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Reinstatement

CAO WEBSITE - FEES 4

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).

Note: reinstatement after cancellation is prohibited by the COA in instances where a former registrant has been cancelled for sexual abuse, as per the Health Professions Act (HPA).

Reinstatement Steps

  • 1. Review Reinstatement Levels Below

  • 2. Fill out the online application form

  • 3. Submit your criminal record check (if required)

  • 4. Complete any necessary training or assessments

  • 5. Pay any required fees

Reinstatement Levels

Reinstating 1-5 years after cancellation:

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.

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. The CGA is an online assessment tool to assess competency. If gaps are found in certain competencies, you may be required to complete online modules. 

Click here for a breakdown of the reinstatement fees. 

Reinstatement 5 years or more after cancellation:

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, please email info@albertaopticians.ca 

Once you have completed the PLAR program, NACOR will send your results to you and the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA). If any gaps are identified in this process, bridging modules may be assigned to upgrade your skills and knowledge to meet the national competencies before you are eligible to reinstate your license. 

Reinstatement applicants who are required to complete the PLAR Program will not be required to re-take the national licensing exams.

Click here for a breakdown of the reinstatement fees. 

Contact Information

Please contact info@albertaopticians.ca if you have any questions or require assistance with your application.