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Certification

Certified Retina Technician

The Certified Retina Technician (CRT®) offers Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) with a retina specific credential and signifies knowledge in the retina field. Candidates that are interested in obtaining the CRT certification designation must meet one of the CRT1, CRT2, or CRT3 eligibility pathways.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals interested in IJCAHPO certification must first establish eligibility to test. The eligibility pathways should be reviewed prior to submitting an examination application and related fees. IJCAHPO retains the sole authority to establish eligibility requirements and final decisions regarding examination eligibility.

To be eligible, candidates must meet one of the three following education and work experience categories:

CRT1: Training Program Graduate

Required Education

Graduation from International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited program.

  • If you completed the program more than 24 months ago, you need to submit 10 IJCAHPO credits for each year following graduation.
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE

None necessary.

CRT2: Work Experience and Current Certification

Required Education

None necessary.

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE

Employed 1000 hours in a retina practice and core certified as a COA, COT, or COMT.

CRT3: Continuing Education and Work Experience

Required Education

Continuing education credits:

  • 5 hours of retina related CE credits within 12 months prior to submitting application.
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE

Employed 4000 hours in a retina practice.

Examination Information

The IJCAHPO certification process is examination-based. Examinations are based on research conducted every five years to determine the typical tasks performed by Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP). These tasks are grouped into categories, and the examinations are designed to include questions pertaining to each category.

Timeline

Certification applications must be received within the allotted time frame in each eligibility pathway. Application for retest must be received within 12 months of initial examination.

Scheduling & Test Center

Candidates may schedule their examination with a Pearson Vue on line proctor or at a Pearson VUE test center upon receipt of the confirmation notice. Candidates may use the toll-free number (888) 231-1929 or go online to www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ijcahpo.html to schedule their examination. A current list of test centers may also be viewed at www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ijcahpo.html by selecting “Find a Test Center.”

IJCAHPO does not control test site availability or examination scheduling. To avoid scheduling complications, schedule examination times promptly after receiving the confirmation notice.

Examination Length

120 Minutes


Number of Exam Questions

110


Resources

CRT Examination Content Areas

CRT Fee Schedule

Additional Study Resources

Special Accommodations

IJCAHPO and its test vendors do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and make every effort to reasonably accommodate candidates with documented disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you have a disability as defined under the ADA, you must notify IJCAHPO by submitting a form regarding your request from your physician or a qualified healthcare professional.

Special Considerations

If an applicant does not meet the IJCAHPO eligibility criteria, but believes that their education, training, and/or experience are equivalent, they may request special consideration. People who received ophthalmic training outside the United States and Canada may be among those qualifying for special consideration.

The special consideration process is designed to serve an applicant who’s educational and/or employment background is different from the established eligibility criteria but may be deemed equivalent. Contact the IJCAHPO Certification Department for information on the documentation required to support special consideration requests.

Build your confidence by studying all areas of the examination content thoroughly. Use multiple resources and make sure you understand what you are studying.

Apply Now (COMING SOON)

Once you have met the requirements to apply for the CRT examination, submit your application online or by mail.

In Need of Recertification?

Maintaining certification is just as important as earning it. Recertification of the CRT will require retesting.