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JCAHPO Exam & JCAHPO Certification Info

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What is JCAHPO?

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology is the leading certification board for ophthalmology healthcare workers. Better known as JCAHPO, the group works to provide licensing exams, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities for healthcare workers. JCAHPO certification is a must for anyone hoping to work in this exciting field.

Which JCAHPO Test Should I Take?

Your career goals should guide your JCAHPO registration decisions. At least some form of training or hands-on experience is required to take any of the available JCAHPO tests. For instance, if you’re interested in becoming a JCAHPO certified ophthalmic assistant, you’ll first need to complete a International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited clinical training program. Similar requirements must be met for all JCAHPO tests, so be sure to check your qualifications on the official JCAHPO website before registering.

The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) is an international non-profit organization that offers certification and continuing education opportunities to ophthalmic allied health personnel. This organization is responsible for certifying ophthalmic medical technicians, assistants, and technologists.

Step 1: Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for JCAHPO certification, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the specific eligibility requirements for the level of certification you are seeking. You can apply for the certification exams through the JCAHPO website at www.jcahpo.org. The application process includes filling out an application form, paying the required fees, and submitting the necessary documents.

Step 2: Scheduling the Exam

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from JCAHPO with instructions on how to schedule your exam. Exams are administered by Pearson VUE, a professional testing company, at their test centers across the United States and Canada. You can schedule your exam at a date and location that is convenient for you through the Pearson VUE website.

Step 3: Taking the Exam

On the day of the exam, you must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. You will need to bring a valid, government-issued ID with your photo and signature. The exam is computer-based and the duration varies depending on the level of certification. After you have completed the exam, you will receive a score report immediately.

For more detailed information on the certification process, please visit the JCAHPO website at www.jcahpo.org.

How to register for the JCAHPO

You can register for JCAHPO tests on the group’s official website. To do so, simply answer a few initial questions about your goals. Select which test you want to take and pay the associated registration fees.

Register online Register for the JCAHPO

How Does JCAHPO Scoring Work?

All JCAHPO exams are scored on a scale of zero to 100. A score of 72 points or more is required to pass JCAHPO tests.




JCAHPO - Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology Exams

JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

The JCAHPO Ophthalmic Assistant test is also known as the JCAHPO COA exam. It tasks aspiring ophthalmic assistants with questions on patient services, pharmacology, history taking, surgical procedures, and other key content areas. A passing score of 72 points or more is required to earn your JCAHPO COA certification.

100 - Multiple Choice
History Taking - 8%
Pupillary Assessment - 3%
Contact Lenses - 2%
Equipment Maintenance And Repair - 4%
Lensometry - 3%
Keratometry - 3%
Medical Ethics, Legal And Regulatory Issues - 5%
Microbiology - 2%
Pharmacology - 8%
Ocular Motility - 3%
Assisting In Surgical Procedures - 7%
Ophthalmic Patient Services & Education - 16%
Ophthalmic Imaging - 3%
Refractometry - 6%
Spectacle Skills - 3%
Supplemental Skills - 8%
Tonometry - 4%
Visual Assessment - 8%
Visual Fields - 4%

90 Minutes
JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

The JCAHPO Ophthalmic Medical Technologist test was developed to challenge aspiring eye care professionals on their understanding of key procedures and practices. It requires aspiring ophthalmic medical technologists to answer questions on topics including microbiology, lensometry, ocular motility and tonometry, among others. A passing score of 72 points or more is required of this challenging exam.

100 - Multiple Choice
History Taking - 3%
Pupillary Assessment - 4%
Contact Lenses - 0%
Equipment Maintenance And Repair - 3%
Lensometry - 6%
Keratometry - 3%
Medical Ethics, Legal And Regulatory Issues - 5%
Microbiology - 5%
Pharmacology - 8%
Ocular Motility - 11%
Assisting In Surgical Procedures - 3%
Ophthalmic Patient Services & Education - 10%
Ophthalmic Imaging - 6%
Refractometry - 6%
Spectacle Skills - 0%
Supplemental Skills - 10%
Tonometry - 5%
Visual Assessment - 6%
Visual Fields - 6%

90 Minutes
JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)

The JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification test is a comprehensive examination for professionals in the field of ophthalmology. It assesses the candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as ocular anatomy, pharmacology, ophthalmic imaging, surgical assistance, and patient care. Passing the COT certification test signifies a high level of competence and professionalism in ophthalmic technology. It is recognized globally and often required for advanced positions in ophthalmic clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions. Preparing for the test generally involves a combination of formal education and hands-on experience in the field.

100 - Multiple Choice
History Taking - 6%
Pupillary Assessment - 5%
Contact Lenses - 3%
Equipment Maintenance And Repair - 4%
Lensometry - 5%
Keratometry - 5%
Medical Ethics, Legal And Regulatory Issues - 3%
Microbiology - 3%
Pharmacology - 5%
Ocular Motility - 5%
Assisting In Surgical Procedures - 6%
Ophthalmic Patient Services & Education - 7%
Ophthalmic Imaging - 7%
Refractometry - 7%
Spectacle Skills - 3%
Supplemental Skills - 9%
Tonometry - 5%
Visual Assessment - 6%
Visual Fields - 6%

90 Minutes
JCAHPO Corporate Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (CCOA)

The JCAHPO Corporate Ophthalmic Assistant exam was designed to gauge whether a candidate is indeed prepared to work with patients. The test covers topics including pupillary assessments, keratometry, ophthalmic imaging, refractometry and spectacle skills, among others. A passing score of 72 points or more is necessary to pass this challenging test.

100 - Multiple Choice
History Taking - 8%
Pupillary Assessment - 3%
Contact Lenses - 2%
Equipment Maintenance And Repair - 4%
Lensometry - 3%
Keratometry - 3%
Medical Ethics, Legal And Regulatory Issues - 5%
Microbiology - 2%
Pharmacology - 8%
Ocular Motility - 3%
Assisting In Surgical Procedures - 7%
Ophthalmic Patient Services & Education - 16%
Ophthalmic Imaging - 3%
Refractometry - 6%
Spectacle Skills - 3%
Supplemental Skills - 8%
Tonometry - 4%
Visual Assessment - 8%
Visual Fields - 4%

90 Minutes