Paraoptometric certification is a program developed by a respected panel of American Optometric Association (AOA) 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. 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 CPOTM, CPOATM and CPOTTM 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.
Program
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Level
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Description
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Eligibility
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Next Steps
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Certified Paraoptometric
(CPOTM)
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Entry
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A CPO TM is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating an understanding of the concepts used in optometric care
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Eligibility
Requirements
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, and
- Minimum of six (6) months mentored experience in the optometric eye care field.
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Handbook
Apply/Fees
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Certified Paraoptometric Assistant
(CPOATM)
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Intermediate
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A CPOATM is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating the ability to apply the concepts used in optometric care
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Eligibility
Requirements
- Minimum of six months additional employment in the optometric eye care field as a Certified Paraoptometric (CPOTM); or
- Be a graduate or student currently enrolled the last semester of study of a CPC approved optometric assistant program; or
- Have *three years or more work experience in the optometric eye care field and receive approval from the CPC administrator to bypass the CPOTM exam. The employer must attest to this experience by completing the CPOATM Reference Form. *Effective March 2017
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Handbook
Apply/Fees
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Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOTTM)
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Advanced
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A CPOTTM 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
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Eligibility
Requirements
- Minimum of six months additional employment in the optometric eye care field as a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOATM); or
- Be a graduate or student currently enrolled in the last semester of study of an Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) approved optometric technician program.
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Handbook
Apply/Fees
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Certified Paraoptometric Coder (CPOCTM)
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Specialty
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A CPOCTM is a person who has attained national recognition via certification by demonstrating proficiency, expertise, and validating superior knowledge in an optometric coding environment
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Eligibility
Requirements
- Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, and
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the medical coding and billing field.
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Handbook
Apply/Fees
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Commission on Paraoptometric Certification—Who we are and what we do
A volunteer commission of the AOA, comprised of certified paraoptometric and doctors of optometry, that promotes certification of optometric staff through education and testing.
Identifies core competencies required for each of its four certification designations.
Coordinates areas of development for the testing program, using designated volunteers.
Develops programs to promote the value of the paraoptometric to the optometric community. Promotes the value of paraoptometric certification to optometric educators and students.
Promotes to the public the important roles that certified paraoptometrics may perform in an optometric practice.
Duplicate or replacement certificates and lapel pins may be ordered by or for current paraoptometrics using the order form.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
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