Mulitple-Choice Certification Examinations
Examination Content Areas
JCAHPO’s multiple-choice examinations are based on the results of a job task analysis survey conducted every 5 years to ensure the examinations
reflect updated practices in the field. The job task analysis survey is distributed to job incumbents and sponsoring ophthalmologists. The survey
results identify the tasks performed most often and of greatest importance. The examination content outline is based on these results. The
content outline indicated in this book for each examination area is an excellent study aid.
Examination Specifications
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All examinations are delivered in English.
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number of questions and the time allowed to take each examination varies depending on which examination you are completing.
In addition to scored items, all candidates receive between 10-25 sample questions. While they are not identified or scored, these
questions are being tested for possible inclusion in future examinations.
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completion of a Non-Disclosure Agreement and post-exam survey are also required in the time allotment noted below.
Examination Level
Number of Scored Questions
Examination Time
COA
200
3 hours
COT
200
3 hours
COMT
160
3 hours
OSA
75
1 hour
ROUB
170
3 hours
CDOS
175
3 hours
CCOA
200
3 hours
Examination Construction and Scoring
JCAHPO examinations are developed by the JCAHPO Certification Committee, which includes ophthalmologists and job incumbents who are
certified AOP. A variety of reference materials are used to create examination questions, which are selected from a pool of questions based on
the examination specifications and content outlines.
The examination passing score is set by a committee of job incumbents who are certified AOP and ophthalmologists working with a
psychometrician (a specialist in the mathematics of examinations), using methods that are nationally accepted for professional examinations.
These methods allow the committee to determine the minimum standard of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the assistant’s job. A
modified Angoff procedure is used to establish each passing score. In this commonly accepted psychometric procedure, content experts
estimate the probability of each question being answered correctly by a person who meets the minimum eligibility requirements. For this
reason, passing scores are not released.
Your test performance is measured against the minimum standard set by this committee of experts, rather than measured against other
people who have taken the examination. Establishing the passing score in this way helps to ensure that only those candidates who have the
knowledge are granted certificates. Passing scores are not based on straight percentage or a curve, nor does the performance of any other
test–taker affect how your performance will be judged.
Preparation Strategies
JCAHPO examinations are designed to cover the knowledge and skills needed by ophthalmic medical technicians in a variety of settings.
Examinations include questions from every content area. Sub-categories identify topics that questions may cover in the examinations.
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JCAHPO uses multiple reference sources in the design of its examinations, so it is beneficial to study from multiple resources.
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JCAHPO offers examination study guides for purchase at www.jcahpo.org or www.eyecarece.org.
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Examination review courses offered by ATPO are available online at www.eyecarece.org.
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Before your examination, find the test center and locate parking areas. Knowing where to go will reduce your stress
on test day.
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Study at a pace that suits your needs and do not cram for the examination.
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Focus on doing your personal best; your score is not affected by another's results.