Program Streams
Full Course: $1999
The CCOA Full Course is a term-based program (September - May). Registration opens in July.
The CCOA Full Course fee includes:
- Nine (9) online theoretical modules
- Two (2) day in-person Workshop
- Final Examination
The duration of each module is four weeks. The CCOA Examination is written online within three weeks of eligibility (successful completion of all nine modules and workshop attendance).
Workshop dates and locations will be posted each Fall. Workshops are typically hosted between January and March.
Each module includes:
- Interactive online course
- Study Guide
- Assignment (25 multiple-choice questions)
- Timed quiz (20 multiple choice questions, 25 minutes to complete)
- Practical skills checklist (Modules 2,3,5,6,7, and 8)
Important notes:
- Each module is available for four weeks (start and end dates apply)
- Modules must be taken in order (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.)
- A minimum grade of 65% is required on all module components (quiz and assignment). Students can retake these as often as required to pass.
- A minimum pass mark of 65% is required to pass the final examination.
- Students have two (2) rewrite opportunities (rewrite fee applies).
On-Demand: $2499
CCOA On-Demand is a flexible version of the CCOA Full Course. The On-Demand option allows students to register at any time.
The On-Demand fee includes:
- Nine (9) online theoretical modules
- Two (2) day in-person Workshop
- Final examination
Students can register at any time and move through the modules at their own pace. The online examination is available once the nine modules are completed, and the in-person workshop is attended. Students must write the final exam within 3 weeks of completing the last program component (module or workshop).
Each module includes:
- Interactive online course
- Study Guide
- Assignment (25 multiple-choice questions)
- Timed quiz (20 multiple choice questions, 25 minutes to complete)
- Practical skills checklist (Modules 2,3,5,6,7, and 8)
Note: Effective April 2023, textbooks are no longer required for this program.
Important notes:
- From the date of enrollment, students have 24 months to complete all nine modules (quizzes, assignments, and checklists) and attend a workshop (hosted yearly from January to March).
- Modules can be taken in any order, one module at a time.
- A minimum grade of 65% is required on all module components (quiz and assignment). Students can retake these as often as required to pass.
- A minimum pass mark of 65% is required to pass the final examination.
- Students have two (2) rewrite opportunities (rewrite fee applies).
The Basics $175
The Basics is a stand-alone tool geared towards staff who have not taken the full CCOA program. This course serves as an introduction to the full CCOA program and also as an introduction to Optometry for those who are new to the field. This module will introduce basic optometric concepts that are further elaborated on in the CCOA program's subsequent modules. Upon completion of this module, the optometric assistant will have a basic understanding of:
- Optometry in Canada
- Basic ocular anatomy
- Refractive errors & ophthalmic lenses
- Frame fitting basics
- Common eye conditions
Important Notes:
- One single module
- 42-day deadline (six weeks)
- A 30 question assignment
- Interactive online course
- A stand-alone tool (credits will not be put towards CCOA full course)
Individual Modules: $200 per module
Reserved for those not interested in pursuing certification, but interested in specific aspects of the CCOA program.
Each module includes:
- Assignment (25 multiple choice questions)
- Timed quiz (20 multiple choice questions, 25 minutes to complete)
- Practical skills checklist (Modules 1, 4, and 9 do NOT have checklists).
- Study guide
- Interactive online course
Important notes:
- Credit for individual modules can NOT be applied towards CCOA certification.
- Modules purchased are accessible for 6 months.
- Individual modules can be purchased at any time, and in any order. Students can also choose to purchase more than one module at a time.
- Individual module registrants are welcome to attend the Workshops for an additional fee of $650.
- A minimum grade of 65% is required on all components (quiz, assignment) in order to receive a certificate of completion. Students can retake the assignment or quiz as many times as required in order to pass.