Non-Accredited Graduates & International Applicants

All registration applicants must meet the requirements set out in the College Bylaws. Canadian and international applicants who did not graduate from a recognized program or who are not currently registered in good standing with another Canadian License Optician regulator may apply through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process.

This process is designed to assess an applicant's knowledge, skills, experience and abilities. Applicants will complete a competency gap analysis (multiple choice knowledge assessment) followed by a case-based interview in each designation they’re registering for.

Results from the assessments will be combined and reviewed by the Registration Committee. The Registration Committee will decide if the applicant requires further training and may recommend educational bridging courses or allow the applicant to write the national licensing examination. 

Click here for a separate website dedicated to finding out more about becoming an optician in Canada. 

Steps for Registration
  1. Complete an online application for PLAR
  2. Complete a competency gap analysis (CGA) and interview
  3. Registration Committee will review the results of the CGA and interview, along with your application and supporting documents to determine if you will need to complete courses to bridge gaps or move on to write the national licensing examination
  4. Complete bridging courses and provide COBC with your transcript (if you are not assigned bridging courses skip to step 5. 
  5. Successfully complete the national licensing examination 
  6. Register with the College by:
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