What is the OCANZ COE?
The OCANZ COE is made up of two parts: a written exam and a clinical exam. The written exam can be taken remotely from the comfort of your home, while the clinical exam is held in person at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia.
Remote Online Written Exam
For the written exam, OCANZ uses a remote online proctoring system. This means you can take the exam at home, but it will be closely monitored.
- Live Monitoring: A certified proctor will supervise your exam via video and audio to ensure everything is fair and proper.
- ID and Environment Checks: You’ll need to show your passport for identity verification, and the proctor will check your environment to ensure it’s free of unauthorised materials.
- Strict Rules: You can only take one bathroom break (max 5 minutes). Keep your camera and audio on throughout the exam. No one else can be in the room with you!
Clinical Exam at the Australian College of Optometry
Unlike the written exam, the clinical part of the OCANZ COE requires you to be physically present at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne. This part tests your practical skills in optometry.
- Travel to Melbourne: You’ll need to be there in person to demonstrate your clinical abilities.
- Follow Instructions: Read the manual given on the official OCANZ COE website and familiarise yourself with all the rules and requirements for the exam to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Exam Policies to Keep in Mind
There are a few basic rules that you need to be aware of before you sit for the exam:
- Technical Issues: If you encounter technical glitches during the online exam, please let the proctor know. Frequent issues could result in the exam being stopped.
- Fraudulent Identity: Using fake IDs or documents is a serious violation and could disqualify you from the exam with no chance of a refund.
- Refunds: Be sure to follow all the exam guidelines, as there are no refunds if you’re disqualified.
Tips for Success on Exam Day
Here are some tips to make your exam day stress free:
- Prepare Your Environment: Find a quiet room, most importantly, make sure your internet is stable, and check that your camera and mic work well.
- Have Your ID Ready: Your passport is essential, so keep it within reach.
- Test the Proctoring Software: It's really recommended to learn all about the proctoring system to avoid any surprises on exam day leading to exam day panic.
- Stay Focused: Pay attention to all instructions and stay within the rules to avoid any issues during the exam.
Conclusion
The OCANZ COE is a significant step toward becoming an optometrist in Australia or New Zealand. Whether you're sitting for the written exam at home or heading to Melbourne for the clinical part, understanding the testing procedures and following all the rules will help you feel confident on exam day.
For those excited about a career in optometry, this is your opportunity to show what you know and take a big step toward achieving your professional goals.
Click here to book your free consultation with our experts!
