Below is a summary of the ABCO
Certification and MOC Processes

Initial Certification

• Graduated from an accredited School or College of Optometry
• Passed NBEO or equivalent state exam required for licensure
• Passed TMOD or equivalent state exam required for TPA privileges
• Unrestricted license to practice optometry
• Complete the ABCO Certification Application
• Moral Character Review (NPDB Report)
• Pay the ABCO Credentialing Fee

Maintenance of Certification

ABCO Maintenance of Certification is designed to meet or exceed the recommendations of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). ABCO MOC runs in 5-year cycles. The first cycle begins on January 1 following the year in which you became ABCO certified. During MOC Cycles the following must be completed:

• 125 Hours of Continuing Education every 5 years
  • 75 of the 125 must be COPE approved (1 Hour granted for each hour attended.)
  • 25 of the 125 must include testing (CEE) (2 Hours granted for each hour tested.)
• 1 Self Assessment Module (SAM) every 5 years
• 1 Practice Performance Module (PPM) every 5 years
• 1 Cognitive Expertise Examination every 10 years (in years 9-10)
• Moral Character update once every 5 years