paraoptometric certification and membership FAQs

AOA Paraoptometric Membership and Certification FAQs

AOA Paraoptometric Membership and Certification FAQs

How do I become a member?

The sponsoring OD (or a staff member with the doctor’s permission) can complete the membership form online at:

Please note: The “Manage Staff” feature in the Member Center is currently unavailable but is expected to be restored in the future.

How much does it cost to become an AOA Paraoptometric Member?

Membership is free as a benefit to the AOA-member doctor sponsoring the paraoptometric for membership.

I don’t work for an AOA-member doctor, but I want to get certified. What should I do?

You do not need to be an AOA member to become certified. Certification is available to non-members.

Where do I get my eligibility number?

Your Eligibility Number is provided in the Scheduling Authorization email sent by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC).

If you have not received that email, please contact PTC directly at:
www.ptcny.com/contact

I’m having trouble signing up for the exam online. Who can help?

Please contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC):

Phone: 212.356.0660
Website:
www.ptcny.com/contact

I need a receipt for my exam.

Please contact Professional Testing Corporation (PTC):

Phone: 212.356.0660
Website:
www.ptcny.com/contact

I need to reschedule my exam. Who can help?

Please contact Prometric:

Phone: 800.741.0934

Prometric can schedule, reschedule, and confirm appointments only.

When does my certification expire?

To locate a certification expiration date:

  1. Open the constituent record in Personify.

  2. In the left sidebar, select Involvement History.

  3. Click Certifications.

  4. Scroll to the bottom of the page to locate Certification Expiration.

The status should show Completed with a future expiration year listed in the Certification Expiration field.

How many credits do I need to renew?

Paraoptometrics must earn 18 continuing education (CE) credits during each renewal period.

Credits may be earned in any combination from:

AOA/CPC
ABO
NCLE
JCAHPO
COPE

At least 9 of the 18 hours must be AOA/CPC approved.

Does CPR count toward renewal credit?

Yes.

The CPC will award 4 hours of CE for in-person CPR courses lasting at least 4 hours. These courses may be taken once during the three-year renewal period.

Courses must be presented or approved by:

American Heart Association
American Red Cross
American Safety & Health Institute

Online CPR courses are eligible for 1 hour of credit.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and/or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association may be taken once during the three-year renewal period and will be awarded 2 CPC-approved credits for each course.

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