The American Optometric Association (AOA), through the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC), offers four paraoptometric certifications:

• CPO – Certified Paraoptometric: Entry-level certification demonstrating an understanding of concepts used in optometric care.
• CPOA – Certified Paraoptometric Assistant: Intermediate-level certification demonstrating the ability to apply concepts used in optometric care.
• CPOT – Certified Paraoptometric Technician: Advanced-level certification demonstrating the ability to understand, apply and interrelate concepts used in optometric care.
• CPOC – Certified Paraoptometric Coder: Specialty certification demonstrating proficiency and expertise in an optometric coding environment.

Each certification requires successful completion of the applicable CPC examination and has specific eligibility requirements.

Which paraoptometric certification should I start with?

For many paraoptometrics, the Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) is the entry-level certification and a good place to begin.

However, you may qualify for a different certification level based on your education, previous certification and/or eye care experience.

Before applying for an examination, review the current eligibility requirements in the Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook to determine which certification you qualify for.

Commission on Paraoptometric Certification:
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/commission-on-paraoptometric-certification

Do I have to become a CPO before taking the CPOA exam?

Not necessarily.

One pathway to CPOA certification requires you to hold a current CPO designation and have the required additional full-time employment experience in eye care as a CPO.

However, other eligibility pathways are available, including pathways for individuals with qualifying education or sufficient recent eye care experience.

Always review the current CPOA eligibility requirements in the Candidate Handbook before applying.

Do I have to become a CPOA before taking the CPOT exam?

Not necessarily.

One pathway to CPOT certification requires a current CPOA designation and the required additional full-time employment experience in eye care as a CPOA. Other eligibility pathways may be available based on qualifying education.

Review the current CPOT eligibility requirements before applying.

How do I get started?

Before applying for a certification exam:

1. Read the Paraoptometric Examination Candidate Handbook.
2. Review the eligibility requirements for the certification you want to pursue.
3. Review the exam details, fees and refund policies.
4. Gather any required documentation for your certification level.
5. Review the examination schedule and select an available testing period.
6. Complete the examination application.

Current examination information, eligibility requirements, testing schedules, applications, fees and the Candidate Handbook are available on the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification page:

https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/commission-on-paraoptometric-certification

How can I prepare for a CPO, CPOA, CPOT or CPOC exam?

The AOA provides CPC examination study resources, including study resource information and expanded examination outlines for each certification.

CPC Examination Study Resources:
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/cpc-examination-study-resources

Additional educational and professional development opportunities for paraoptometrics are available through AOA EyeLearn:

https://eyelearn.aoa.org/

The listing of study resources does not constitute a CPC endorsement or guarantee that using a particular resource will result in successfully passing an examination.

Do I need to be an AOA member to become certified?

No.

AOA membership is not required to become certified or to maintain a paraoptometric certification.

Paraoptometric certification and AOA membership are separate.

Certification is a professional credential administered through the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC). AOA paraoptometric associate membership is available to eligible staff working for AOA member doctors of optometry.

Can optometric staff become AOA members?

Yes. Eligible paraoptometrics and support staff working for an AOA member doctor of optometry may become AOA associate members at no additional membership cost to the doctor or staff member.

The sponsoring AOA member doctor can add eligible staff through MyAOA → Staff Membership.

Paraoptometric and Support Staff Membership:
https://www.aoa.org/member-center/membership-overview/associate-membership/paraoptometric-and-support-staff-membership

How often do I need to renew my certification?

CPO, CPOA, CPOT and CPOC certifications must be renewed every three years to remain current.

Certified paraoptometrics are required to meet the continuing education and other renewal requirements applicable to their certification.

Renewal deadlines and requirements vary by certification, so always review the current CPC renewal information.

Maintaining and Renewing Your CPC Certification:
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/maintaining-and-renewing-your-cpc-certification

Where can I find continuing education for my certification?

The AOA provides information about CPC-approved continuing education and educational opportunities for paraoptometrics.

CPC-Approved Continuing Education:
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-resources/cpc-approved-continuing-education

You can also visit AOA EyeLearn to explore available online education and professional development opportunities:

https://eyelearn.aoa.org/

Where can I find more information?

For current certification requirements, examination schedules, applications, fees, study resources, renewal requirements and other official certification information, visit:

AOA Paraoptometric Certification
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification

Commission on Paraoptometric Certification
https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/commission-on-paraoptometric-certification

AOA EyeLearn
https://eyelearn.aoa.org/