• 62 questions

Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

An unofficial CPO practice test, on the five domains of the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification's content outline.

About how long do drops that dilate the pupils take to work?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 60 questions, 45 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the American Optometric Association's Commission on Paraoptometric Certification. Bank checked October 8, 2026.

The real exam, as the Commission describes it

Questions
120
Time limit
90 minutes
Fee
$290 application fee in 2026
Scored questions
100 scored and 20 pretest questions, all multiple choice. Pretest questions are spread through the exam and do not count.
Domains
Five, weighted 52.2, 11.1, 14.5, 11.1 and 11.1 percent in the content outline.
Scoring
A scaled score from 200 to 800, the passing point being 500, set by the modified Angoff technique. No percent is printed.
Where
At a Prometric test center or by live remote proctoring.
Before you apply
A high school diploma or its equivalent, plus six months of recent full-time work in the eye care field (1,040 hours), with a signed attestation statement.
Renewal
Every three years. AOA membership is not required.

Checked October 8, 2026 against CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Exam Details & Fees - 2026 and the 2026 candidate handbook. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The AOA's own certification page

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All 62 questions

Clinical principles, testing and procedures 32

  • A keratoscope, the kind of device that includes the photokeratoscope, measures and evaluates what? 21 CFR 886.1350, Keratoscope (FDA). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 13: Perform testing to evaluate cornea.
  • A patient cannot make out any letter, number or picture on the chart. What does the examiner usually do next? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual acuity test, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 2: Perform visual acuity testing.
  • A patient finished a cup of coffee ten minutes ago. Why is the automated blood pressure reading put off? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Blood pressure measurement, How to prepare for the test. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 4: Perform automated blood pressure measurement.
  • A patient keeps a long sleeve on for a blood pressure reading. What does MedlinePlus say about the sleeve? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Blood pressure measurement, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 4: Perform automated blood pressure measurement.
Show all 62 questions (58 more)

Clinical principles, testing and procedures, continued

  • A patient looks at an Amsler grid. Which report suggests a loss of central vision? National Eye Institute, Macular Edema, How will my eye doctor check for macular edema?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 3: Perform Amsler grid testing.
  • A patient reads the 20/40 line. What does 20/40 mean? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual acuity test, Normal results. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 2: Perform visual acuity testing.
  • A penlight is shone at the pupils. What is the proper response? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Standard eye exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 8: Perform pupillary testing.
  • About how long do drops that dilate the pupils take to work? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Slit-lamp exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 12: Administer and record diagnostic and therapeutic eye drops.
  • An automated cuff is wrapped on the patient's upper arm during pretesting. Where does MedlinePlus say that upper arm should be? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Blood pressure measurement, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 4: Perform automated blood pressure measurement.
  • An ophthalmic refractometer, the automatic device used for autorefraction, measures the refractive power of the eye by measuring what? 21 CFR 886.1760, Ophthalmic refractometer (FDA). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 11: Perform autorefraction and autokeratometry.
  • At the start of an eye exam the patient is asked about any eye or vision problem. What are they asked to describe? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Standard eye exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 1: Record case history.
  • Automated perimetry is often used to track which condition over time? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual field, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 15: Perform automated visual field testing.
  • The case history also covers overall health. Which of these belongs in it? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Standard eye exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 1: Record case history.
  • Fundus photography records the fundus. Which part of the eye is that? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Standard eye exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 14: Perform fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
  • How are the two eyes tested in a visual acuity test? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual acuity test, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 2: Perform visual acuity testing.
  • How far from a Snellen chart does the patient stand or sit for a distance acuity test? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual acuity test, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 2: Perform visual acuity testing.
  • In a confrontation visual field exam, where does the patient look? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual field, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 10: Perform confrontation visual field screening.
  • In a cover/uncover test, one eye is covered for a few seconds and then uncovered. What is watched? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Extraocular muscle function testing, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 7: Perform ocular motility testing.
  • In extraocular muscle function testing, what does the patient do as the target is moved? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Extraocular muscle function testing, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 7: Perform ocular motility testing.
  • In the part of a refraction where a device shines light into the eyes and determines the refraction, what responses are needed from the patient? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Refraction, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 11: Perform autorefraction and autokeratometry.
  • What are Ishihara plates? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Color vision test, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 6: Perform color vision assessment.
  • What does a test of stereopsis check? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Standard eye exam, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 5: Perform stereoacuity testing.
  • What does an acuity chart show for a young child who cannot read letters? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual acuity test, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 2: Perform visual acuity testing.
  • What does optical coherence tomography (OCT) do? National Eye Institute, Macular Edema, How will my eye doctor check for macular edema?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 14: Perform fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT).
  • What does pachymetry measure? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Tonometry, Normal results. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 13: Perform testing to evaluate cornea.
  • What does the patient do during automated perimetry? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Visual field, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 15: Perform automated visual field testing.
  • What is a patient told to expect for a few hours after dilating drops? National Eye Institute, Get a Dilated Eye Exam, What happens after a dilated eye exam?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 12: Administer and record diagnostic and therapeutic eye drops.
  • What is an Amsler grid intended to detect? 21 CFR 886.1330, Amsler grid (FDA). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 3: Perform Amsler grid testing.
  • What is the most common type of color vision deficiency? National Eye Institute, Color Blindness, What are the types of color vision deficiency?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 6: Perform color vision assessment.
  • What is the normal range of eye pressure? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Tonometry, Normal results. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 9: Perform tonometry.
  • Which method of tonometry measures eye pressure with a puff of air? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Tonometry, How the test is performed. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 9: Perform tonometry.
  • Why are contact lenses removed before a pressure test that uses orange dye? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Tonometry, How to prepare for the test. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 01, task 9: Perform tonometry.

Ophthalmic optics and dispensing 7

  • An ophthalmic lens gauge is a calibrated device used by hand to measure what? 21 CFR 886.1420, Ophthalmic lens gauge (FDA). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 1: Perform lensometry.
  • In FDA's impact test for eyeglass lenses, what is dropped on the lens? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA), paragraph (d)(2). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 4: Educate and assist patient in selecting eyewear.
  • May an office charge a fee, on top of the examination fee, as a condition of releasing the eyeglass prescription to the patient? 16 CFR 456.2, Separation of examination and dispensing (FTC Eyeglass Rule), paragraph (c). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 5: Place an order for eyeglass prescriptions.
  • Under FDA's rule, eyeglasses and sunglasses must be fitted with which lenses, unless the physician or optometrist finds they will not meet the patient's visual requirements? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA), paragraph (c)(1). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 4: Educate and assist patient in selecting eyewear.
  • Under FDA's rule, which lenses are each tested individually for impact resistance? 21 CFR 801.410, Use of impact-resistant lenses in eyeglasses and sunglasses (FDA), paragraph (c)(3). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 4: Educate and assist patient in selecting eyewear.
  • Under the FTC's Eyeglass Rule, when is the patient given a copy of the eyeglass prescription? 16 CFR 456.2, Separation of examination and dispensing (FTC Eyeglass Rule), paragraph (a)(1). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 5: Place an order for eyeglass prescriptions.
  • Which instrument measures the power of lenses, prisms and their centers? 21 CFR 886.1425, Lens measuring instrument (FDA). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 02, task 1: Perform lensometry.

Contact lenses 9

  • A contact lens wearer reports symptoms of eye irritation or infection. After taking the lenses out, what does FDA say to do with them? FDA, Contact Lens Risks. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 4: Screen patients on their experience with contact lenses.
  • A new wearer asks whether lenses may be rinsed in tap water or distilled water. What does FDA say? FDA, Contact Lens Solutions and Products. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 2: Educate patient on contact lens care.
  • After the lenses are taken out of the case, what is done with the solution left in it? FDA, Contact Lens Solutions and Products. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 2: Educate patient on contact lens care.
  • How often does FDA say to replace a contact lens storage case? FDA, Contact Lens Solutions and Products. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 2: Educate patient on contact lens care.
  • State law sets no expiration date. Unless the prescriber sets an earlier date on medical judgment, a contact lens prescription expires not less than how long after its issue date? 16 CFR 315.6, Expiration of contact lens prescriptions (FTC Contact Lens Rule), paragraph (a). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 1: Place an order for a patient's contact lens prescription.
  • Under the FTC's Contact Lens Rule, which of these is part of a contact lens prescription? 16 CFR 315.2, Definitions (FTC Contact Lens Rule), Contact lens prescription. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 1: Place an order for a patient's contact lens prescription.
  • What are the two general categories of contact lenses? FDA, Types of Contact Lenses. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 1: Place an order for a patient's contact lens prescription.
  • What does a red tip and cap on a bottle of contact lens solution signal? FDA, Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, Safety tips. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 2: Educate patient on contact lens care.
  • Why must a hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution be neutralized before the lenses go on the eyes? FDA, Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, Use hydrogen peroxide solutions correctly. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 03, task 2: Educate patient on contact lens care.

Professional issues 7

  • A caller reports a lot of new floaters, flashes of light and a dark curtain over part of the vision. How is this call triaged? National Eye Institute, Retinal Detachment, What are the symptoms of retinal detachment?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 2: Respond to incoming telephone calls.
  • A caller says a chemical has splashed in the eye. Besides medical help right away, which first aid does MedlinePlus list? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Eye emergencies, First aid, chemical injuries. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 2: Respond to incoming telephone calls.
  • A patient has had a serious eye problem linked to contact lenses. To which FDA program does FDA say such problems are reported? FDA, Contact Lens Risks. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 1: Assist with patient complaints and concerns.
  • A patient has named a daughter as the person who helps with their eye care. Under the HIPAA privacy rule, what may the office disclose to her? 45 CFR 164.510, Uses and disclosures requiring an opportunity to agree or to object (HHS), paragraph (b)(1)(i). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 5: Comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens rule, which of these is prohibited in a work area where occupational exposure is reasonably likely? 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens (OSHA), paragraph (d)(2)(ix). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 5: Comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Where the eyes of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, what does OSHA require within the work area? 29 CFR 1910.151, Medical services and first aid (OSHA), paragraph (c). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 5: Comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Which kinds of safeguards must a covered entity have in place to protect the privacy of protected health information? 45 CFR 164.530, Administrative requirements (HHS), paragraph (c)(1). Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 04, task 5: Comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Science of the eye 7

  • A bright red patch on the white of the eye, with no pain, no discharge and no change in vision, fits which condition? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Subconjunctival hemorrhage, Symptoms. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 6: Describe conjunctivitis and compare/contrast with subconjunctival hemorrhage.
  • Myopia makes which objects look blurry? National Eye Institute, Refractive Errors, What are the types of refractive errors?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 2: Define the types of refractive disorders of the eye.
  • The redness and swelling of a stye go away, but the blocked gland does not drain and leaves a firm, non-tender nodule in the eyelid. What is this called? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Chalazion, Symptoms. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 5: Describe hordeola and chalazia.
  • Tropicamide eye drops are used for diagnostic procedures to produce what? DailyMed (National Library of Medicine), label of Tropicamide Ophthalmic Solution, USP, Indications and usage. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 10: Describe basic topical agents for the eyes.
  • What is amblyopia? National Eye Institute, Amblyopia (Lazy Eye), What is amblyopia?. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 3: Define and compare amblyopia and strabismus.
  • Which part of the eye controls how much light the pupil lets in? National Eye Institute, How the Eyes Work. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 1: Describe the structure of the eye and its components.
  • The word part blephar-, as in blepharitis, refers to what? MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), Appendix A: Word Parts and What They Mean, Body parts and disorders. Outline: CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline (CPC approved 4.22.2024), Domain 05, task 11: Define commonly used terms in optometry.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the five domains of the Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Certification Examination Test Specifications and Content Outline of the Commission on Paraoptometric Certification of the American Optometric Association (CPC approved 4.22.2024, https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Education/Paraoptometric/Certification/CPO%20Expanded%20Outline%20-%20CPC%20approved%204.22.2024.pdf, linked from https://www.aoa.org/education/paraoptometric-certification/cpc-examination-study-resources, read 2026-10-08), in its weights of 52.2, 11.1, 14.5, 11.1 and 11.1 percent. The bank holds 32, 7, 9, 7, 7 questions in that order. Every fact was read on 2026-10-08 in the public text the question names: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, National Eye Institute pages, FDA pages on contact lenses, the Code of Federal Regulations at ecfr.gov (21 CFR 801.410 and part 886, 16 CFR parts 315 and 456, 29 CFR 1910.151 and 1910.1030, 45 CFR part 164) and a DailyMed label. The study materials the examination's owner sells or lists were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This Certified Paraoptometric practice test has 62 questions of our own for the CPO examination. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Optometric Association or its Commission on Paraoptometric Certification.

Read the full guide

What the exam covers

The CPO Test Specifications and Content Outline, CPC approved April 22, 2024 and read October 8, 2026, has five domains: clinical principles, testing and procedures 52.2%; ophthalmic optics and dispensing 11.1%; contact lenses 14.5%; professional issues 11.1%; science of the eye 11.1%.

How the bank is split

The 62 questions follow those weights: 32, 7, 9, 7 and 7. Exam mode asks 60 in 45 minutes, the pace of 120 questions in 90 minutes.

Where the facts come from

Each answer names the public text it was read in: the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, the National Eye Institute, FDA device and contact lens pages, and the FTC's eyeglass and contact lens rules. Points found only in private standards, such as lens tolerance tables, are not asked.

  • Where the Commission's listed study resources differ from a source named here, follow the study resources for the exam.

Questions and answers

Who can take the Certified Paraoptometric exam?

A candidate needs a high school diploma or its equivalent, plus six months of recent full-time work in the eye care field, by the 2026 candidate handbook. This practice test for Certified Paraoptometric candidates covers the CPO, one of the Commission's four certifications.

How many questions are on the CPO exam?

120 multiple-choice questions: 100 scored and 20 pretest, with a time limit of 90 minutes, by the Commission's 2026 exam details. Pretest questions are spread through the examination and do not count toward the score.

What is the passing score for the CPO exam?

Scores are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, the passing point being 500, set by the modified Angoff technique, by the 2026 candidate handbook. No percent is printed, so a result here is the number right, not a forecast.

How much does the CPO exam cost?

$290 is the 2026 application fee for the Certified Paraoptometric examination, by the Commission's exam details and fees sheet. Certification does not require AOA membership, and certification is renewed every three years.

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