Internationally educated Orthoptists must obtain certification from the COC to practice Orthoptics in Canada. American Certified Orthoptists in good standing with the American Orthoptic Council do not require Canadian certification but must maintain certification with the American Orthoptic Council while practicing in Canada.

Orthoptists certified outside of Canada and the United States are advised to refer to the Certification for International Orthoptists Policy  (politique de certification des orthoptistes internationaux) and the Application for Eligibility for the Canadian National Orthoptic Certification Exam: English Application or French Application . Please click the above links to read and review the application carefully for specific details and requirements to apply for eligibility.

International applicants MUST have applied for and been GRANTED eligibility BEFORE being permitted to sit the exam.

International Applications for Eligibility are only accepted between July 1st - October 31st yearly. 

There is a $200.00 CAD Eligibility Assessment fee, which will be invoiced to the candidate by the Administrator.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applications for Eligibility for the Canadian Certifying Exam are due to administrator@orthopticscanada.org by October 31 of the year prior to the exam. Eligibility will be assessed based on:

1. Completion of the Eligibility to the COC Certification Exam Form

2. Evidence of a university or college baccalaureate degree

2. Evidence of (minimum) 24 months of orthoptic education.

• Note: Proof of a 4-year degree in Orthoptics fulfills both of requirements 1 & 2

3. CV including relevant work experience

4. Letter of Reference from previous Orthoptic employment

5. Proof of certification as an orthoptist 

• This includes proof of registration with a Governing or Regulatory Organization who monitors that professional standards of the profession are maintained. 
• This does NOT include professional associations that orthoptists may belong to.

Please note, all detailed requirements are listed on the eligibility application form linked above.

After Meeting Eligibility:

If an International orthoptist is deemed eligible to sit the exam, the Candidate must then contact the Administrator (administrator@orthopticscanada.org) to confirm interest and obtain an exam application.

Applicants who have been granted eligibility, confirmed their interest in sitting the exam, will then have until January 15 of the exam year to complete the provided exam application and pay the $400 CAD exam fee. 

Please Note: It is the responsibility of the International applicant to be aware of the above deadlines, to monitor their emails for responses to their inquiries, and to follow up as necessary. 

Please contact administrator@orthopticscanada.org for further information. 

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