As of October 1, 2023, registrants may log in to the COA Registrant Portal to complete their annual licensure renewal. Review the renewal walkthrough guide for detailed instructions on the renewal process.
As a reminder, registration with the COA is mandatory in accordance with section 46(1) of the Health Professions Act of Alberta (HPA) for all persons who meet the requirements for registration and intend to provide services as an optician. Mandatory registration applies to registrants working full time, part time, or casually. For more information on mandatory registration, please click here.
Important Dates
- Renewal opens on October 1 and closes on November 30, 2023.
- Late renewals may be processed between December 1 and December 31, 2023, and are subject to a 10% late fee.
- On January 1, registrants who have not renewed are suspended in accordance with the HPA and are subject to a reinstatement application and fee.
Fee Changes
As a regulatory body tasked with patient protection and regulation of the profession, the COA must charge fees that allow the organization to meet its obligations under legislation. When approving the annual budget for the COA, the Council considers a variety of factors, including organizational requirements, economic conditions, and the impact on registered members of the organization.
After careful review of the COA’s expenses, the Council has approved a 1% licensure fee increase to address inflation. Information on current fees is available on the COA website.
How to Renew
Please visit the COA Registrant Portal or cut and paste the following URL into your browser to complete your renewal: https://coa.alinityapp.com/client.
Non-Practicing Registrants
The new COA database allows registrants to update their fee category online. Registrants may select the Non-Practicing fee option or change back to active practice as part of the renewal process. Please follow the instructions above to complete your renewal.
The Non-Practicing fee category is available to registrants who are unemployed or are required to take an extended leave from employment. Registrants seeking Non-Practicing fee consideration must sign an undertaking that they will not engage in the practice of opticianry in Alberta, including not performing duties restricted to licensed opticians under legislation. Non-practicing registrants must still complete mandatory Continuing Competence Program requirements.
Renewal Support
If you require assistance, please contact COA staff at 780-429-2694 or at info@albertaopticians.ca. Regular office hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MST. Staff will be diligent in their efforts to respond to all inquiries within one business day; however, due to the high volume of inquiries during the renewal period, we may require up to five business days to respond.