Listed below are the eligibility criteria for each of ACVREP's three disciplines [Low
Vision Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching]. These criteria apply to all individuals seeking certification after July 1, 2003. To obtain a copy of one of our eligibility applications (the applications include all of the required forms), you can do one of two things:

1. Click on the "Downloads" button on our main menu. Then click on the specific application you need.

2. Call the ACVREP office at 520-887-6816 and we'll send you a copy of the application you need.

ACVREP ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA – EFFECTIVE 7/1/03

• LOW VISION THERAPY
  
• ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY
  
• REHABILITATION TEACHING
  

LOW VISION THERAPY

CATEGORY 1 (GRADUATES OF LOW VISION PROGRAMS):

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization (major/degree) in low vision therapy.  This degree should be granted from a university or college with a program of study in low vision that meets the low vision therapy core domain areas (see Appendix A).

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the degree. 

• In conjunction with the university, successful completion of 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by a CLVT and a physician (OD or MD) practicing in low vision.  The CLVT supervisor may be offsite.

Supporting documentation required: 

1. A “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” must be completed by both the CLVT and OD/MD (see Appendix B).  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the CLVT and OD/MD supervisors.

2. If the CLVT practice supervisor is offsite, an “Off-Site Supervisor Contract” must also be completed, signed by the practice supervisor and applicant, and approved by the ACVREP office prior to the practice taking place (see Appendix C).

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the LVT eligibility application).

Eligibility for LVT certification:

• Pass the LVT written exam demonstrating knowledge of low vision principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

CATEGORY 2 (GENERAL):

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) in any field.  In addition, the CLVT supervisor must verify that the applicant demonstrates basic competency in all core domain areas.

 Supporting documentation required: 

1. Official transcripts documenting the degree. 
2. The Core Domain Area Checklist verifying basic competency in all core domain areas must be completed by the CLVT supervisor and submitted with your eligibility application (see Appendix D). 

• Have completed 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by a CLVT and a physician (OD or MD) practicing in low vision.  The CLVT supervisor may be offsite. 

Supporting documentation required: 

1. A “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form”must be completed by the CLVT and        OD/MD (see Appendix B).  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one         internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit     “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the CLVT and OD/MD supervisors.

2. If the CLVT practice supervisor is offsite, an “Off-Site Supervisor Contract” must also be completed, signed by the practice supervisor and applicant, and approved by the ACVREP office prior to the practice taking place (see Appendix C). 

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the LVT eligibility application).

Eligibility for LVT certification:

• Pass the LVT written exam demonstrating knowledge of low vision principles and their applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

CATEGORY 3 (EXPEDITED TRACK) – CAN ONLY APPLY UNDER THIS CATEGORY THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2007.

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) in any field.
• Proof of being a practicing low vision therapist with a minimum of 2000 hours low vision experience for at least five (5) years prior to application.
• Proof that the applicant demonstrates basic competency in all core domain areas.
• Submission and approval of 10 case reports.

 Supporting documentation required: 

1. Official transcripts documenting the degree,
2. The “Employer Verification of Hours” letter (see Appendix E),
3. The Core Domain Area Checklist verifying basic competency in all core domain areas, which must be completed by the CLVT supervisor and submitted with your eligibility application (see Appendix D), and
4. Ten (10) case reports (see Appendix F).

• Have undergone sufficient observation by the CLVT and/or OD/MD to substitute for the 350 hour “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.” 

Supporting documentation required:  The “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” (see Appendix B).  This form must be completed by the CLVT and OD/MD. 

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the LVT eligibility application).

Eligibility for LVT certification:

• Pass the LVT written exam demonstrating knowledge of low vision principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY

Category 1:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in Orientation and Mobility (O&M), from an AER approved university or college O&M program at the time the degree or program of study was granted or completed. 

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the degree.

• In conjunction with the university program, successful completion of 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by an onsite COMS. 

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” (see Appendix A) completed by the on-site COMS supervisor.  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the on-site COMS supervisors.

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for O&M certification:

• Pass the O&M written exam demonstrating knowledge of O&M principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

Category 2:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in O&M, from a university or college program of study in O&M that meets the following thirteen (13) core domain areas (also see “Section 3 – O&M Body of Knowledge” in the Orientation and Mobility Certification Handbook): 

1. Know Professional Information
2. Understanding Relevant Medical Information
3. Understand and Apply Learning Theories to O&M
4. Plan and Conduct O&M Assessment
5. Plan O&M Programs
6. Teach O&M Related Concepts
7. Teach Orientation Strategies and Skills
8. Teach Mobility Skills
9. Teach Use of Senses
10. Teach Consumers who have Additional Disabilities
11. Teach Diverse Consumers
12. Analyze and Modify Environment
13. Know the Psychosocial Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairment

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the

degree; completion of the “O&M Core Domain Area Chart” (see Appendix B), demonstrating where each core domain area has been met in the applicant’s coursework (include course numbers and titles); and course catalog descriptions or course syllabi.

Please note:  The applicant may meet a maximum of two of the 13 academic domains through alternative learning activities (e.g., continuing education courses). 

Supporting documentation required:  “O&M Alternative Learning Pre-Approval Form” (see Appendix C).  The applicant needs to complete this form and submit it with his/her eligibility application. 

• In conjunction with the university program, successful completion of 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by an onsite COMS. 

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” (see Appendix A) completed by the on-site COMS supervisor.  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the on-site COMS supervisors.

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for O&M certification:

• Pass the O&M written exam demonstrating knowledge of O&M principles and applications.

• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

Category 3:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying examination:

• Proof of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) in any field of study and proof of completion of an orientation and mobility certification preparation program from a university or college that meets the following thirteen (13) core domain areas  (also see “Section 3 – O&M Body of Knowledge” in the Orientation and Mobility Certification Handbook):

1. Know Professional Information
2. Understanding Relevant Medical Information
3. Understand and Apply Learning Theories to O&M
4. Plan and Conduct O&M Assessment
5. Plan O&M Programs
6. Teach O&M Related Concepts
7. Teach Orientation Strategies and Skills
8. Teach Mobility Skills
9. Teach Use of Senses
10. Teach Consumers who have Additional Disabilities
11. Teach Diverse Consumers
12. Analyze and Modify Environment
13. Know the Psychosocial Implications of Blindness and Visual Impairment
                           

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the degree and showing completion of the orientation and mobility certification preparation program; completion of the “O&M Core Domain Area Chart” (see Appendix B), demonstrating where each core domain area has been met in their coursework (include course numbers and titles); and course catalog descriptions or course syllabi. 

Please note:  The applicant may meet a maximum of two of the 13 core domain areas through alternative learning activities (e.g., continuing education courses). 

Supporting documentation required:  “O&M Alternative Learning Pre-Approval Form” (see Appendix C).  The applicant needs to complete this form and submit it with his/her eligibility application. 

• In conjunction with the university program, successful completion of 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by an onsite COMS. 

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” (see Appendix A) completed by the on-site COMS supervisor.  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the on-site COMS supervisors.

• Sign a written statement agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for O&M certification:

• Pass the O&M written exam demonstrating knowledge of O&M principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

VISION REHABILITATION THERAPY (FORMERLY REHABILITATION TEACHING

Category 1:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying exam:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in the area of Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), from an AER approved VRT program at the time the degree was granted.  If you are unsure of the status of your school’s program when your degree was granted, contact your university program coordinator. 

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the degree.

• In conjunction with the university program, successful completion of at least 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised internship that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The internship must include the provision of a variety of direct services to adults with vision impairments or blindness.  The internship must be supervised by a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) who can be offsite, if necessary. 

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” completed by your CVRT internship supervisor (see Appendix A).  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the CVRT supervisors.  If the CVRT internship supervisor is offsite, an “Off-Site Supervisor Contract” must also be completed, signed by the internship supervisor and applicant, and approved by the ACVREP office PRIOR to the internship taking place (see Appendix D). 

• Sign a written “Statement of Endorsement” agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for VRT certification:

• Pass the VRT written exam demonstrating knowledge of VRT principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

Category 2:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying exam:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company), with a specialization in the area of VRT.  This degree should be granted from a university or college with a program of study in VRT that meets the following sixteen (16) core domain areas: 

The core curriculum must meet all of the 16 core domain body of knowledge areas listed below:

1. Knowledge of the Blindness System.
2. Medical Aspects of Blindness and Low Vision.
3. Professionalism and Practice Methods.
4. Personal Management.
5. Home Management.
6. Communication Systems.
7. Braille and Other Tactual Systems.
8. Adaptive Computer Technology.
9. Recreation and Leisure.
10. Aging and Vision Loss.
11. Deaf-Blindness.
12. Teaching and Learning Strategies.
13. Psychosocial Aspects of Blindness and Vision Loss.
14. Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired with Additional Disabilities.
15. Research.
16. Orientation and Mobility.

Supporting documentation required:  Official transcripts documenting the degree.  Also, to demonstrate knowledge of the 16 core domain body of knowledge areas, the applicant must complete the “Core Domain Area Checklist for Category 2 Applicants” (see Appendix B) andprovide written documentation that s/he has received education in these areas.  Examples of documentation include course descriptions or course syllabi, certificates of completion, continuing education (CE) hour information, continuing education unit (CEU) information, etc.

• In conjunction with the university program, successful completion of at least 350 hours of “discipline specific, supervised practice that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, and related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The practice must be supervised by a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT).  The practice can be supervised by an onsite or offsite CVRT.  The internship must include the provision of a variety of direct services to adults with vision impairments or blindness. 

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” completed by the CVRT internship supervisor (see Appendix A).  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the CVRT supervisors.  If the CVRT internship supervisor is offsite, an “Off-Site Supervisor Contract” must also be completed, signed by the internship supervisor and applicant, and approved by the ACVREP office PRIOR to the practice taking place (see Appendix D). 

• Sign a written “Statement of Endorsement” agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for VRT certification:

• Pass the VRT written exam demonstrating knowledge of VRT principles and applications.

• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.

Category 3:

Eligibility to sit for the certifying exam:

• Proof of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or foreign equivalent, as verified through an independent credential evaluation company) in any field.  Also, must demonstrate knowledge in the following sixteen (16) core domain areas (see Appendix C):

1. Knowledge of the Blindness System*
2. Medical Aspects of Blindness and Low Vision*
3. Professionalism and Practice Methods*
4. Personal Management*
5. Home Management*
6. Communication Systems*
7. Braille and Other Tactual Systems*
8. Adaptive Computer Technology*
9. Recreation and Leisure*
10. Aging and Vision Loss*
11. Deaf-Blindness
12. Teaching and Learning Strategies
13. Psychosocial Aspects of Blindness and Vision Loss
14. Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired with Additional Disabilities
15. Research
16. Orientation and Mobility

Supporting documentation required: 

1. Official transcripts documenting the degree.
2. For the first 10 VRT specific core domain body of knowledge areas listed above (*), the applicant must demonstrate knowledge through formal education (university/college coursework) or ACVREP approved CE programs.  
   Documentation must include:
   a.         Official transcripts and applicable course descriptions or course syllabi AND/OR
   b.         Certificate of Completion/Attendance and applicable course descriptions or course syllabi. 
3. For the last six non-VRT specific core domain body of knowledge areas listed             above (#11-#16), the applicant must demonstrate knowledge through formal   education, ACVREP approved CE programs or other activities. 
   Documentation must include:
   a.         Official transcripts and applicable course descriptions or course syllabi, OR
   b.         Certificates of completion/attendance and applicable course descriptions or course syllabi, OR
   c.         Continuing education (CE) hour or continuing education unit (CEU) information, to include certificates of completion/attendance and conference/workshop/ in-service training agendas and applicable handouts.
4. For the above 16 core domain body of knowledge areas, the applicant must also complete Appendix C (“VRT Core Domain Body of Knowledge Areas”). 
5. If you need to take a university or college course to meet one or more of the 16 core domain body of knowledge areas, we have provided information in “University Programs for Vision Rehabilitation Therapists” to assist you in selecting relevant coursework (see Appendix E).  

• Successful completion of at least 1,000 hours of “discipline specific, supervised internship that includes, but is not limited to, direct service hours, related phone calls, meetings, observations, report writing, etc.”  The internship must include the provision of a variety of direct services to adults with vision impairments or blindness.  The internship must be supervised by a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) who can be offsite, if necessary.   

Supporting documentation required:  Submit a “Clinical Competency Evaluation Form” completed by the CVRT internship supervisor (see Appendix A).  Please note:  For applicants completing more than one internship, to meet the minimum hour or competency requirements, please submit “Clinical Competency Evaluation Forms” for each internship, as completed by the CVRT supervisors.  If the CVRT internship supervisor is offsite, an “Off-Site Supervisor Contract” must also be completed, signed by the internship supervisor and applicant, and approved by the ACVREP office prior to the internship taking place (see Appendix D). 

• Sign a written “Statement of Endorsement” agreeing to uphold high ethical and professional standards (this statement can be found on the second page of the eligibility application).

Eligibility for VRT certification:

• Pass the VRT written exam demonstrating knowledge of VRT principles and applications.
• Approval by the ACVREP Board of Directors.