Certification / Recertification Overview
The Value of Certification
Certification is a process that recognizes individuals who have met certain qualifications and demonstrated special knowledge and expertise. JCAHPO certification is recognized and respected internationally by physicians, employers, administrators, and other ophthalmic and medical personnel. Certified ophthalmic medical personnel bring important benefits to their patients, their employers, and themselves:
- Because of their special training and skills, certified personnel have demonstrated more knowledge and confidence, enabling them to provide better patient care.
- Certified personnel are trained to perform many skilled tasks, freeing up physicians to diagnose and treat patients to make their ophthalmic practices more productive.
- Certification opens the door to greater professional advancement, career satisfaction, increased employability, and higher compensation.
JCAHPO certifies at four levels:
JCAHPO also certifies in two specialty areas:
Accreditation
JCAHPO's COA, COT, and COMT levels of certification are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA accreditation confirms that JCAHPO's certification programs meet the highest national voluntary standards for private certification.
College Credits Awarded for JCAHPO Exams
In May 2001, the American Council on Education (ACE) reviewed and recommended college credit for the three core JCAHPO certification examinations - Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT). ACE recommended the following number of college credits for these three examinations:
COA -- 12 college credits
COT-- 16 college credits
COMT -- 18 college credits
For more information about the college credits awarded to the JCAHPO certification examinations click here or contact JCAHPO's Certification Department at (800) 284-3937 x 226.