Free COT Practice Test %currentyear%: Exam Questions & Study Guide

COT Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide

Certified Ophthalmic Technician performing COT test on patient

The COT test is a pivotal step for ophthalmic professionals seeking to validate their expertise. Administered by JCAHPO, the Certified Ophthalmic Technician examination assesses advanced knowledge in ocular motility, refractometry, and clinical equipment. Our comprehensive COT test prep resources are designed to help you navigate this challenging certification process with confidence.

Achieving certification requires mastering the JCAHPO COT skills test and the written examination. With a focus on real-world scenarios, our COT practice test free questions mirror the actual exam format. Whether you are reviewing for the COT exam or exploring COT medical test requirements, this guide provides the essential tools for your success.

⏱️
3h
Time Limit
📝
200
Questions
65%
Pass Rate
💵
$300
Exam Fee
📊
MCQ
Scoring
🖥️
CBT
Format
🔄
90d
Retakes
🏢
Pearson
Centers
📍
Intl
Based
🩺
JCAHPO
Licensure
💻
Yes
Computer
🎓
HS+
Degree

The COT test certification validates your intermediate-level skills in ophthalmic technology. By passing the JCAHPO COT skills test, you demonstrate proficiency in assisting ophthalmologists with patient care and diagnostic testing.

Ophthalmic technician taking a COT practice test on computer

Free COT Practice Test Questions

Our COT practice test modules cover essential topics to help you pass. Each COT test questions set mimics the difficulty of the real exam.

COT Exam Flashcards

Quick review for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician exam

👁️
What is the primary function of the cornea?
The cornea refracts light entering the eye and provides approximately 70 percent of the eye's total focusing power.
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💊
What is a cycloplegic drug used for?
Cycloplegic drugs temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle, preventing accommodation and dilating the pupil for examination.
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🔍
Define "Refractometry" in ophthalmology.
Refractometry is the clinical measurement of the refractive error of the eye to determine the appropriate lens prescription.
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🦠
What causes conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, leading to inflammation of the conjunctiva.
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📏
What does Keratometry measure?
Keratometry measures the curvature of the anterior surface of the cornea, essential for contact lens fitting and IOL calculations.
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🩸
What is tonometry?
Tonometry is the procedure used to measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) inside the eye, crucial for glaucoma screening.
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COT Exam Study Guide

Our COT test prep guide covers the essential components of the examination. Understanding the COT exam structure is key to efficient preparation.

What is the COT test?The COT test is the Certified Ophthalmic Technician examination administered by JCAHPO to validate intermediate-level ophthalmic skills.
Who can take the COT exam?Candidates must hold a COA certification and have 12 months of work experience to qualify for the COT exam.
Is the COT test hard?The COT test is considered moderately difficult as it requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills demonstration.
What does the COT exam cover?The COT exam covers topics like pharmacology, optics, refractometry, and contact lenses.
How many questions are on the COT test?The COT test consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions in the written portion.
What is the JCAHPO COT skills test?The JCAHPO COT skills test is a hands-on simulation assessment of seven specific clinical skills.
How long is the COT exam?You have 3 hours for the written COT exam and additional time for the skills evaluation.
Is the COT test computer-based?Yes, both the written and skills portions of the COT test are administered on a computer.
How do I register for the COT exam?You can register for the COT exam through the official JCAHPO website after meeting eligibility requirements.
What is the COT exam cost?The COT exam cost is typically around $300 for the initial application, though fees may vary.
Where can I take the COT test?You can take the COT test at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.
Do I need a sponsor for the COT exam?Yes, an ophthalmologist must verify your employment for the COT exam application.
What is the passing score for the COT test?The specific passing score for the COT test varies, but generally requires answering about 65-70% correctly.
When do I get my COT exam results?Preliminary COT exam results are often available immediately after completing the computer-based test.
Can I retake the COT test?Yes, if you fail the COT test, you can retake it after a waiting period and paying a retest fee.
How long is COT certification valid?COT certification is valid for 3 years and requires continuing education credits for renewal.
What is the average COT salary?The average COT salary in the US ranges from $50,000 to $65,000 annually depending on experience.
Does passing the COT test increase pay?Yes, passing the COT test typically leads to higher wages compared to non-certified technicians.
Are COT jobs in demand?Yes, there is a strong demand for professionals who have passed the COT exam in ophthalmology practices.
Can a COT specialize further?Yes, after the COT test, technicians can pursue the COMT (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist) certification.

Mastering the JCAHPO COT Skills Test

The JCAHPO COT skills test is a critical component of certification. In addition to the written COT test questions, candidates must demonstrate practical proficiency in specific areas.

👁️Optics & RefractometryHigh Impact

Core area of the COT test focusing on vision correction.

RefractionRetinoscopyGlassesPrisms
  • Topics: Lensometry, Keratometry
  • Questions: ~18% of exam
🏥Medical & SurgicalEssential

Tests knowledge of assisting in COT medical test procedures.

SterilizationInstrumentsAsepsis
  • Topics: Minor Surgery, Pharmacology
  • Questions: ~15% of exam
🧪Diagnostic TestingPractical

Crucial for the JCAHPO COT skills test simulation.

Visual FieldsTonometryBiometryImaging
  • Topics: OCT, Fundus Photography
  • Questions: ~20% of exam
🦠MicrobiologyFoundational

Understanding pathogens is key for the COT exam.

BacteriaVirusesFungiInfection Control
  • Topics: Smears, Cultures
  • Questions: ~10% of exam
👓Contact LensesSpecialty

Fitting and managing lenses is tested in the COT test.

FittingEvaluationEducationComplications
  • Topics: Rigid & Soft Lenses
  • Questions: ~12% of exam
🧠Ocular MotilityComplex

Advanced topic covering eye movements in the COT test.

StrabismusMuscle ActionPhoriasTropias
  • Topics: Cover Tests, Prisms
  • Questions: ~10% of exam
💡 COT Study Tip

Practice the JCAHPO COT skills test simulations repeatedly. The skills portion requires precise execution of tasks like keratometry and lensometry in a virtual environment.

COT Score Calculator

Estimate your COT exam readiness based on practice performance.

Total Scored Questions: 200
0200
130 out of 200 correct
65%
✓ PASS
Required to Pass:~65%
Your Score:130 correct
Questions Wrong:70

COT Salary and Compensation

Earning your Certified Ophthalmic Technician credential significantly increases earning potential compared to non-certified roles.

$58,500
Average Annual COT Salary
📊 COT Salary Progression
$38k
Entry
$45k
COA
$72k
COMT
$80k
Lead
$90k+
Manager
Entry
$38k
COA
$45k
COMT
$72k
Lead
$80k
Manager
$90k+
*Salaries vary by region and experience.
Experience LevelAnnual SalaryMonthly IncomeTypical Timeline
🔰 Entry-Level Tech$38,000$3,1660-1 Years
📜 Certified (COA)$45,000$3,7501-2 Years
🏅 Certified (COT)$58,500$4,8752-5 Years
🏆 Certified (COMT)$72,000$6,0005+ Years
👔 Surgical Coordinator$65,000$5,416Varies
💰 Career Growth

Passing the COT exam is a key milestone. COTs earn approximately 20-30% more than non-certified assistants.

How to Become a COT

The path to becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Technician involves education, experience, and passing the COT test. Here is the standard progression.

🎓
Step 1
Education
Accredited Program
📜
Step 2
COA Cert
Prerequisite
💼
Step 3
Experience
12 Months Work
📝
Step 4
COT Test
Pass Exam
COT Certification Process
  1. Earn COA Certification - You must first become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) as a prerequisite for the COT exam.
  2. Gain Work Experience - Complete at least 12 months of employment under an ophthalmologist's supervision.
  3. Complete Training - Earn 12 JCAHPO Group A continuing education credits.
  4. Apply for Exam - Submit your application and pay the COT exam cost to JCAHPO.
  5. Schedule Testing - Book your exam appointment at a Pearson VUE center.
  6. Pass Written Exam - Complete the 200-question multiple-choice COT test.
  7. Pass Skills Test - Successfully perform the 7 required skills in the JCAHPO COT skills test simulation.

COT Certification Cost Breakdown

Budgeting for the COT exam is important. Below are the typical costs associated with becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Technician.

📝
$300
Exam Fee
Initial Application
📚
$150
Study Materials
Books & Guides
💻
$100
Practice Tests
Online Prep
🔄
$275
Retake Fee
If Needed
🎓
$200
CE Credits
Prerequisite CE
🏥
$0-$2k
Training Program
Varies by School
💰 Total Investment

Expect to invest between $600 and $1,000 total for the COT exam process, including fees and preparation materials.

Ophthalmic technician practicing skills for COT exam

COT Career Opportunities

Passing the COT test opens doors to various specialties in ophthalmology.

👶
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Specialize in vision care for children. Pediatric COT roles require patience and specialized testing skills for strabismus and amblyopia.
🔪
Surgical Assisting
Work as a surgical COT assisting in cataract, glaucoma, and refractive surgeries. Requires knowledge of sterile technique and instruments.
👁️
Refractive Surgery
A refractive COT works in LASIK centers, performing pre-operative measurements and counseling patients on vision correction options.
📸
Ocular Imaging
Focus on diagnostic testing. Imaging COT specialists perform OCT, fundus photography, and fluorescein angiography.
👓
Contact Lens
Become a contact lens COT expert, fitting specialty lenses for conditions like keratoconus and managing complex fits.

COT Testing Contacts

For official information regarding the COT exam, contact JCAHPO or Pearson VUE.

🏢
JCAHPO
Certifying Board

Website: jcahpo.org

Services: Registration, Certification

Contact: 800-284-3937

🖥️
Pearson VUE
Testing Provider

Website: pearsonvue.com

Services: Scheduling, Testing

Contact: Online Scheduling

🏥
ATPO
Professional Org

Website: atpo.org

Services: Education, Resources

Contact: Membership Support

📚
AAO
Ophthalmology Academy

Website: aao.org

Services: Clinical Guidelines

Contact: General Info

🔍 Job Search

Look for Certified Ophthalmic Technician positions on JCAHPO's job board, Indeed, and local hospital career pages.

COT Test Day Checklist

Ready to Pass the COT Exam?

Join thousands of ophthalmic technicians who have used our free COT test prep resources to achieve certification. Start practicing today.

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COT Renewal Requirements

Maintaining your Certified Ophthalmic Technician status requires recertification every three years.

📅
Cycle
3 Years
🎓
CE Credits
27 Hours
💵
Fee
$125
✅ Stay Certified

Ensure you complete your JCAHPO Group A credits on time. Lapsed certification requires retaking the full COT exam.

COT Exam Questions and Answers

To find COT testing centers near me, visit the Pearson VUE website and use their location search tool. There are hundreds of authorized testing centers globally.

Yes, many accredited COT programs online offer distance learning options for the didactic portion, though clinical skills must be practiced in person.

Most candidates find the JCAHPO COT skills test simulation the most challenging part of the COT test due to its precise requirements.

The COT exam cost is currently around $300 for JCAHPO members and non-members, covering both the written and skills examinations.

A passing score on the COT exam is generally equivalent to answering 65-70% of questions correctly, though it is a scaled score.

Yes, taking a jcahpo COT practice test online is highly recommended. Our site offers free practice questions to help you prepare.

Prerequisites include COA certification, 12 months of work experience, and continuing education credits before applying for the COT exam.

Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing for the COT test, focusing on both written material and practical skills practice.

While sometimes referred to as a COT medical test, the official name is the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) examination.

Yes, ocular pharmacology is a significant section of the COT exam, testing knowledge of drops, side effects, and indications.

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