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Registration

FAQs

General

Q: Approximately how long will the whole registration process take?

A : Applications for registration are open for a maximum of two years from the date they are received by the College. Most applicants are able to complete the application process and become registered with the College in less than one year.

Q: How long is my application for registration valid?

A : Applications for registration are valid for a maximum of two years (24 months) from the date the application is received by the College.  The two-year application period automatically ends when you have successfully completed the requirements for registration.  The two-year timeline is provided only to give applicants adequate time to complete the registration requirements, not to allow successful applicants to delay the date they register.  It is important to note that, regardless of the two-year application period, the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Examination must be successfuly completed within 12 months of applying for registration.

Q: I am an international graduate, how can I have my credentials assessed?

A : The International Optometric Bridging Program is available to assist qualified applicants meet the academic requirement for registration. International graduates who successfully complete the IOBP program are deemed to have met the academic requirement for registration in Ontario.

Q: Who can I ask to notarize my documents? Is a signature enough on the back of my photograph?

A : A notarized copy of a document or photograph is one that has been reviewed by a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace who has stamped the copy or photograph with his/her seal and then signed and dated it. A notarized copy is a legal copy of your original document.

Q: When should I submit my letter of good standing?

A : A letter of good standing may be submitted at any time during the application process.  However, it must be dated within six months of the applicant becoming registered.  If you take more than six months to become registered after submitting a letter of good standing, an updated letter of good standing will be required to complete your application.

Q: Is it possible to have my 'good standing' status checked online by the College?

A : No. A letter of good standing must be sent to the College directly from the issuing body (the regulator) and must be dated no more than six months before your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated.

Q: When should I apply for my OHIP billing number?

A : You may apply for your billing number after your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated. 

Q: How do I register for the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : Submit a completed Application for a Certificate of Registration, all required documents and a cheque for the application fee made payable to the College of Optometrists of Ontario. You will be registered for the immediate next administration of the Jurisprudence Exam unless you contact the College and let us know that you would like to sit at a later administration. 

Q: Where and how often is the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam administered?

A : Starting in 2010, the exam will be administered six times annually. Two administrations, one in the spring and one in the fall, are accompanied by a one-day seminar. The other four administrations are offered  without the seminar. Information regarding the date and location for each administration of the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam are on the calendar located on the home page of the College website at www.collegeoptom.on.ca.

Q: Do I have to attend the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence seminar?

A : Attendance at the seminar is recommended but not required. 

Q: How long does it take to get the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam results?

A : Jurisprudence results are reported within 4-6 weeks of each exam administration. Results are reported on a pass/fail basis.

Q: What happens if I fail the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : If you fail the exam, you must arrange to take it again at another administration and pay the applicable fee. It is a requirement of registration that an applicant successfully complete the Jurisprudence examination within one year (12 months) of applying for registration. If you do not pass the exam within this timeframe you may submit a new application for registration and pay the applicable fee.

Q: Can I take the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam before I graduate from my optometry program?

A : The College will accept an application before you graduate from an approved program provided you include a letter from the institution confirming your expected graduation date. Once you have graduated, you must provide the College with a notarized copy of your degree certificate.

Q: I just completed International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) and would like to apply for registration. Do I have to provide a notarized copy of my optometry degree or is the IOBP results letter from the Bridging Program enough?

A : Your application for registration must include a notarized copy of your degree certificate as well as the IOBP results letter. Once we receive your application with these documents, you are eligible to write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam.

Q: Do I need to be a legal resident of Canada or have my permanent resident status before I can write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : No. Proof of current Canadian citizenship/Permanent Resident Status or authorization to practice optometry under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is required before your application is complete. However, you may write the Jurisprudence exam prior to providing this documentation in support of your application.  

Q: I passed Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam three years ago but did not get registered with the College, do I have to take it again?

A : Yes.  An applicant must successfully complete the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam within one year (12 months) of applying for registration.

Q: The CSAO schedule published by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry shows that they are offering a jurisprudence exam. Am I required to take that exam?

A : No. The jurisprudence exam shown on the CSAO schedule is not the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Exam. You should only take the jurisprudence exam administered by the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

Q: What is a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : The CPIC report is a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Criminal Record Synopsis, a criminal record check. It is obtained by using your name to run a criminal record report against the Canadian Police Information Centre computerized database.

Q: Why do I have to get a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : One of the requirements of registration as an optometrist in Ontario is that you must not have been found guilty in relation to a criminal offence in any jurisdiction, or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and the Food and Drugs Act (Canada).   To provide evidence that you have met this requirement, you must provide a Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Record Synopsis (CPIC report) as part of your application for registration. This report assists the College and the Registration Committee in identifying individuals who have a criminal record in Canada that could affect their suitability to be members of the College. 

Q: Where do I go to get the CPIC report (criminal record check) done? How much will it cost and how long will it take?

A : Contact your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding the process and fees involved in obtaining a CPIC report.   

Q: Do I need to submit my fingerprints for the CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : No, you are not required to submit your fingerprints. The College requires the report based only on your name and address information.

Q: Can I get a CPIC report (criminal record check) if my name has changed?

A : Yes.  The CPIC report must be requested under your current name as well as any former or maiden names.

Q: How recent should the CPIC report (criminal record check) be?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered. For example, if you complete all of the requirements for registration on September 1, 2009, the results of your CPIC report must be dated on or after March 1, 2009. If you provide a CPIC report and then take longer than 6 months to complete the other requirements for registration, you will be required to submit an updated CPIC report to complete your application for registration. 

Q: If I’m living outside of Canada when I submit my application for registration, do I still have to submit a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : If you apply for registration from outside Canada you are required to submit a CPIC report after you enter Canada and before you become registered. The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered.

Q: How do I submit the results of the CPIC report (crminal record check)?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be submitted to the College directly from the police or in the sealed envelope provided to you by the police. 

Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Exam

Q: Approximately how long will the whole registration process take?

A : Applications for registration are open for a maximum of two years from the date they are received by the College. Most applicants are able to complete the application process and become registered with the College in less than one year.

Q: How long is my application for registration valid?

A : Applications for registration are valid for a maximum of two years (24 months) from the date the application is received by the College.  The two-year application period automatically ends when you have successfully completed the requirements for registration.  The two-year timeline is provided only to give applicants adequate time to complete the registration requirements, not to allow successful applicants to delay the date they register.  It is important to note that, regardless of the two-year application period, the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Examination must be successfuly completed within 12 months of applying for registration.

Q: I am an international graduate, how can I have my credentials assessed?

A : The International Optometric Bridging Program is available to assist qualified applicants meet the academic requirement for registration. International graduates who successfully complete the IOBP program are deemed to have met the academic requirement for registration in Ontario.

Q: Who can I ask to notarize my documents? Is a signature enough on the back of my photograph?

A : A notarized copy of a document or photograph is one that has been reviewed by a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace who has stamped the copy or photograph with his/her seal and then signed and dated it. A notarized copy is a legal copy of your original document.

Q: When should I submit my letter of good standing?

A : A letter of good standing may be submitted at any time during the application process.  However, it must be dated within six months of the applicant becoming registered.  If you take more than six months to become registered after submitting a letter of good standing, an updated letter of good standing will be required to complete your application.

Q: Is it possible to have my 'good standing' status checked online by the College?

A : No. A letter of good standing must be sent to the College directly from the issuing body (the regulator) and must be dated no more than six months before your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated.

Q: When should I apply for my OHIP billing number?

A : You may apply for your billing number after your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated. 

Q: How do I register for the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : Submit a completed Application for a Certificate of Registration, all required documents and a cheque for the application fee made payable to the College of Optometrists of Ontario. You will be registered for the immediate next administration of the Jurisprudence Exam unless you contact the College and let us know that you would like to sit at a later administration. 

Q: Where and how often is the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam administered?

A : Starting in 2010, the exam will be administered six times annually. Two administrations, one in the spring and one in the fall, are accompanied by a one-day seminar. The other four administrations are offered  without the seminar. Information regarding the date and location for each administration of the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam are on the calendar located on the home page of the College website at www.collegeoptom.on.ca.

Q: Do I have to attend the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence seminar?

A : Attendance at the seminar is recommended but not required. 

Q: How long does it take to get the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam results?

A : Jurisprudence results are reported within 4-6 weeks of each exam administration. Results are reported on a pass/fail basis.

Q: What happens if I fail the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : If you fail the exam, you must arrange to take it again at another administration and pay the applicable fee. It is a requirement of registration that an applicant successfully complete the Jurisprudence examination within one year (12 months) of applying for registration. If you do not pass the exam within this timeframe you may submit a new application for registration and pay the applicable fee.

Q: Can I take the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam before I graduate from my optometry program?

A : The College will accept an application before you graduate from an approved program provided you include a letter from the institution confirming your expected graduation date. Once you have graduated, you must provide the College with a notarized copy of your degree certificate.

Q: I just completed International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) and would like to apply for registration. Do I have to provide a notarized copy of my optometry degree or is the IOBP results letter from the Bridging Program enough?

A : Your application for registration must include a notarized copy of your degree certificate as well as the IOBP results letter. Once we receive your application with these documents, you are eligible to write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam.

Q: Do I need to be a legal resident of Canada or have my permanent resident status before I can write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : No. Proof of current Canadian citizenship/Permanent Resident Status or authorization to practice optometry under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is required before your application is complete. However, you may write the Jurisprudence exam prior to providing this documentation in support of your application.  

Q: I passed Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam three years ago but did not get registered with the College, do I have to take it again?

A : Yes.  An applicant must successfully complete the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam within one year (12 months) of applying for registration.

Q: The CSAO schedule published by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry shows that they are offering a jurisprudence exam. Am I required to take that exam?

A : No. The jurisprudence exam shown on the CSAO schedule is not the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Exam. You should only take the jurisprudence exam administered by the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

Q: What is a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : The CPIC report is a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Criminal Record Synopsis, a criminal record check. It is obtained by using your name to run a criminal record report against the Canadian Police Information Centre computerized database.

Q: Why do I have to get a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : One of the requirements of registration as an optometrist in Ontario is that you must not have been found guilty in relation to a criminal offence in any jurisdiction, or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and the Food and Drugs Act (Canada).   To provide evidence that you have met this requirement, you must provide a Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Record Synopsis (CPIC report) as part of your application for registration. This report assists the College and the Registration Committee in identifying individuals who have a criminal record in Canada that could affect their suitability to be members of the College. 

Q: Where do I go to get the CPIC report (criminal record check) done? How much will it cost and how long will it take?

A : Contact your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding the process and fees involved in obtaining a CPIC report.   

Q: Do I need to submit my fingerprints for the CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : No, you are not required to submit your fingerprints. The College requires the report based only on your name and address information.

Q: Can I get a CPIC report (criminal record check) if my name has changed?

A : Yes.  The CPIC report must be requested under your current name as well as any former or maiden names.

Q: How recent should the CPIC report (criminal record check) be?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered. For example, if you complete all of the requirements for registration on September 1, 2009, the results of your CPIC report must be dated on or after March 1, 2009. If you provide a CPIC report and then take longer than 6 months to complete the other requirements for registration, you will be required to submit an updated CPIC report to complete your application for registration. 

Q: If I’m living outside of Canada when I submit my application for registration, do I still have to submit a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : If you apply for registration from outside Canada you are required to submit a CPIC report after you enter Canada and before you become registered. The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered.

Q: How do I submit the results of the CPIC report (crminal record check)?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be submitted to the College directly from the police or in the sealed envelope provided to you by the police. 

CPIC Report (Criminal Record Check)

Q: Approximately how long will the whole registration process take?

A : Applications for registration are open for a maximum of two years from the date they are received by the College. Most applicants are able to complete the application process and become registered with the College in less than one year.

Q: How long is my application for registration valid?

A : Applications for registration are valid for a maximum of two years (24 months) from the date the application is received by the College.  The two-year application period automatically ends when you have successfully completed the requirements for registration.  The two-year timeline is provided only to give applicants adequate time to complete the registration requirements, not to allow successful applicants to delay the date they register.  It is important to note that, regardless of the two-year application period, the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Examination must be successfuly completed within 12 months of applying for registration.

Q: I am an international graduate, how can I have my credentials assessed?

A : The International Optometric Bridging Program is available to assist qualified applicants meet the academic requirement for registration. International graduates who successfully complete the IOBP program are deemed to have met the academic requirement for registration in Ontario.

Q: Who can I ask to notarize my documents? Is a signature enough on the back of my photograph?

A : A notarized copy of a document or photograph is one that has been reviewed by a Notary Public, Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace who has stamped the copy or photograph with his/her seal and then signed and dated it. A notarized copy is a legal copy of your original document.

Q: When should I submit my letter of good standing?

A : A letter of good standing may be submitted at any time during the application process.  However, it must be dated within six months of the applicant becoming registered.  If you take more than six months to become registered after submitting a letter of good standing, an updated letter of good standing will be required to complete your application.

Q: Is it possible to have my 'good standing' status checked online by the College?

A : No. A letter of good standing must be sent to the College directly from the issuing body (the regulator) and must be dated no more than six months before your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated.

Q: When should I apply for my OHIP billing number?

A : You may apply for your billing number after your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated. 

Q: How do I register for the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : Submit a completed Application for a Certificate of Registration, all required documents and a cheque for the application fee made payable to the College of Optometrists of Ontario. You will be registered for the immediate next administration of the Jurisprudence Exam unless you contact the College and let us know that you would like to sit at a later administration. 

Q: Where and how often is the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam administered?

A : Starting in 2010, the exam will be administered six times annually. Two administrations, one in the spring and one in the fall, are accompanied by a one-day seminar. The other four administrations are offered  without the seminar. Information regarding the date and location for each administration of the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam are on the calendar located on the home page of the College website at www.collegeoptom.on.ca.

Q: Do I have to attend the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence seminar?

A : Attendance at the seminar is recommended but not required. 

Q: How long does it take to get the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam results?

A : Jurisprudence results are reported within 4-6 weeks of each exam administration. Results are reported on a pass/fail basis.

Q: What happens if I fail the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : If you fail the exam, you must arrange to take it again at another administration and pay the applicable fee. It is a requirement of registration that an applicant successfully complete the Jurisprudence examination within one year (12 months) of applying for registration. If you do not pass the exam within this timeframe you may submit a new application for registration and pay the applicable fee.

Q: Can I take the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam before I graduate from my optometry program?

A : The College will accept an application before you graduate from an approved program provided you include a letter from the institution confirming your expected graduation date. Once you have graduated, you must provide the College with a notarized copy of your degree certificate.

Q: I just completed International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) and would like to apply for registration. Do I have to provide a notarized copy of my optometry degree or is the IOBP results letter from the Bridging Program enough?

A : Your application for registration must include a notarized copy of your degree certificate as well as the IOBP results letter. Once we receive your application with these documents, you are eligible to write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam.

Q: Do I need to be a legal resident of Canada or have my permanent resident status before I can write the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam?

A : No. Proof of current Canadian citizenship/Permanent Resident Status or authorization to practice optometry under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is required before your application is complete. However, you may write the Jurisprudence exam prior to providing this documentation in support of your application.  

Q: I passed Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam three years ago but did not get registered with the College, do I have to take it again?

A : Yes.  An applicant must successfully complete the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam within one year (12 months) of applying for registration.

Q: The CSAO schedule published by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry shows that they are offering a jurisprudence exam. Am I required to take that exam?

A : No. The jurisprudence exam shown on the CSAO schedule is not the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Exam. You should only take the jurisprudence exam administered by the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

Q: What is a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : The CPIC report is a Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Criminal Record Synopsis, a criminal record check. It is obtained by using your name to run a criminal record report against the Canadian Police Information Centre computerized database.

Q: Why do I have to get a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : One of the requirements of registration as an optometrist in Ontario is that you must not have been found guilty in relation to a criminal offence in any jurisdiction, or an offence under the Criminal Code (Canada), the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and the Food and Drugs Act (Canada).   To provide evidence that you have met this requirement, you must provide a Canadian Police Information Centre Criminal Record Synopsis (CPIC report) as part of your application for registration. This report assists the College and the Registration Committee in identifying individuals who have a criminal record in Canada that could affect their suitability to be members of the College. 

Q: Where do I go to get the CPIC report (criminal record check) done? How much will it cost and how long will it take?

A : Contact your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding the process and fees involved in obtaining a CPIC report.   

Q: Do I need to submit my fingerprints for the CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : No, you are not required to submit your fingerprints. The College requires the report based only on your name and address information.

Q: Can I get a CPIC report (criminal record check) if my name has changed?

A : Yes.  The CPIC report must be requested under your current name as well as any former or maiden names.

Q: How recent should the CPIC report (criminal record check) be?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered. For example, if you complete all of the requirements for registration on September 1, 2009, the results of your CPIC report must be dated on or after March 1, 2009. If you provide a CPIC report and then take longer than 6 months to complete the other requirements for registration, you will be required to submit an updated CPIC report to complete your application for registration. 

Q: If I’m living outside of Canada when I submit my application for registration, do I still have to submit a CPIC report (criminal record check)?

A : If you apply for registration from outside Canada you are required to submit a CPIC report after you enter Canada and before you become registered. The results of the CPIC report must be dated no earlier than 6 months before the date you become registered.

Q: How do I submit the results of the CPIC report (crminal record check)?

A : The results of the CPIC report must be submitted to the College directly from the police or in the sealed envelope provided to you by the police.