Reinstatement
Reinstating after Cancellation
Registered opticians wishing to return to active practice after cancellation must apply for reinstatement. To do so, a reinstatement application form must be submitted with up-to-date registrant information and a criminal record check (case-by-case basis).
Click here to access the registrant portal and reinstatement application form. If you require assistance to retrieve your login credentials, please contact info@albertaopticians.ca.
Note: reinstatement after cancellation is prohibited by the COA in instances where a former registrant has been cancelled for sexual abuse/misconduct, as per the Health Professions Act (HPA).
Reinstatement Steps
Reinstatement Levels
Applicants reinstating up to three years after cancellation (including retired members) may be required to provide a current criminal record check and complete any outstanding registration requirements.
Applicants applying for reinstatement within three to five years after cancellation will be required to complete a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA) and any outstanding registration requirements.
Applicants reinstating after five years are required to complete the NACOR Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) Program and pay any applicable fees to NACOR.
NACOR PLAR Program
If you are applying to reinstate after five years, you are required to complete the NACOR PLAR Program. This program assesses the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and experience through a document review, CGA, and Case-Based Interview (CBI). The CGA is a supervised online multiple-choice assessment and the CBI is conducted either in person or remotely. Both the CGA and CBI are based on the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians.
The PLAR Program is administered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). To begin the process, complete the NACOR PLAR Application Form and return it to the NACOR office by mail. Applicants are required to provide the following with their application form:
- Applicant information
- Contact information
- Registration information
- Details of work experience (Dispensing Experience and Fittings Form)
- Transcripts of formal education including course outlines
- Letters of personal reference and professional competence
- English language proficiency test results
- If available:
- ICES, IQAS, or WES credential evaluations
- Certification exam results from other countries
- Letter of registration or licensure in other countries
- PLAR program fee payment
- 2 passport-sized photos
Once you have completed the PLAR program, NACOR will send your results to the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA). You will receive an email from COA Staff with your results. If any gaps are identified in this process, bridging modules may be assigned to upgrade your skills and knowledge to meet the national competencies.
Reinstatement applicants who are required to complete the PLAR Program will not be required to re-take the national licensing exams.
Contact Information
Please contact info@albertaopticians.ca if you have any questions or require assistance with your application.