Scheduling the Examination
Examination Test Centers
JCAHPO ’ s computerized examinations are administered at Pearson VUE Test Centers conveniently located throughout the U . S ., Canada , and various international locations . You may refer to Pearson VUE ’ s web site for a current list of test sites at www . pearsonvue . com / jcahpo .
Additional Testing Sites
JCAHPO will consider requests to administer examinations to groups of candidates outside of the test centers , but we cannot guarantee that such testing will be available . Contact the Certification Department for more information on testing at additional locations . An additional fee may be charged for administration and examination delivery formats may differ .
Confirmation Letter
Candidates approved for eligibility will receive a letter confirming acceptance of the examination application . The confirmation letter will provide a toll-free number and other scheduling information . You have 90 days in which to schedule the examination with JCAHPO ’ s testing vendor .
JCAHPO does not control test site availability or examination scheduling . To avoid scheduling complications , please schedule your examination shortly after receiving the confirmation letter . The testing service will provide each candidate with a confirmation number that must be presented when you arrive at the test center on the day of your examination .
Eligibility Extensions , Appointment Changes , and Fee Refunds JCAHPO ’ s policies regarding scheduling , canceling , and changing appointments are :
1 . If you fail to schedule an appointment within the 90-day eligibility period indicated in your confirmation letter , you will forfeit your application fee . A new application and examination fee are required to reapply for the examination .
2 . Requests to cancel an application ( before you have scheduled an appointment with the testing vendor ) must be received in writing before the end of your 90-day eligibility period . A processing fee is retained .
3 . To cancel a scheduled examination appointment without a fee , you must call JCAHPO ’ s testing vendor at the toll-free telephone number you received with your acceptance letter at least 30 business days prior to your scheduled appointment . If you cancel 5 – 29 business days before the scheduled test date , the testing vendor will collect a $ 25 fee . Cancellation less than five business days before the test date or failure to appear will result in forfeiture of your examination fee or incur a no-show fee .
4 . If you cancel within the allowed time period , you may either reschedule with the testing center or request a refund in writing from JCAHPO . All requests for refunds must be received before the end of your 90-day eligibility period and a processing fee is retained . No refunds will be issued for cancellations that do not conform to the above policy .
5 . If you fail to appear for the examination or arrive at the test center more than 15 minutes late for your appointment , you will not be tested and you must pay a no-show fee prior to rescheduling your examination .
6 . If you are not admitted to the test center for failure to provide proper identification , you will be charged a no-show fee , which must be paid prior to rescheduling your examination .
7 . If you are unable to take the examination within the eligibility period indicated in your confirmation letter , you may apply for a onetime 30-day eligibility extension by submitting a written request and paying an extension fee . The written request must be received by the end of the 90-day eligibility period .
8 . If you are unable to take the examination and cannot cancel or reschedule within the required time period due to a personal emergency , you may request consideration to reschedule the examination without paying an additional fee by contacting JCAHPO in writing within 15 days of the scheduled testing session . A description of the emergency must be included in the written request , and supporting documentation ( for example , a doctor ’ s excuse ) must accompany the request . Rescheduling without an additional fee will be considered on a case-by-case basis .
" I feel certification empowers ophthalmic medical personnel . My certification credentials are on my name tag . Many times patients ask me what the letters stand for . When I tell them , the look on their face changes . I see them relax with the realization that I am qualified to work with them ."
- Christine McDonald , COA , ROUB , COE , OSC
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