Hello! I am a newbie... but a stalker for a year! Ha

I want to become certified in CPO, in my area most OD offices prefer CPO for training in front desk, technician, and some optical skills etc. For the last year I have applied and applied to every optometric front desk job that opens up in my area. I have yet to be called for an interview. I have a college degree in Business, so it's not lack of any type of education. I was hoping to be hired and have on the job training, but that seems to be impossible. How can you become CPO certified if you need 6 months experience to take the CPO test, yet you can't get your foot in the door to even gain such knowledge to sit for the exam? Are there any tips / something I am missing to become certified? Online courses to become certified? How can one get the job without CPO experience?

Thank you so much for your thoughts.