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Key Facts: COT Exam
200
Exam Questions
IJCAHPO COT multiple-choice examination
3 hrs
Exam Time
IJCAHPO testing guidelines
$325
Exam Fee
IJCAHPO fee schedule (one multiple-choice and one Skill Evaluation attempt)
36 mos
Certification Validity
27 CE credits to renew, at least 18 IJCAHPO
100
Practice Questions Here
OpenExamPrep question bank
The IJCAHPO COT exam has two required parts: 200 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours and a computer-simulated Skill Evaluation in seven areas, both taken at Pearson VUE test centers. The largest content area is Ophthalmic Patient Services and Education at 12%. Candidates qualify through an ICA-accredited technician program or as a certified COA, CO or OC(C) with 12 CE credits and qualifying work hours. Certification lasts 36 months and renews with 27 CE credits, at least 18 of them IJCAHPO credits. The COT is the mid-level IJCAHPO credential between COA and COMT.
Sample COT Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the COT exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the standard distance used for Snellen visual acuity testing?
2A patient reads the 20/40 line on the Snellen chart. What does this mean?
3Which instrument is used to measure intraocular pressure (IOP)?
4What topical anesthetic is most commonly used before Goldmann applanation tonometry?
5The notation 'OD' refers to which eye?
6Which type of visual field test uses a bowl-shaped perimeter with a single stimulus of varying intensity?
7What is the normal range for intraocular pressure?
8A lensometer is used to measure which of the following?
9Which dye is used in conjunction with a cobalt blue light to evaluate corneal abrasions?
10What does a keratometer measure?
About the COT Exam
The COT exam certifies ophthalmic technicians in advanced clinical skills including refractometry, tonometry, visual fields, OCT imaging, fundus photography, surgical assisting, and patient care. Building on COA-level competencies, COT certification demonstrates proficiency across the full scope of ophthalmic technology. COTs work in ophthalmology offices, surgical centers, hospitals, and research institutions, performing diagnostic testing and assisting with ophthalmic procedures.
Exam sponsor: IJCAHPO / Pearson VUE test centers. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
200 multiple-choice questions plus a computer-simulated Skill Evaluation in seven areas
Time Limit
3 hours (initial Skill Evaluation: 120 minutes)
Passing Score
Scaled passing score (criterion-referenced)
Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly disclosed by IJCAHPO. IJCAHPO does not publish pass rate data Exam sponsor website
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
History and Documentation
Ocular, medical, medication, social and family history
Visual Assessment
Visual acuity at all levels, optotypes, pinhole, stereoacuity, near point and low vision devices
Visual Field Testing
Amsler grid, confrontation fields, automated and Goldmann perimetry
Pupil Assessment
Measuring and comparing pupils, shape and RAPD
Tonometry
Intraocular pressure by applanation, hand-held and non-contact tonometers; disinfecting tonometers
Keratometry
Automated and manual keratometry
Ocular Motility Testing
Versions and ductions, near point, cover tests, prisms, Worth 4-Dot, Maddox rod, Krimsky, stereoacuity and nystagmus
Lensometry
Automated and manual neutralization, Fresnel, ground-in prism and slab-off
Refraction, Retinoscopy & Refinement
Automated refraction, retinoscopy, fogging, duochrome, binocular balance, vertex distance, transposition and near add
Biometry
Diagnostic and standardized A-scan and B-scan
Supplemental Testing
Glare, potential acuity, slit lamp use, color plates, pachymetry, angiography phases, electrophysiology and tear tests
Microbiology
Types of microorganisms, disease transmission, specimen collection and infection control
Pharmacology
Drug delivery, prescriptions, instilling drops and the main ophthalmic drug classes
Surgical Assisting
Instruments, aseptic technique, sterilization, injections, YAG laser and laser safety
Ophthalmic Patient Services and Education
Communication, patient education, eye dressings and shields, first aid, patient flow, vital signs and CPR
General Medical Knowledge
Ocular anatomy, body systems, eye diseases, medical terminology and safety
Optics and Spectacles
Transposition, prescriptions and vertex distance
Contact Lenses
Lens types, wearing schedules, care systems and fitting soft, rigid, toric and bifocal lenses
Ophthalmic Imaging
Fluorescein angiography, corneal topography, HRT and OCT
Photography and Videography
Slit lamp and anterior segment, fundus and external photography
Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Batteries, calibration, cleaning lenses and prisms, and supplies
Medical Ethics, Legal and Regulatory Issues
Coding, rules and regulations, quality assurance, scribing, confidentiality and informed consent
Preparing for the COT Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled passing score (criterion-referenced)
- Assessment: 200 multiple-choice questions plus a computer-simulated Skill Evaluation in seven areas
- Time limit: 3 hours (initial Skill Evaluation: 120 minutes)
- Exam / certification fees: $325 application fee Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 100 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
COT: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COT exam?
The COT (Certified Ophthalmic Technician) exam is a certification offered by IJCAHPO for ophthalmic personnel at the technician level. It has two required parts: 200 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours and a computer-simulated Skill Evaluation in seven areas.
What are the prerequisites for the COT exam?
You must complete one IJCAHPO pathway: an ICA-accredited technician-level training program; current COA plus 12 IJCAHPO CE credits and 2,000 hours as a COA within 24 months; current CO or OC(C) plus 12 CE credits and 2,000 hours within 24 months; or the COA Fast Track with 12 CE credits and 6,000 hours of non-certified work under an ophthalmologist.
How much does the COT exam cost?
The COT application fee is $325, which covers one multiple-choice attempt and one Skill Evaluation attempt. Retests are $275 and then $150 for the multiple-choice exam and $85 for the Skill Evaluation. Other costs may include study materials ($100-$400) and CE credits for recertification.
What topics are covered on the COT exam?
The COT outline has 22 content areas. The largest is Ophthalmic Patient Services and Education at 12%, followed by Visual Assessment and Ophthalmic Imaging at 7% each, and Ocular Motility Testing, Surgical Assisting, and Photography and Videography at 6% each.
How do I maintain my COT certification?
COT certification is valid for 36 months. To recertify, submit 27 CE credits, at least 18 of them IJCAHPO credits, with the recertification application and fee, or retest instead.