Module Assignment and Time Limited Quiz Standards
*NEW Course grades required to pass the course and receive a CCOA designation are as follows:
- Module assignments: 65% (16/25)
- Time limited quizzes: 65% (13/20)
- CCOA examination: 65% (65/100)
The purpose of the open book module assignment is to facilitate the learning process as well as assess the assistant’s knowledge and abilities in the optometric field. Each assignment consists of 25 multiple choice questions. Questions are based on the content covered in each specific module.
The purpose of the closed book quiz is to test a student’s knowledge and to prepare them for the final exam, which is timed. The quiz questions are based on the module's required reading. The quiz consists of 20 questions, and students will have 25 minutes to complete it. The quiz must be submitted by the module deadline date.
The assignment for each module is available online. Deadlines will vary depending on which stream the student is in (Full Course, On-Demand, etc.)
The assignment and quiz grades will be available on the student’s progress tab immediately after submission. The Sponsoring Optometrist will also have access to a student’s progress tab in order to monitor grades and progress.
The study plan, assignments and quizzes are structured upon the learning objectives for each module. Assignment questions and quizzes are based on the content in the module study guides.
Each module assignment must be completed online and submitted via the CAO Learning Portal by the deadline date indicated on the student’s progress tab. A late fee of $50 will apply to all late assignments unless an extension is requested prior to the deadline. Undelivered assignments will be graded as zero.
Each module quiz must be completed online and submitted via the CAO Learning Portal by the deadline date indicated on the student’s dashboard. A late fee of $50 will apply to all late quizzes unless an extension is requested prior to the deadline. Undelivered assignments will be graded as zero.
Support from an Instructor
Should a student need help with assignments, please contact us: ccoa@opto.ca. A CCOA Program instructor will not provide the answer, but will direct the student to the reference location in the course material, and can be available to offer guidance.
Late assignments/quizzes and Requests for Due Date Extension
Module assignments and quizzes (including retakes) must be completed by the indicated due date. In the event that the due date cannot be met, the student is required to submit a written request for an extension prior to the deadline date. A late fee of $50 will apply to all late assignments/quizzes unless an extension is requested prior to the deadline. Undelivered assignments will be graded as zero. The CCOA Program reserves the right to share related communication with the sponsoring optometrist. All requests must be emailed to ccoa@opto.ca prior to the due date.
Workshop
The CCOA Program workshop is designed to further develop a student’s practical skills and to review the critical components of each module. The workshop provides students with an exciting learning experience. Each workshop is two days in length, usually held on Saturday/Sunday and are hosted yearly from January to March. Participation in the full two-day course is a mandatory requirement for writing the CCOA Examination. Workshop dates and locations are made available in September of each year.
Examination Standards
The CCOA Examination:
- is online (via a student’s CAO Learning Portal)
- is closed book
- contains 100 multiple choice questions
- has a two-hour time limit
- covers general knowledge and content from all nine course modules
- is NOT proctored
- can be written from home.
In order to be eligible to write the final exam, students must:
- submit all practical skills checklists linked to each module;
- obtain a minimum grade of 65% on each module assignment and module quiz. An unlimited amount of tries will granted until the student is able to achieve the 65% grade requirement.
- remain employed by the sponsoring optometrist.
Students must obtain a minimum grade of 65% on their final exam in order to obtain the CCOA designation. If the student fails to achieve the minimum required grade, rewrites (maximum of two) are allowed within a limited time period (fees apply). A PDF version of the certificate is made available online to those who obtain an exam grade of 65% or above
Special Accommodation for the Exam
If a learning disability prohibits a student from taking the exam under standard conditions, special accommodations may be requested by sending the following to ccoa@opto.ca:
- a letter formally requesting and specifying the accommodation needed
- a letter from a professional (e.g., physician, psychologist, rehabilitation counsellor) who is familiar with the disability that provides a formal diagnosis and outlines the required accommodation