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Q1. Are faxed or emailed applications accepted? -Answer-
Q2. When submitting an eligibility application, is it necessary to send
original supporting documentation? -Answer-
Q3. Why is there a need for a test to be part of certification? -Answer-
Q4. Does ACVREP have study guides for applicants to use in preparing
for the certification examination? -Answer-
Q5. Will you contact me when my certification is about to expire? -Answer-
Q6. How do I become certified if my certification has lapsed? -Answer-
Q7. Is it possible to maintain certification if you are no long working
in the field? -Answer-
Q8. Do I have to obtain all of my continuing education (CE) hours from
ACVREP approved CE providers? -Answer-
Q9. What are the correct designations for each certification program
that ACVREP administers and how are these designations used? -Answer-
Q10. Who may use these designations? -Answer-
Q1. Are faxed or emailed applications accepted?
Answer: No, we must receive all application materials through the mail.
Any interruptions in fax or e-mail communications could delay or prevent the receipt
of such materials to the ACVREP office. Thus, ACVREP asks that you submit applications
and other relevant materials through ground mail.
Q2. When submitting an eligibility application, is it necessary to send
original supporting documentation?
Answer: ACVREP requires official transcripts documenting the applicant’s
Bachelor’s degree and/or Master's degree (or foreign equivalency) in
specified areas of study. Also, the applicant must submit the original clinical
competency evaluation form(s) completed by the internship supervisor(s). It is
recommended that applicants maintain a copy of all application materials sent
to ACVREP.
Q3.
Why is there a need for a test to be part of certification?
Answer: In order for certification to meet recognized national standards,
an examination to demonstrate competency is part of the expectation. A certification
examination is the recognized method to demonstrate professional knowledge and
competency.
Q4. Does ACVREP have study guides for applicants to use in preparing for
the certification examination?
Answer: No, ACVREP does not sell or distribute study guides. AER does have
a study guide for individuals seeking certification in Low Vision Therapy and
Orientation and Mobility. Please contact AER at 1-877-492-2708 or 703-671-4500
to purchase the Low Vision Study Guide. In each of ACVREP’s certification
handbooks, there is a section titled “Test At A Glance” that provides
some information about the certification examination. The handbooks also provide
a list of references from which the exam questions came. You might want to review
the references listed as you prepare for the exam.
Q5. Will you contact me when my certification is about to expire?
Answer: Yes, individuals holding ACVREP Certification (5-year term) will
be contacted by ACVREP six (6) months prior to your certification expiration date.
ACVREP will send you a letter informing you that it is time to recertify. If we
do not hear from you, we then send a reminder letter three (3) months prior to
your recertification expiration date. Sometimes we receive “returned”
letters because certificants move but forget to update our office. Please note
that it is your responsibility to provide address, phone, email address, etc.
changes to the ACVREP office when they occur.
Q6. How
do I become certified if my certification has lapsed?
Answer: Candidates initially granted certification but who have not made
application for recertification and, thus, technically certification has expired,
may be reinstated within one calendar year following the expiration date if they
meet the recertification requirements (or opt to take the exam and pass), pay
the recertification late fee, and any late annual fees. If a candidate has allowed
his or her certification to expire or has been determined to be ineligible for
recertification for longer than one year, he or she will have to go through the
entire certification process again, including submitting an eligibility application,
taking and passing the exam, and applying to the ACVREP Board of Directors for
certification. The candidate must submit all of the necessary forms and fees,
including the payment of any late annual fees during the period of active certification,
as appropriatey.
Q7. Is
it possible to maintain certification if you are no long working in the field?
Answer: Yes, however, ACVREP requires all certificants to renew their certification
at five-year intervals. As long as you meet the recertification criteria (or pass
the exam) and are approved by ACVREP’s Board of Directors, you can maintain
certification. However, if you can’t meet the current recertification criteria
or choose not to retake the exam as an option to recertify, you can always let
your certification lapse and apply at a later date
Q8. Do
I have to obtain all of my continuing education (CE) hours from ACVREP approved
CE providers?
Answer: Yes, this requirement became effective beginning July 1, 2004.
However, you will still be able to use any CE hours you obtained prior to July
1, 2004 for recertification, regardless of whether or not the CE provider applied
for and received ACVREP approval. The “Continuing Education” page
on our website provides current information on ACVREP approved CE providers.
Q9. What
are the correct designations for each certification program that ACVREP administers
and how are these designations used?
Answer: ACVREP
administers three certifications programs: Low Vision Therapy, Orientation and
Mobility, and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy. Once certification candidates are
approved, they receive an official letter of acceptance, a certificate, and a
logo pin. They may then use the designation for the certification they hold. If
you are certified in Low Vision Therapy, you may use the acronym CLVT and refer
to yourself as a Certified Low Vision Therapist. If you are certified in Orientation
and Mobility, you may use the acronym COMS and refer to yourself as a Certified
Orientation and Mobility Specialist. If you are certified in Vision Rehabilitation
Therapy (formerly Rehabilitation Teaching), you may use the acronym CVRT and refer
to yourself as a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist.
Designations are important because they are used in conjunction with an individual's
name and title and are placed on, for example, business cards, letterhead stationery,
and logo pins. They are official emblems of the certification program and should
be used in a proper manner.
Q10. Who
may use these designations?
Answer: Use of these certification
designations are strictly limited to those individuals who are currently certified
by ACVREP. Individuals whose certification has expired must cease using the designation
until such time as they become certified again. Individuals who use these designations
or otherwise represent themselves as being certified by ACVREP, without first
having fulfilled all certification requirements, will be deemed to be in violation
of the certification program’s Code of Ethics. Such individuals may be subject
to legal action.
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