Examination Fees
- $725 Effective January 1, 2012
Examination Dates Background
Since inception, the COA has held two examinations a year; the full/main examination date in the summer (June) and a rewrite opportunity in the winter (February). However, the COA has accepted applications for the winter examination from both rewrite and new candidates. During the year the COA has attempted to hold examinations in a time frame that best benefits graduating students.
National Examination Background and Information
National Association of Canadian Opticianry Regulators (NACOR) developed the Optical Sciences 1 - Eyeglasses Examination and Optical Sciences 2 - Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examination as a vehicle to measure competencies of those individuals seeking entry to practice as an optician. The objective was to develop an examination that will be accepted across Canada.
Information about the National examination contents and process can be obtained by calling the NACOR office at 1-866-949-1950 or by visiting NACOR .
National Examination Committee
An extension of NACOR, the National Examination Committee, has an objective of developing an examination accepted across Canada. Currently, the National Exam is used in nine provinces and it has been administered on more than forty occasions.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to take the NACOR Exam candidates must have completed and passed the NAIT course, an accreditated education program or gone through the proper process deemed appropriate by the Registration Committee. See also Field Supervision
Candidates must then register as a Provisional Optician with the College of Opticians of Alberta in order to challenge the national exam and to have restrictions removed from their practice permits as a Registered Optician or Contact Lens Practitioner.
A candidate is entitled to attempt the National examination a maximum of three (3) times before remediation is required. After the third attempt, the candidate must comply with an upgrading program, as approved by the Registrar or Registration Committee of the College of Opticians of Alberta, before any further attempt of the examination will be permitted.
NACOR Pass Marks
- NACOR Optcial Sciences 1 Examination - 61%
- NACOR Optical Sciences 2 Advanced Practice Examination - 68%
NACOR Contact:
National Examination Committee
2711-83 Garry Street
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 4J9
Ph. 204-949-1950
Fax. (204) 949-9153
Toll Free: 1-866-949-1950
exam@nacor.ca
COA Contact:
Lynda Willey
lwilley@opticians.ab.ca