Paraoptometric certification comes from the American Optometric Association’s Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC). It has three levels: CPO™ (entry), CPOA™ and CPOT™ (most advanced), plus a coding credential, CPOC. To sit the CPO, you need a high school diploma and 6 months of full-time eye care work. The CPO exam is 100 scored questions in 90 minutes and costs $290. AOA membership is not required.
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The three levels
| Level | What it shows | Who can sit the exam |
|---|---|---|
| CPO™ (Certified Paraoptometric) | You understand the concepts used in optometric care. | High school diploma or equivalent, plus 6 months of recent full-time eye care work (1,040 hours) and the CPO Attestation Statement. |
| CPOA™ (Certified Paraoptometric Assistant) | You can apply those concepts. | Current CPO plus 6 more months full-time; or a CPC-approved assistant program graduate (within 5 years); or 3 years of recent experience with an approved CPOA Reference Form. |
| CPOT™ (Certified Paraoptometric Technician) | You can understand, apply and connect those concepts. | Current CPOA plus 6 more months full-time as a CPOA; or an ACOE-approved technician program graduate (within 5 years). |
There is also the CPOC (Certified Paraoptometric Coder), for coding and billing staff. Students in an approved program can apply in their last semester; results are released after graduation is verified. Source: 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook.
The CPO exam
- 100 scored questions plus 20 unscored pretest questions
- 90-minute limit
- $290 application fee
- At a Prometric center or by live remote proctoring
For the CPOA and CPOT fees and exam length, check the current handbook before you apply. The CPOT is now a single written exam with some images and videos. Study resources are on the AOA study resources page.
2026 exam windows
| Window | Exams |
|---|---|
| Feb 14–28 | CPO, CPOA, CPOC |
| May 2–16 | CPO, CPOA, CPOT, CPOC |
| Aug 8–22 | CPO, CPOA, CPOC |
| Nov 7–21 | CPO, CPOA, CPOT, CPOC |
The November 2026 application deadlines (Sep 25, late Oct 9) have passed. Watch the CPC page for 2027 dates. Other fees: $50 late application, $50 reschedule, $200 transfer. Source: 2026 handbook.
Retesting and renewal
If you fail, you can’t retest in the same two-week window. Apply again, with a new fee, for the next window. Certification lasts three years and requires continuing education; certifications expire on October 31. Source: 2026 handbook.
Paraoptometric vs ophthalmic
If you work for an ophthalmologist, IJCAHPO’s COA®, COT® and COMT® ladder is the usual path. Compare both in COA vs COT vs CPOT.
CPO™, CPOA™ and CPOT™ are marks of the American Optometric Association. COA®, COT® and COMT® are registered marks of IJCAHPO.
Frequently asked questions
What is a paraoptometric?
A paraoptometric is a staff member who works in optometric (eye doctor) care. The AOA’s CPC certifies them at three levels: CPO, CPOA and CPOT.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
What do I need to take the CPO exam?
A high school diploma or equivalent, at least 6 months of recent full-time eye care work (1,040 hours) by the time you test, and a signed CPO Attestation Statement uploaded with your application.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
How long is the CPO exam and what does it cost?
The CPO has 100 scored questions plus 20 unscored pretest questions, with a 90-minute limit. The application fee is $290.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
When can I take the exams?
CPO, CPOA and CPOC run in two-week windows in February, May, August and November, at Prometric centers or by live remote proctoring (CPOC is in person only). CPOT runs in May and November only.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
What do I need for the CPOA?
One of three routes: a current CPO plus 6 more months of full-time eye care work; graduation from a CPC-approved optometric assistant program within the last 5 years; or 3 years of recent eye care experience with a CPC-approved CPOA Reference Form.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
What do I need for the CPOT?
A current CPOA plus 6 more months of full-time work as a CPOA, or graduation from an ACOE-approved optometric technician program within the last 5 years. The CPOT is now a single written exam that includes images and videos.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
What if I fail?
You can’t retest in the same two-week window. You can retake the exam in the next scheduled window, after reapplying and paying again.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Do I need to be an AOA member?
No. The handbook says AOA membership is not required for testing.
Source: AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
How is this different from COA certification?
COA, COT and COMT come from IJCAHPO and center on ophthalmology practices. CPO, CPOA and CPOT come from the AOA and center on optometric practices. They are separate programs.
See also: COA vs COT vs CPOT
Official sources
- AOA — Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (opens in a new tab)
- AOA — 2026 Paraoptometric Handbook (rev. 4/9/2026, PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- AOA — CPC examination study resources (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.