|  New COEs at ASOA Annual Congress
Why Certify?
The COE designation promotes excellence and professionalism in ophthalmic administration; recognizes individuals who possess the required levels of knowledge, skill, and abilities; assists employers in identifying individuals who meet nationally recognized standards in ophthalmic administration; and provides formal recognition for individuals who demonstrate competence in this field.
If you've made the commitment to make practice management your career, consider obtaining your COE.
Start by reviewing the eligibility requirements and application.
How is the COE program governed?
The COE program is overseen by a National Board of Certified Ophthalmic Executives (NBCOE), a group that is separate from the ASOA Board of Directors. The NBCOE has compiled the content outline for the COE examination and administers the exam. The group is composed of 8 practice management executives who have earned the COE designation as well as one practicing ophthalmologist. They volunteer their time to ensure the validity, credibility, and continuing prestige of the COE program.
How was the certification program developed?
ASOA conducted extensive market research before initiating this program. Certification consultants and nationally recognized testing experts assisted in the process. A Certification Advisory Board composed of leaders in this field was selected to develop policies and procedures for the certification program and to assist in preparing a role delineation to identify the major content areas for the examination. The findings of the role delineation were then validated by a survey sent to a representative national sample of ophthalmic administrators.
The Advisory Board then developed examination questions linked to the major content areas. The certification examination consists of approximately 175 questions. All questions are presented in a multiple-choice format. Consultants assisting ASOA in the development of this examination adhered to the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, published by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement and Education. The examination was also prepared in accordance with Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education, prepared by the Joint Committee on Testing Practices.
Do I have to be an ASOA member to take the exam?
No, anyone can apply.
How Can I Prepare For the Exam?
There are several ways to prepare for the examination.
- Read the COE Handbook.
- Attend the COE Review Course at the ASOA Annual Congress.
- Partner with colleagues who have earned the COE.
- Read the COE Reading List Study Package, available from ASOA.
- See COE Handbook for sample COE exam.
Where Do I Take the Exam?
Eligible applicants may take the COE examination at Prometric Learning Centers in or near your hometown.
How To I Schedule My Exam?
After you have sent in your application, you will be contacted by an associate from JCAHPO, our testing agent, with instructions for scheduling your test date.
What Does the Test Cover?
The COE examination covers a comprehensive body of knowledge that an ophthalmic administrator with approximately three years of experience in the field is expected to be familiar with and/or have mastered.
Recertification
COEs are certified for a period of three years and must maintain a required number of continuing education credits to maintain certification.
Hear What Others Are Saying
COE Testimonials:
"I sat for the COE exam at the first offering in Seattle. I have been thankful ever since for my credentials. My bosses take pleasure in my accomplishment and support me fully in my quest to stay at the top of my game. Our practice is one of happy and challenged employees and this certification is also a statement to those I lead that I am committed to ongoing learning, keeping abreast of the current state of ophthalmology, and that I feel investment in my career is worthwhile." - Laurie K. Brown, COMT, COE
"I recently passed the COE exam. I found the resources on the ASOA website including the test content and recommended reading very useful in my process. As administrators we recognize continuing education as an essential part of our professional development. This experience along with joining an organization like ASOA has helped facilitate this personal goal for me." - E. Joy Woodke, COE
"The COE course allowed me to grow my own skills and exemplify areas of existing proficiency in practice administration. As part of an academic organization, I specifically enjoyed expanding my knowledge to areas that are not part of our current practice, such as optical. Our practice encourages clinical support staff to become certified and recognizes the positive motivation from professional development. The COE credential is a positive affirmation to my staff that their leadership is dedicated to professional excellence. " - Meridith Williams-O'Keefe, MHA, COE
“I would like to thank everyone on the EyeMail list who so graciously shares their knowledge, expertise, and experience daily because today I PASSED my COE test and I believe it is greatly due to everything that I have read, learned, and shared from all on the list! - Lori Cabrera, COA, COE
"During the ASOA meeting in March, I had the privilege of attending the COE Review Course and taking the COE exam. The course material presented was very appropriate and helped me refresh many of the skills I need as an administrator I would highly recommend this refresher course for anyone who plans to take the COE exam.
The overall COE experience was rewarding both professionally and personally. I only told one of my doctors that I was taking the exam at the meeting. When I returned to the office after taking the exam, all the doctors were very proud of my accomplishment. Since becoming an administrator three years ago receiving my COE designation has been my goal. Thank you for providing the opportunity to attend the refresher course and for providing a time and place to take the examination during the ASOA meeting." – Pennie Potter, COE
"After five years in practice management, I decided to take the plunge and sit for the COE exam. I require the doctors’ technicians to become certified within two years of employment and knew I must also live up to this standard. I had read many of the recommended books as review for the exam and knew my day-to-day life in ophthalmic management would benefit me when the time came to take the test I highly recommend all administrators take the review course and exam. It is a wonderful feeling to be certified, and my doctors were almost as pleased as I was when I received notification of passing the exam. Thank you ASOA for more great tools.” -Jackie Harris, COE
Earn a COE: Why Bother?
Read More
Submit a Question for the COE Exam
Click here to submit a question to the NBCOE for possible inclusion on the COE Exam. Download a Copy of the item writing guidelines.
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