Master paraoptometric certification exam prep with AOA’s study resources

Preparing for new paraoptometric certification examinations? Beware of costly, obsolete study materials when the AOA offers the latest study resources, free, as a member benefit. 

Developed using the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification’s (CPC’s) publicly available 2025 exam outlines, as well as the expanded exam outlines, new study resources available in AOA EyeLearn are the No. 1 source for paraoptometric professionals looking to build confidence heading into their Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) or Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT) exam. But why choose AOA study resources over other websites or exam prep outlets? Because they’re based on the newest information. 

Every three to five years, the CPC conducts a Job Task Analysis to form the basis of certification exams and their respective outlines. That analysis, conducted only two years ago, is represented on these 2025 certification exams, thereby making older exam prep materials outdated. 

While the CPC cannot develop educational materials for exam preparation, the AOA utilizes the commission’s publicly available exam outlines as the basis for its comprehensive exam prep resources. So, if you’re looking to earn a paraoptometric certification—AOA paraoptometric certification resources are your best option for exam prep. 

⏩Where do you start? Right here: The 2025 Candidate Handbook. 

See why paraoptometric certification is so important and how staff can best prepare for success on their examination from CPC member Tamara Franklin, CPOT, senior director of staff learning and development at Vision Source. 

What are the first steps to preparing for a CPC certification exam? 

Franklin: One of the first steps to preparing for a CPC certification exam should be going to the AOA website, aoa.org, and reviewing the Candidate Handbook. Also downloading the outline for the certification exam that you're taking. This will allow you to see the content that will be on the certification exam. There are a number of resources out there for you to study that content from. The AOA has resources that are available to members at no charge in EyeLearn. They also are available to any person studying for the examination. You have resources within your practice, but having the outline from aoa.org will tell you what to study, and then you can use all kinds of resources at your disposal to study that content. The Candidate Handbook will give you all of the information you need for that CPC certification exam. 

Why should candidates reference the latest AOA study resources that align with the CPC exam outlines? 

Franklin: It is important to reference the latest AOA study resources that align with the CPC examination outlines. With the new edition of the certification exams, the study resources have been updated as well as the expanded outlines that you can find on aoa.org. The expanded outlines will give you the reference for the material that you need to study for the examination. All of the AOA study resources are up to date for the current examinations. 

Why should paraoptometric professionals consider gaining their certification? 

Franklin: We encourage all staff to pursue certification. The national certification examinations deliver a level of expectation within our profession. Certification for a staff person demonstrates that level of care and knowledge across all areas within the practice. A staff person who has certification is known to have already been tested and demonstrated a higher level of knowledge and competency to deliver better patient care within the practice.  

Speaking of the benefits of practices, practices that employ certified staff have a patient perception out there that they are delivering a greater differential against some of the other markets in their area. Practices that have certified staff have greater efficiency. You can see, based on some studies that have been done, about 12 additional patients per week by delegating some of those nonphysician duties to well-trained certified staff. There's no one better than a certified staff person to elevate the patient care and the practice efficiencies. In having that certification and that knowledge base, we really encourage all staff to have some level of certification.  

The AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification offers [four] levels of certification: a CPO, Certified Paraoptometric; a CPOA, Certified Paraoptometric Assistant; a CPOT, Certified Paraoptometric Technician; [and a CPOC, Certified Paraoptometric Coder]. By starting with a CPO designation, a person can take that entry-level certification and then progress through their career. You are investing in your career as a paraoptometric. Certification demonstrates your level of competency. We encourage all to be certified. 

When are the 2025 paraoptometric certification exam dates? 

Thinking about applying to take a paraoptometric certification exam? Consult the CPC’s 2025 testing dates and be sure to submit an application by the deadline for each test period (a $50 late application fee will be incurred if submitted after 9 p.m. on the application deadline). In fact, paraoptometric staff can plan accordingly for these upcoming exam dates: 

• May 3-17 (including CPOT testing) 
  Application deadline: March 19 
  Late-application deadline: April 9 
  

• Aug. 9-23 
  Application deadline: June 25 
  Late-application deadline: July 16

• Nov. 1-15 (including CPOT testing) 
  Application deadline: Sept. 17  

Late-application deadline: Oct. 9 

Consult the CPC Certification Exams webpage for details on exam eligibility, fees and applications, and to find a testing location near you. 

⏩Learn more about the remote testing option for certification exams. 

Questions? Connect with the CPC via email or at 1.800.365.2219, ext. 4210, or send correspondence to 243 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Floor 1, St. Louis, Mo., 63141-7881. 

For technical questions regarding remote testing, contact the PTC via email or 1.212.356.0660.