Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Certification ( COMT )
Performance Test Preparation Strategies The COMT Performance Test confirmation letter will contain a link to a tutorial and a procedural checklist . The checklist details the steps necessary to perform each task . The following steps may assist you in preparing for the Performance Test :
♦ Review the tutorial carefully for critical information on the mechanics of the computerbased Performance Test . The tutorial allows you the opportunity to manipulate some of the dials and controls on the simulated equipment . While the tutorial is not intended to teach you how to perform the tasks , it will assist you in becoming familiar with how to maneuver through the examination , and record results .
♦ Understand the theory behind the skill in order to build your confidence and help you make on-the-spot decisions during the evaluation .
♦ Review the procedural checklist for a detailed list of steps and the preferred order in which to perform them .
♦ Ask your employer for opportunities to practice the skills on actual equipment in your work setting .
Completion of the Performance Test
There are three possible outcomes to the initial attempt of the Performance Test : 1 . Pass – You successfully complete all five skill areas . In this case , you are awarded the COMT credential , and no retesting is necessary . 2 . Condition – You successfully complete some , but not all , of the five skill areas . In this case , you receive a “ conditional ” pass . You will have the opportunity to retest in the areas you did not successfully complete provided that you are within the 36-month ( three years ) time period from the date of when your initial multiple-choice application was approved .
3 . Fail – You do not successfully complete any of the five skill areas . In this case , you must reapply and repeat the entire Performance Test at a future session , provided that you are within the 36-month ( three year ) time period from the date your initial multiple-choice application was approved .
All candidates ( initial or conditioned ) are given a total of 60 minutes to complete the Performance Test and must wait a minimum of six weeks before retesting . If a retest is not successful , you will be expected to repeat only the areas in which you were not successful . A candidate may retest up to three times as long as you remain within the 36-month ( three year ) time period stated above . If you do not pass within the 36- month ( three year ) time period , or after four attempts , a new COMT multiple-choice examination application needs to be submitted with all eligibility requirements , and the required fees .
COMT Recertification An initial certification is valid for 36 months ( three years ). After that period , recertification is required every three years to maintain the use of the credential . The recertification period begins exactly 36 months from the month and year that you obtained initial certification .
To recertify , certificants may use one of two pathways :
Recertification Pathway
Continuing Education Credits
Retest in Lieu of CE Credits
Application Requirement
♦ Recertification application printable at www . jcahpo . org postmarked by your recertification date
♦ Sponsoring ophthalmologist signature
♦ Recertification fee . Please see page 38 to review the fee schedule .
♦ Examination application printable at www . jcahpo . org
♦ Sponsoring ophthalmologist signature
♦ Examination fee . Please see page 38 to review the fee schedule .
Continuing Education Requirement
36 Credits with a minimum of 18 JCAHPO Group A credits . The other 18 credits may be Group A or Group B credits *. All credits must be earned within the 36- month recertification cycle .
* Please see page 25 for further information about Group A and Group B credits .
None . Successful completion of the COMT multiple-choice examination is required for recertification .
For more information about recertification , please refer to page 25 .
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