Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS)

Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT)

Applying for ACVREP Certification: A Step by Step Process

Exam Information

Attention University Students

Fees

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Attention University Students

For All Applicants Submitting the Eligibility Application Post June 1, 2010
University students can now take any of ACVREP's exams [Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching)] prior to completing their 350-hour internship and/or graduating from their university program.

To take advantage of this opportunity, the student needs to complete the following steps:

1. The student must first complete and submit the applicable Eligibility Application with required supporting materials and the appropriate application fee.  Although students can submit the Eligibility Application and take the certification exam prior to completing their internship and/or graduating from their program, they will not be able to apply to the ACVREP Board of Directors for certification until they submit all of the documents required in the eligibility application.  Regardless of the category under which they apply, official transcripts documenting at least a Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalency (or post-secondary diploma for non-U.S. Candidates) and a completed Clinical Competency Evaluation Form(s) are standard requirements.

2. Once the student is declared eligible to sit for the exam, ACVREP will provide the Examination Registration Form to the student via e-mail.  The Examination Registration Form provides directions on how to create the student’s “test taker account” within ACVREP’s online testing portal. The student may at this time create her/his “test taker account.” However, the student will not be able to schedule the exam (location, date, or time) until ACVREP has provided the student with a voucher number to complete the process. This unique voucher number is valid for only one (1) administration of the certification exam.

The Examination Registration Form must be completed and returned to ACVREP with payment.  Once the completed Examination Registration Form and payment are received by ACVREP, a voucher number will be provided to the student via e-mail. The student will utilize the voucher number provided by ACVREP to complete the online exam scheduling process. It is expected by ACVREP that the student will not share information regarding the online exam registration/scheduling process (i.e. registration website address, login information, passwords, or voucher numbers) with any other person. If the student is found to have shared such information, the student may face disciplinary action jeopardizing the student’s eligibility to sit for the certification examination and/or to obtain certification.

Please note: Applicants are required to submit the Examination Registration Form within one (1) year after submitting their eligibility application.  For example, if an applicant submits an eligibility application on June 1st, s/he will need to submit an Exam Registration Form, with the exam fee, prior to June 1st of the following year.  If the student does not submit the Exam Registration Form within the one (1) year timeframe, s/he must reapply for eligibility.

3. The student will take the examination at a KRYTERION High-stake Secure Testing (HOST) location. There are hundreds of locations available to you for your convenience. Upon completion of the certification exam, the student will receive the results of the exam immediately. ACVREP is notified of the student’s exam results within one (1) business day. 

Please note: A rescheduling fee will be charged if an exam is canceled by a candidate after the acceptable cancellation deadline as specified by ACVREP and/or its testing contractor. 

Once the student passes the exam, the student may then apply to the ACVREP Board of Directors for certification.  However, as noted above, the student must submit all of the required documents before s/he can submit the Application for Certification.  Required documents include official transcripts documenting at least a Bachelor’s degree (or foreign equivalency) and a Clinical Competency Evaluation Form.  Depending on the category under which one may apply, a completed Core Domain Area Chart and related course descriptions/syllabi may also be required. 

As a student, you may be unaware of the many advantages to securing and maintaining certification. Some of the benefits of certification include:

• Certification attests to the individual's knowledge and skills deemed necessary to the field of practice as delineated by the profession.
• Certification attests that the individual has met basic and ongoing requirements of professional and ethical practice.
• Certification conveys a sense of pride and accomplishment in the profession.
• Certification commands the respect of other professionals who also have stringent standards for professional practice.
• Certification is likely to result in more respect from peers.
• Certification assures consumers that services are provided by professionals who have met national standards and that these professionals have the basic knowledge and skills required to provide services that will be more likely to result in reaching the consumers' goals safely and effectively.
• Certification assists employers in identifying qualified vision rehabilitation and education professionals.
• Certification often results in professionals receiving better salaries and more opportunities for professional advancement and promotion.
• Certified professionals are more likely to be reimbursed by third party insurers.
• Certification provides a mechanism for self-study during the recertification process.
• Certification ensures that the professional's credentials are recognized nationally and is the single best way to begin a process of developing national standardization and acceptable levels of service.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the ACVREP office at 520-887-6816 (ext. 222).