Application Requirements
Initial Application Requirements Candidates must complete the examination application and include all requested information , documentation , and appropriate fees .
Upon receipt of your application , the Certification Department will determine your eligibility based on the criteria published in this handbook . If you meet the eligibility criteria , you will receive an acceptance letter within two to four weeks containing information on scheduling your examination .
Fees / Refunds
To determine the application fee , please refer to the fee schedule on page 38 or visit the certification section at www . jcahpo . org . All fees are subject to change and include a non-refundable charge for processing . Refund amounts , if any , vary depending on when JCAHPO receives examination or recertification cancellation requests .
JCAHPO will not redeposit a check returned for non-sufficient funds ( NSF ). Any amount due will need to be re-submitted with a certified check , money order or credit card authorization . A handling fee for returned checks or declined credit card transactions will be assessed .
Sponsor ’ s Endorsement
COA , COT , COMT , and OSA examination and recertification candidates must include a sponsoring ophthalmologist ’ s signature . The sponsor may be either a current employer or other licensed ophthalmologist . The signature attests to your current competence in all content areas of the examination or certification for which you are applying .
CCOA candidates must include a supervisor ’ s signature on the application to attest that a company supplying ophthalmology products and / or services currently employs the applicant .
ROUB and CDOS candidates may use either a sponsoring ophthalmologist or supervising physician ’ s signature .
Advanced Level ( Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist )
COT
COMT
Intermediate Level
( Certified Ophthalmic Technician )
Incomplete Applications
JCAHPO will send a letter requesting any application information that is missing . If the requested information is not provided , the application will be denied and no refund will be issued . Your application must be complete before you can schedule your examination or before your recertification is approved .
Name and Address Changes
Please notify JCAHPO immediately of any name or address changes . Address changes may be made by phone , fax , e-mail or you may make the change when you log-in to your account at www . jcahpo . org . Name changes must be requested in writing , by either fax or mail with your signature . Include copies of any official documentation of your name change ( for example , copy of marriage certificate or driver ’ s license ).
Special Testing Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), JCAHPO will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities . If you believe that you require such accommodation , please contact JCAHPO to receive a special accommodations questionnaire . Return the completed questionnaire with your application , along with documentation of your disability from a qualified health care provider .
COA
Entry Level ( Certified Ophthalmic Assistant )
" Certification for me makes a statement - This is my career , I am a professional . I ' ve made the investment and continue to invest . I am knowledgeable and possess the clinical skills needed to perform my job proficiently and accurately ."
- Natalie Loyacano , COMT , ROUB , OSA , OCS
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