Student Information
This page provides information for students currently enrolled in or have completed an accredited opticianry program. Students must understand once they complete the program, they are not considered a student and must apply for a provisional permit to provide opticianry services.
A provisional permit holder is a regulated member of the COA who must be supervised according to the COA Standards of Practice. It is the provisional permit holder’s responsibility to ensure they are appropriately supervised.
Transition Period
The transition period is the time between successfully completing an education program and receiving a practice permit. During the transition period, individuals may no longer call themselves a “student” and must have a COA Provisional Permit before providing opticianry services. Individuals in this transition period meet the requirements for mandatory registration.
Application for Provisional Permit
To apply for a provisional permit, and for more information click the button below.
NACOR examinations
The COA does not administer the NACOR examination. The COA requires an individual to hold a provisional permit to write the national exam. Provisional permit holders must pass the national NACOR exam within three years, with up to three attempts allowed. Individuals who have not successfully passed their NACOR exam within three years of obtaining their provisional practice permit may require additional review. For more information on the NACOR exam, visit their website.