COA Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
Prepare for your JCAHPO COA certification with confidence using our comprehensive COA practice test. This guide helps prospective ophthalmic assistants master the essential topics required for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam, from patient history to ocular motility.
Whether you are looking for a COA study guide or free exam questions, our resources are designed to boost your readiness. With a competitive COA salary waiting for certified professionals, passing the JCAHPO COA exam is your first step toward a rewarding career in eye care.
The COA exam is administered by JCAHPO and validates your knowledge in 19 key areas of ophthalmic assisting. Passing this test is mandatory for earning the COA certification, which opens doors to higher pay and advanced roles in ophthalmology practices.
Free COA Practice Test Questions
Start your preparation with our free COA practice test modules below. These quizzes cover critical domains like patient history, ocular motility, and diagnostic testing found on the actual JCAHPO COA exam.
COA Exam Flashcards
Quick review of key ophthalmic terms and concepts.
COA Study Guide & Exam Prep
This COA study guide breaks down the essential components of the JCAHPO COA exam. Use these tabs to explore registration, format, and scoring details for your COA certification journey.
| What is the COA Exam? | The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam is the entry-level certification for eye care professionals, administered by JCAHPO. It validates skills in history taking, visual assessment, and minor procedures. |
| Who administers the COA exam? | The exam is administered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO). It is the globally recognized body for certifying ophthalmic medical personnel. |
| Why get COA certification? | Earning your COA certification demonstrates professional competence, often leading to higher COA salary potential, job stability, and opportunities for career advancement in ophthalmology. |
| Is the COA exam hard? | The exam is challenging, covering 19 distinct content areas. However, with proper preparation using a COA study guide and practice tests, candidates have a strong chance of passing. |
| How many questions are on the COA exam? | The exam consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions. These questions cover various domains of ophthalmic assisting. |
| What is the time limit? | Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam. This allows roughly one minute per question, so pacing is important. |
| What topics are covered? | Topics include history taking, visual acuity, tonometry, instrument maintenance, pharmacology, and ocular motility. A detailed content outline is available from JCAHPO. |
| Is it computer-based? | Yes, the COA test is a computer-based exam administered at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide or via remote proctoring in some cases. |
| How do I register for the COA exam? | You must apply through the JCAHPO website. Ensure you meet the eligibility pathways (e.g., accredited program or work experience) before applying. |
| What are the eligibility requirements? | You typically need a high school diploma and either completion of an accredited COA training program or 1,000 hours of work experience under an ophthalmologist's supervision. |
| How much does the COA exam cost? | The COA test cost is currently $300 for the initial certification exam. Prices are subject to change, so check the official JCAHPO fee schedule. |
| Can I reschedule my exam? | Yes, but fees may apply depending on how close to the test date you reschedule. Always check the Pearson VUE and JCAHPO policies. |
| What is the passing score? | The passing score is generally scaled, often requiring a score of around 650 on a scale of 200-800, which roughly equates to 65-70% correct. |
| When do I get my results? | Preliminary results are often available immediately after finishing the computer-based exam at the testing center. Official confirmation follows by mail/email. |
| What if I fail the COA exam? | If you fail, you will receive a diagnostic report showing your performance in each area. You must wait a specific period and pay a re-exam fee to retake it. |
| How long is the certification valid? | COA certification is valid for 36 months (3 years). You must earn continuing education credits (CME) to recertify. |
| What is the average COA salary? | The average COA salary ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer type (private practice vs. hospital). |
| Any tips for passing the COA exam? | Use free COA practice tests, review the JCAHPO criteria, study ophthalmic terminology, and focus on your weak areas identified during practice. |
| Can I take the exam online? | While most exams are at testing centers, JCAHPO has introduced options for remote proctoring. Verify current availability on their website. |
| Does the COA expire? | Yes, you must renew your certification every 3 years by submitting proof of continuing education credits (18 credits for COA). |
COA Test Format & Content
The COA certification test covers 19 content areas. Understanding this structure is key to efficient study. The exam focuses heavily on practical knowledge used in daily ophthalmic practice.
Gathering patient data and medical history.
- Topics: Presenting complaints, ocular history, systemic diseases.
- Questions: ~10-15% of Exam
Testing vision and pupil function.
- Topics: Visual acuity, pupillary reactions, color perception.
- Questions: ~10% of Exam
Maintenance and use of ophthalmic equipment.
- Topics: Lensometer use, keratometer readings, equipment care.
- Questions: ~12% of Exam
Assessing eye movements and alignment.
- Topics: Eye muscle function, deviations, fusion tests.
- Questions: ~8% of Exam
Ophthalmic medications and administration.
- Topics: Instilling drops, drug classes, allergic reactions.
- Questions: ~10% of Exam
Assisting in office-based procedures.
- Topics: Sterile technique, instrument identification, patient prep.
- Questions: ~8% of Exam
Focus heavily on retinoscopy basics and lensometry. These technical skills often appear in tricky scenario-based questions. Use our COA practice test to simulate these specific questions.
COA Score Calculator
Estimate your readiness for the COA certification test based on your practice scores.
COA Salary & Job Outlook
Certified Ophthalmic Assistants enjoy competitive pay and strong job stability. Here is a breakdown of the typical COA salary.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $40,000 | ~$3,300 | 0-1 Year |
| Early Career | $48,000 | ~$4,000 | 2-4 Years |
| Mid-Level | $56,000 | ~$4,600 | 5-9 Years |
| Experienced | $65,000 | ~$5,400 | 10+ Years |
| Specialist | $75,000+ | ~$6,250 | Advanced Cert |
Advancing from COA to COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) or COMT can significantly increase your earning potential, often by $10k-$20k per year.
How to Become a COA
Follow this step-by-step pathway to earn your COA certification. Most candidates choose the work experience pathway, but accredited programs are also an option.
- High School Diploma - Complete high school or GED equivalent as a prerequisite.
- Work Experience - Accumulate 1,000 hours of work experience under an ophthalmologist's supervision.
- Independent Study - Complete an approved JCAHPO independent study course.
- Application - Submit your application and fees to JCAHPO for the COA exam.
- Exam Prep - Use COA practice tests and study guides to prepare.
- Pass Exam - Score 650+ on the 200-question certification test.
- Certification - Receive your COA credential and maintain it with CME credits.
COA Certification Costs
Budgeting for your COA certification is important. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved in becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant.
Expect to invest around $550 - $700 total for your initial COA certification, including the exam fee and study materials. Many employers may reimburse these costs.
COA Career Opportunities
Explore diverse career paths available to Certified Ophthalmic Assistants.
COA Testing Contacts
For official information regarding the COA exam, contact the certifying body directly.
Looking for COA jobs near me? Major job boards and the JCAHPO career center are great places to start. Certification significantly improves your chances of getting hired.
COA Test Day Checklist
Ready to Pass Your COA Exam?
Join thousands of successful ophthalmic assistants who used our free practice tests to ace their JCAHPO certification. Start practicing now!
START COA PRACTICE TESTCOA Renewal Requirements
Maintaining your COA certification requires recertification every 36 months. Here is what you need to know to keep your credential active.
Ensure you earn your 18 JCAHPO Group A credits well before your cycle ends. Late renewal can incur additional fees or require re-examination.
COA Exam Questions and Answers
The COA exam is considered moderately difficult because it covers a wide range of technical skills. However, with consistent study using a good COA study guide and practice questions, most candidates pass on their first attempt.
Yes, JCAHPO now offers remote proctoring options for the COA certification test, allowing you to take the exam from home. You can also take it in person at Pearson VUE centers.
The initial COA test cost is $300 for JCAHPO members and non-members. Retake fees and rescheduling fees may apply, so check the official fee schedule.
You can find COA jobs near me by searching major job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, as well as the JCAHPO career center. Ophthalmology clinics and hospitals are the primary employers.
The exam consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete the test.
While JCAHPO uses a scaled score, a raw score of approximately 65-70% is typically required to pass the COA test.
Most candidates spend 2-3 months preparing. Using a structured COA exam prep course and taking regular practice tests can help streamline your study time.
The exam covers 19 areas including history taking, visual assessment, tonometry, ocular motility, pharmacology, and minor surgical assisting.
Yes, we offer a downloadable free COA practice test pdf which you can access via the button above to study offline.
You must renew every 36 months by earning 18 JCAHPO Group A credits and paying the renewal fee. Failure to renew may require retaking the COA certification test.