sheet to ensure staff have all the important details. The testing schedule for 2025 will be published later this year.

Have you enrolled paraoptometrics as AOA associate members? Activate this part of your AOA member benefits to grant staff access to paraoptometric programs and services. 

Questions?

The CPC can be reached at 243 North Lindbergh Boulevard, Floor 1 St. Louis, Mo., 63141-7881; by email or by calling 1.800.365.2219, ext. 4210. 

For technical questions regarding equipment, contact the PTC at ptcny@ptcny.com or call 1.212.356.0660.