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Certification

Call for Testimonials

In an effort to promote the skills, dedication, and value certified paraoptometrics bring to a practice, the AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification invites certified paraoptometrics and their employing optometrists to provide a testimonial demonstrating the positive impact certification has had for their careers and in their practices.

100% certified practices

The AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification is conducting a survey to find optometric practices that are 100% CPC certified. Practices with 100% CPC certified staff will be recognized in the CPC Newsletter and AOA News. Optometrists who support certification aid the progression of optometry by requiring a recognized level of knowledge throughout their office.

The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC), formerly known as the National Council on Paraoptometric Certification, was established in 2000 by the American Optometric Association. This program replaced the National Paraoptometric Registry which was established by the American Optometric Association in 1978.

Since the inception of the former National Paraoptometric Registry program in 1978, the AOA has utilized an outside testing agency to provide quality psychometric services and assure credibility of its program. Certification focuses specifically on the individual and is an indication of current proficiency in a specialized field. Certification is highly valued and provides formal acknowledgement of knowledge in a particular area of practice.

The Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA is the accrediting body of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA). The NCCA accreditation serves as a benchmark on how organizations should conduct certification and clearly distinguishes the excellence and value of CPC certification.

An application to take a certification exam is available online. Before you apply, review the Certification Levels (CPO, CPOA, and CPOT) to learn about eligibility rules and application procedures. Click here to view the exam schedule.