Additional Recertification Information
Maintaining Certification
Technology and practices in medicine and healthcare continually change . In order to assure that certificants continue to evolve with the industry ’ s changing needs , the Certification Committee and Board of Directors established the recertification process ; a process that requires you to keep current with new developments in the field of ophthalmology through continuing education credits or re-examination . Recertification enables you to demonstrate your continued knowledge to employers , peers , and the general public .
An initial certification is valid for 36 months ( three years ). After that period , recertification is required every three years to maintain the use of the credential . The recertification period begins exactly 36 months ( three years ) from the month and year that you successfully completed all requirements for initial certification . A reminder letter to recertify will be sent approximately six months prior to your recertification date .
When recertifying with CE credits , all acceptable credits are classified as either Group A or Group B . Group A credits are pre-approved by JCAHPO based on ophthalmology ( eye-care ) content . Group B credits may be earned in the ways listed below . Certificants who are applying for recertification may choose earning either all Group A credits , or a combination of Group A & B .
All continuing education courses must be recorded on the application for recertification and duplicate courses are not allowed . The credits also need to be earned within your current 36-month certification cycle .
You can earn Group A credits by :
♦ Attending lectures , workshops , or distance-learning courses , such as online courses , that have been awarded JCAHPO Group A credit .
♦ Teaching or authoring courses awarded JCAHPO Group A credit ( 1:1 basis ). Only one credit per course topic will be awarded per recertification cycle .
You can earn Group B credits by :
♦ Attending Grand Rounds or Physicians ’ Continuing Medical Education ( CME ) in Ophthalmology , Category 1 courses approved by the AMA or CMA that meet JCAHPO ’ s Group A content areas ( 2 hours attended = 1 credit for COAs , CCOAs and COTs ; 1 hour attended = 1 credit for COMTs .)
♦ Authoring or coauthoring a scientific publication and / or poster . JCAHPO reviews submissions for consideration of credit . Maximum of 5 credits for first author and 3 credits for coauthor . Contact the JCAHPO Education Department for more details .
♦ CPR certification . You can count 1 Group B credit per course for CPR certification for a maximum of 3 Group B credits per CE cycle .
Continuing Education Requirements
Credential
Number of Credits Required Per Each 36-month ( three year ) Cycle
Total Number of Credits Required
Minimum Number of Group A Credits Required
Maximum Number of Group B Credits Permitted
COA & CCOA |
18 |
12 |
6 |
COT |
27 |
18 |
9 |
COMT |
36 |
18 |
18 |
Credential
Total Number of Credits Required
Minimum Number of Credits Related to Exam Content Outline
Maximum Number of Credits Not Related to Exam Content Outline
ROUB |
25 |
10 |
15 |
CDOS |
25 |
15 |
10 |
" JCAHPO certification means you ' ve met a standard of ophthalmic knowledge and skills , but it means much more than that . JCAHPO certification means one is dedicated to , and proud of their career choice . Certified personnel are a value to their practice and profession ."
- Craig Simms , COMT , ROUB , CDOS
25