To maintain the CCOA designation, CCOAs must pay an annual membership fee and submit a total of 18 hours of continuing education (CE) credits including CPR every three years. When renewal requirements are met, a new three year CCOA certificate will be issued. Failure to maintain current CCOA status forfeits the legal right to use the CCOA designation, and the certificate is no longer recognized.
Maintaining the certification requires:
- Every 3 years - 18 hours of approved continuing education (CE)
- Every 3 years - in-person CPR Level C certification (Maximum of 4 hours can be claimed) *2022 Renewals may submit on-line CPR courses
- *Yearly - submitted annual membership fee payment
*Annual membership fees are uploaded into the CCOAs cart in January of each year. The payment deadline is March 31.
Credit is only given once for a course taken twice in a certification period.
Submitting CE
CCOAs must submit proof of CE using the online CE Tracker, available by logging into your CAO Learning Portal. Credits may be uploaded any time before the deadline of your three-year renewal period. Submissions by fax, Canada Post, and email are not accepted. A copy of a CPR wallet card or certificate is acceptable. You will be contacted by CAO if CE credits are rejected. Always keep a copy of all CE submitted.
Maintaining Your CCOA Certification in the CAO Learning Portal
Renewals
Renewal dates are available in your personal CAO Learning Portal. A renewal reminder notice is emailed in early September of your renewal year to the email address indicated in your contact information.
All CCOA email addresses must be personal and unique – a general email address used by the practice is unacceptable.
CCOAs must maintain their contact information on file at all times. CAO must receive all renewal documentation and payment by December 31 of your renewal year. Renewals received after this date are subject to a late fee.
Late Renewals
Grace Period:
CCOAs who are unable meet the renewal criteria by their renewal deadline date will be granted a renewal grace period until June 1st of the following year (six months). A late renewal fee of $75 will apply.
Missed Grace Period:
In order to reinstate the credential, CCOAs who do not renew their credential by the late renewal deadline will be required to write a reinstatement exam within 24 months of the original renewal deadline date. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and a minimum grade of 75% is required. A maximum of two attempts is granted. Fees apply.
Reinstatement Exam not written within 24 months of original renewal missed date:
CCOAs who do not write a reinstatement exam within 24 months of their original renewal date will be required to complete the CCOA program entirely in order to obtain the CCOA certification.