The COA® initial application costs $300 under IJCAHPO’s fee schedule, and retests cost $250 (first) and $150 (second). The exam is 200 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes. IJCAHPO sets the passing score with the modified Angoff method and does not release numeric scores: you get a pass/fail result.
Last checked . Confirm fees and dates with the certifying body. optical.education is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by IJCAHPO. Disclaimer.
COA fees
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| COA initial application | $300 |
| First retest / second retest | $250 / $150 |
| COA practice examination route | $150 to sit; another $150 within 30 days if you pass |
| Rush processing | $50 |
| Eligibility extension (30 days) | $50 |
| Recertification | $125 |
Source: IJCAHPO’s fee schedule and timelines. IJCAHPO is the only authority for these fees, so confirm them when you apply.
The exam itself
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions in 180 minutes.
- Where: Computer-based at a Pearson VUE test center or online through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE.
- Scheduling: Schedule within a 90-day eligibility window (one 30-day extension available for a fee).
- Processing: Application processing typically 2–4 weeks (rush processing available for a fee).
How the passing score works
Passing score set by the modified Angoff method; numeric scores are not released. In a modified Angoff study, experienced practitioners rate each question by how likely a just-qualified assistant is to answer it correctly, and those ratings set the cut score. You pass by meeting that standard, not by beating other candidates. IJCAHPO does not publish the cut score or a pass rate for the COA, so any number you see elsewhere isn’t official.
Results and score report
Unofficial pass/fail Performance Report when you finish; official results by mail in 2–4 weeks. If you don’t pass, use the report to find your weakest content areas before you pay for a retest.
Budgeting tips
- Check your eligibility route before you pay; see the COA eligibility pathways.
- Ask your employer whether it covers the fee; that is a workplace policy, not an IJCAHPO rule.
- Take a baseline with free COA practice questions so you only schedule once you are ready; a retest costs $250.
- Study by IJCAHPO’s 22 content areas with our COA study plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total cost to take the COA exam once?
IJCAHPO’s fee schedule lists $300 for the COA initial application. Rush processing and a 30-day eligibility extension are $50 each. Check the current schedule before you apply.
Source: IJCAHPO — Fee schedule and timelines, dated Feb 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
How much is a COA retest?
IJCAHPO lists $250 for the first retest and $150 for the second.
Source: IJCAHPO — Fee schedule and timelines, dated Feb 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Does IJCAHPO publish a COA passing percentage?
IJCAHPO does not publish a passing percentage or release numeric scores. The passing score is set with the modified Angoff method, where experts judge how a minimally qualified candidate would do on each question.
Source: IJCAHPO — After the Examination (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
When do you get COA exam results?
You get an unofficial pass/fail Performance Report when you finish. Official results arrive by mail in about 2–4 weeks.
Source: IJCAHPO — After the Examination (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
How much does it cost to keep the COA?
Certification lasts 36 months. To recertify you need 18 IJCAHPO credits per 36-month cycle and pay $125 (application signed by a sponsoring ophthalmologist).
Sources: IJCAHPO — Recertification (opens in a new tab) ; IJCAHPO — Fee schedule and timelines, dated Feb 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Official sources
- IJCAHPO — Fee schedule and timelines, dated Feb 2025 (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- IJCAHPO — After the Examination (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- IJCAHPO — Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) (opens in a new tab)
- IJCAHPO — Recertification (opens in a new tab)
- Pearson VUE — IJCAHPO (opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed . Requirements, fees, and dates change — always confirm with the official source before you register or apply. ABO-NCLE and IJCAHPO are the only authorities for their own exam facts, so those facts rest on a single source.