Just took the Paraoptometric Assistant exam

**William Walker** · 03-28-2006, 10:18 AM

It was a piece of cake. I was the only one to take it in Jacksonville, so I had a nice room and proctor to myself. The 225 question exam took me all of about 50 minutes. Looks like I'll get to add another letter behind my name soon!

William

**GOS_Queen** · 03-28-2006, 11:31 AM

Congrats :cheers:

Would you mind explaining how it's different from the ABO?

**William Walker** · 03-28-2006, 06:24 PM

The ABO is an exam based on knowledge of spectacles. The Paraoptometric exam is designed around what they expect a paraoptometric to see. It covers a broad array of topics (although not very deep, due to the amount of topics they cover). There are questions about glasses, contact lenses, phone triage, medical conditions of the eye (the majority of the exam). If/when I get to open my own optical, if I hire someone not licensed, I might make passing that test worth an extra spiff, just to se that employees would train themselves in different areas of the office.

**Framebender** · 03-28-2006, 06:45 PM

on a job well done!!

**sharonm516** · 03-31-2006, 12:52 PM

The CPO is easy....mainly how to run the front desk with a little anatomy.

The CPOA is a bit harder....
I will be taking my CPOT this fall...which is written and practical.

Congrats to you!!!
Sharon Mafort, CPOA

**ziggy** · 03-31-2006, 02:17 PM

CONGRATS WILLIAM! Just how many letters are now after your name?

Paul R. King ABOC,NCLEC LDO(OH,KY),FNAO,OOA,OAO,CLSA:p half of mine just cost money, no test needed!!

**Chris Ryser** · 03-31-2006, 02:56 PM

Associates in Applied Science in Opticianry
Licensed Dispsensing Optician
Certified Paraoptometric
American Board of Opticianry Advanced Certified
National Contact Lens Examiners Certified

Congratulations for the latest title.

It is refreshing to learn that there are still people in our field that have the drive to learn and those will also professionally advance in the optical business and never stand still.

:)

**William Walker** · 03-31-2006, 07:03 PM

Thanks for all the kind (and even funny) words.

Sharon, you'll have to keep me posted (get it, POSTed, whew!) on how easy or difficult it is. I'd like to take it, but I'll have to wait at least 6 months before I'm eligible.

Does anyone have an idea on how much harder the JCAHPO certs are in comparison to the Paraoptometrics?

Take care all,
William

**Snitgirl** · 03-31-2006, 08:44 PM

Congrats William !!! :cheers:

You're a great role model. I want to be like you when I grow up :D

Michelle :D

**William Walker** · 04-27-2006, 10:22 AM

Results are in. I made a 197 out of 225. Nor bad for not studying one bit! Passing is a 152 or better. Now that the CPOA cert. is on the way, now I can look forward to scheduling the CPOT!

**sharonm516** · 04-27-2006, 10:32 AM

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!! Mr. CPOA! ;)

Dont you have the study guides for the CPOT? I can email them to you if you want me to..the written and practical guides.
The next test is in June in Vegas at the big conference, but I cant afford that...Im getting married in July.
The only irritating thing about the CPOT is that they only offer the practical 3 times a year and you cant get the actual title until you pass both. Just drives me nutty!!!! LOL :hammer:
Great to know that I have a study buddy for the CPOT.....
Take care!
Sharon M, CPOA

**Hannah Bond** · 10-04-2015, 12:08 AM

Any tips on what to study for the CPO examination. There's really no way to narrow it down with the material I have. Any tips would help. Thanks!

**Woodstock72** · 08-05-2018, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by William Walker

It was a piece of cake. I was the only one to take it in Jacksonville, so I had a nice room and proctor to myself. The 225 question exam took me all of about 50 minutes. Looks like I'll get to add another letter behind my name soon!

William

Hi there, I’m very new the field. I’ve been in it a little over a year. I’m smart I learn fast, I’m taking my CPO in two weeks and I’m scared to death. I’ve been studying so much. Is there any thing I should know, and insight I mean. What is the test mainly based on? Is there something I should be focusing on more then not.
Ive already learned so much, just very nervous
thank you
woodstock72

**Woodstock72** · 08-05-2018, 05:32 PM

Any tips on the CPO test!??

**Ber1** · 02-25-2020, 06:39 PM

I know this is an old thread. I currently have my CPO. I am taking the CPOA in May. I have the study guide I purchased on the AOA website, however there is so much info in it that I'm not quite sure where to put the majority of my focus. I've been in the eye care field since 2012.