Applicants Section

Pathway 2

Internationally Educated or a Graduate of an Unaccredited Opticianry School In Canada

Important Update
Please note that applications for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) must now be submitted directly to the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). We are currently updating our website to reflect this. In the meantime, please refer to the application package for required documents and details on submitting your application to NACOR.

This section applies to you if you have completed education related to opticianry in Canada or internationally at an institution that has not been accredited by the College of Opticians of Ontario.

You may be eligible for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) of your credentials if, as a result of your education and work experience, you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the national examinations. The PLAR process will

To determine whether your knowledge and skill level meet the requirements of the core entry-to-practice competencies of the profession.

After the initial assessment of the documents you have submitted, you will be asked to undergo an assessment process called a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA). The CGA is a multiple-choice assessment based on the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians. The CGA consists of two sections: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses. For more information on the CGA, visit the website for the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators.

When the assessment process is complete, NACOR will provide the College with your CGA results. You will be directed to do one of the following:

Apply to register as an intern optician to challenge the Optical Sciences 1 - Eyeglasses and Optical Sciences 2 Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examinations.
Complete courses to bridge the gap in your knowledge with the core entry-to-practice competencies of the profession; or
Complete an accredited opticianry program.

Fair Credential and Qualification Assessment

PLAR was developed in order to ensure that all applications from unaccredited institutions are treated fairly. The following are the PLAR process objectives:

Accessibility – All applicants will have reasonable access to PLAR.
Fairness – PLAR procedures and practices are clear, consistent, objective, timely and equitable to all applicants.
Consistency – Procedures, practices and fees for similar cases are consistent.
Transparency – PLAR procedures and processes are readily available, comprehensive and clear.
Accountability – The College of Opticians of Ontario is responsible for maintaining high quality and integrity of PLAR practices. An appeal process is available for all PLAR decisions.