Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting
Achievement of the Ophthalmic Surgical Assisting (OSA) specialty certification exemplifies knowledge in the procedures and instrumentation necessary to assist in ophthalmic surgical suites. Candidates that are interested in obtaining the OSA certification designation, and wish to use the SA1, SA2, or SA3 eligibility options, must be certified at a core level (COA, COT, or COMT) in good standing.
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 following education and work experience categories:
OSA – SA1: Training Program Graduates
Required Education
Must have a core level certification (COA, COT, or COMT)
and
International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited training program for allied ophthalmic personnel that includes instruction and supervised experience in ophthalmic surgical assisting.*
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
If you completed the program more than 12 months ago, you must provide evidence of six months work experience in a nationally accredited operating suite, under the supervision of regularly scheduling ophthalmic surgeons, one of whom is your sponsoring ophthalmologist. The work experience must be completed within 12 months prior to submitting your application.
OSA – SA2: Work Experience
Required Education
Must have a core level certification (COA, COT, or COMT).
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Worked for 18 months in a nationally accredited operating suite functioning as a sterile first assistant, sterile scrub assistant, or non-sterile circulator. The work experience must be under the supervision of regularly scheduling ophthalmic surgeons, one of whom is your sponsoring ophthalmologist, and completed within 36 months prior to your submitting your application. Verification of national accreditation must be submitted with your application.
OSA – SA3: Work Experience
Required Education
Must have a core level certification (COA, COT, or COMT)
and
Successful completion of the Surgical Assisting Independent Study Course, within 12 months prior to submitting your application.
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Log of 15 ophthalmic Category A surgical cases observed in the last 12 months under the supervision of your sponsoring ophthalmologist. View the OSA Eligibility Surgical Case Log.
OSA – SA4: Work Experience
Required Education
Graduate of an accredited surgical technology training program by a national third party such as CAAHEP or ABHES or its equivalent during military service
or
Graduate of an accredited registered nursing program that includes a surgical curriculum
and
Completion of the Ophthalmic Surgical Processor (OSP) Certificate of Completion independent study modules with assessments. The Certificate of Completion needs to be completed within 12 months of making application.
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Worked for 6 months in a state licensed and/or Medicare certified operating suite functioning as a surgical assistant, scrub assistant, instrument technician, and/or holding a certification from a nationally accredited certification organization as a sterile scrub assistant or instrument technician
and
Submit a log of 15 ophthalmic Category A surgical cases observed in the last 6 months under the supervision of your sponsoring ophthalmologist.
*Certification examination candidates who attend a formal training program may apply for the certification examinations, including the practical examinations, up to two months prior to graduation from the program; however, no examination results will be sent by IJCAHPO to the candidate until official notification of graduation is received and if applicable, verification of work experience.
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 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 https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ijcahpo.html to schedule their examination. A current list of test sites may also be viewed at https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ijcahpo.html by selecting “Find a Test Site.”
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
60 Minutes
Number of Exam Questions
80
Resources
IJCAHPO Certification Criteria Including Specialty Certifications
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.
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
Once you have met the requirements to apply for the OSA examination, submit your application online or by mail.
In Need of Recertification?
Maintaining certification is just as important as earning it. Review the requirements to recertify and submit your application.