100+ Free COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Questions
Pass your JCAHPO Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) Certification exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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Key Facts: COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam
200
Exam Questions
IJCAHPO COA examination page
3 hrs
Exam Time
IJCAHPO (180 minutes)
$300
Exam Fee
IJCAHPO fee schedule
42%
Patient Evaluation Weight
IJCAHPO Core Criteria Handbook
3 yrs
Recertification Cycle
IJCAHPO recertification requirements
IJCAHPO's COA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions with a 180-minute time limit, administered at Pearson VUE test centers (also available via OnVUE remote proctoring). The exam fee is $300 (or $150 practice exam + $150 upon passing). Passing is determined by a modified Angoff criterion-referenced method. The exam covers five domains: Patient Evaluation (42%), Assisting with Interventions and Procedures (22%), Office Responsibilities (19%), Imaging (13%), and Corrective Lenses (4%). Recertification is required every 3 years with 18 CE credits.
About the COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam
The Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) is the entry-level core certification from IJCAHPO for allied ophthalmic personnel. The 200-question multiple-choice exam covers patient evaluation, clinical procedures, pharmacology, imaging, optics, and office responsibilities across five major content domains weighted toward assessments and interventions.
Questions
200 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced (modified Angoff)
Exam Fee
$300 (IJCAHPO)
COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam Content Outline
Patient Evaluation
History and documentation, visual assessment, visual fields, pupil assessment, tonometry, keratometry, ocular motility, lensometry, refractometry, biometry, and supplemental testing
Assisting with Interventions and Procedures
Microbiology, pharmacology, surgical assisting, and ophthalmic patient services and education
Office Responsibilities
Equipment maintenance, medical ethics and legal issues, communication skills, and administrative duties
Imaging
Ophthalmic imaging techniques and photography and videography
Corrective Lenses
Optics and spectacles, contact lens basics
How to Pass the COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced (modified Angoff)
- Exam length: 200 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $300
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
COA Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the COA exam?
The COA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. All questions are scored, and the exam is based on a content outline developed through job analysis research conducted every five years.
How long is the COA exam?
You have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the COA examination. The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE test centers or via OnVUE online proctoring.
What score do I need to pass the COA exam?
The COA passing score is set using a modified Angoff criterion-referenced method. IJCAHPO does not publish a fixed passing percentage. Your performance is measured against a minimum competency standard established by expert judges.
How much does the COA exam cost?
The initial COA exam fee is $300. IJCAHPO also offers a practice examination option at $150, with an additional $150 due upon passing. Retest fees are $250 for the first retest and $150 for the second.
What are the COA exam eligibility requirements?
You must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, plus either complete an accredited ophthalmic assistant program or have qualifying work experience under an ophthalmologist's supervision. A sponsoring ophthalmologist signature is required.
How should I prepare for the COA exam in 2026?
Focus study time proportionally: 42% on patient evaluation skills, 22% on interventions and procedures, and 19% on office responsibilities. Use IJCAHPO study guides and multiple resources, as JCAHPO draws questions from various reference materials.