Provisional Registration FAQs
Provisional Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the College of Alberta Opticians (COA) Provisional Registration FAQ. This guide is designed to support applicants in understanding the provisional registration process, including eligibility, application steps, supervision requirements, NACOR examinations, and transitioning to full registration.
Provisional registration allows you to practice under supervision while you complete all registration requirements. Whether you are a recent graduate, or someone completing the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, this FAQ provides answers to the most common questions to help you navigate your registration journey.
For any questions not covered here, please contact the COA at info@albertaopticians.ca.
Section 1: Post-Graduation
Q: What is an accredited opticianry education program?
A: An accredited opticianry education program is a program that has been formally reviewed and approved by Accreditation Canada as meeting the national education standards for opticianry in Canada. Graduates of accredited programs (for example, the NAIT optical sciences program or SAIT opticianry program) are considered to have met the required educational competencies for registration. Programs that are not accredited require graduates to complete a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
Q: When should I apply to the COA?
A: You should apply after completing your recognized opticianry education program or after completing the PLAR process for international or non-accredited graduates. You must be registered to practice under supervision and to be eligible for the NACOR exams.
Q: What happens if I have not completed my program?
A: You cannot register as a provisional optician until you have completed your recognized program or PLAR assessment.
Q: How do I find information about accredited programs?
A: Accredited programs in Canada are approved by Accreditation Canada. You can check program accreditation status on their website or contact the COA for guidance.
Section 2: Register as a Provisional Optician
Q: What is a provisional license?
A: A provisional license allows you to practice opticianry under the supervision of a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist until you complete all registration requirements, including the NACOR exams.
Q: Where do I apply?
A: Complete the Provisional Optician Application Form online via the COA website.
Q: What documents do I need for my application?
A: You will need:
- Proof of education (transcripts, letter of completion, or PLAR results)
- Criminal record check
- Declaration of good character
- Supervisor information (if practicing)
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Registration and application fees
Q: Who can be my supervisor?
A: Supervisors must be a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.
Q: What happens if my supervisor changes?
A: You must notify the COA and submit a new supervisor form.
Q: What is the difference between a PO and PCLP application?
A: A Provisional Optician (PO) application is for those seeking to provide eyeglass services only. A Provisional Contact Lens Practitioner (PCLP) application is for those planning to provide contact lens services in addition to eyeglasses services.
Q: What is the difference between practicing and non-practicing provisional registration?
A: Practicing registrants provide supervised opticianry services. Non-practicing registrants are not working in the field but are eligible to take the NACOR exams.
Q: What if I don’t have a supervisor or I am not practicing?
A: If you do not have a supervisor, you cannot practice as a provisional optician. You can register as non-practicing, which allows you to write the NACOR exam without actively practicing.
Q: What if I register as non-practicing and later want to start working?
A: You will need to update your registration to practicing through the COA portal. This requires you to pay applicable fees, submit a supervisor form and obtaining professional liability insurance before providing services.
Q: Where can I find a breakdown of fees?
A: Fee information is available on the COA website under Registration Fees.
Q: What is the difference between the application fee and the registration fee?
A: The application fee is paid when you submit your provisional registration application. The registration fee is paid once your application is approved. The registration fee is paid annually during the renewal period (October-December).
Q: Do I need to pay fees again after passing the NACOR?
A: No. The fees paid for provisional registration are the fees for the current registration year. All registrants are required to renew their license annually.
Q: How long does it take to process my application?
A: Typically, 2-3 weeks from submission of a complete application.
Q: What is my practice permit?
A: Your practice permit authorizes you to provide opticianry services. Your practice permit is required to be available upon request.
Q: How do I find my active practice permit?
A: You can access your current practice permit by logging into your COA account.
Section 3: NACOR
Q: What is the NACOR exam?
A: The NACOR (National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators) exams assess your competence in optical sciences. They include:
- Optical Sciences 1 (Eyeglass Exam)
- Optical Sciences 2 (Advanced Practice/Contact Lens Exam)
Q: Where can I take the NACOR exam?
A: Exams are offered at locations across Canada; check the NACOR website for specific exam sites.
Q: Do I need to apply for provisional registration or NACOR first?
A: You must be registered with COA before applying to write the NACOR exams.
Q: NACOR website
A: www.nacor.ca
Q: Do I have the take the NACOR exam within a timeframe?
A: Yes. You must attempt the NACOR exam within one year of being registered as a provisional optician. You are required to pass the exam within three attempts or within three years, whichever comes first. If you do not pass within this timeframe, you must submit an upgrading proposal to the COA before further attempts.
Section 4: COA Mandatory Modules
Q: What are the required modules?
A: COA mandates completion of:
- Jurisprudence Modules
- Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Misconduct
Q: Why do we need to take them?
A: These modules ensure you understand your legal and ethical responsibilities as a regulated professional.
Q: Do I need to complete them before the NACOR exam?
A: No, you may complete these modules after passing the NACOR exams but before becoming a fully registered optician.
Q: How do I access these modules?
A: Access to these modules is provided once your provisional application is approved.
Section 5: Post-NACOR
Q: How do I get notified about exam results?
A: NACOR will contact candidates directly when exam results are available.
Q: What are the next steps if I pass?
A: After passing, you must:
- Complete the required COA modules (if not yet completed)
Receive confirmation of full registration and practice permit from the COA
Q: What if I fail the exam?
A: You will be required to remain a provisional optician and practice under supervision.
Q: How many times can I attempt the exam?
A: You are required to pass the exam within three attempts or within three years, whichever comes first. If you do not pass within this timeframe, you must submit an upgrading proposal to the COA before further attempts.
Q: What requirements do I have as a Registered Optician (RO)?
A: In addition to maintaining professional liability insurance and renewing your annual practice permit, you must also complete mandatory continuing competence requirements.
Q: Where do I find information on maintaining licensure?
A: Visit the Maintaining Licensure section on the COA website for ongoing requirements and renewal procedures.