General Information Overview
The JCAHPO Certification Process
Complete the
prerequisite education
and work experience
requirements
Advance to the next
level of certification
Apply for recertification
every three years
The
JCAHPO
Certification
Process
Apply for initial certification
Achieve initial
certification through
successfully completing the
examination process
Obtain continuing
education credits
Responsibility for Establishing Eligibility
JCAHPO certification is voluntary and each candidate is responsible for assuring that eligibility requirements, procedures, and deadlines are
met before applying for certification.
Eligibility for certification depends upon your full compliance with all JCAHPO procedures and deadlines as outlined in the JCAHPO Standards,
Procedures, and Sanctions Pertaining to Certification and Recertification. As required by NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification
Programs, JCAHPO holds all candidates for certification to the same criteria. Individuals who have questions about their eligibility should
contact the Certification Department.
Special Consideration for Eligibility
The special consideration process is designed to serve applicants whose educational and/or employment background is different from the
established eligibility criteria, but may be deemed equivalent. People who received ophthalmic training outside the United States or Canada
may be among those qualifying for special consideration. Special consideration is not offered to candidates who have the opportunity to
qualify under established criteria but have chosen not to do so.
If you do not meet JCAHPO’s eligibility criteria for certification, but you believe that your education, training and/or experience are equivalent,
you may request a special consideration application. Contact the JCAHPO Certification Department for information on the documentation
required to support your request. Each request is examined on an individual basis and the process may take six to eight weeks.
Requirements for Advancement to a Higher Certification Level
If you are already JCAHPO certified and wish to advance to a higher level, you must maintain your current certification requirements while
completing the examination process. For example, if you are a COA, you must maintain your COA certification until you have successfully
completed the COT multiple-choice examination and Skill Evaluation.
After achieving the higher-level certification, you may request a pro-rated refund of your current recertification fee. Submit your
refund request in writing to JCAHPO’s Certification Department within 60 days of achieving your new credential.
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