Who should take the COE Exam?
Passing the COE exam is important for optometrists who finished their optometry degree outside Australia and now want to practise in Australia. Since Australia maintains high optometry standards, the COE exam tests whether a candidate’s skills and knowledge are up to the Australian standards and they’re able to provide safe and proper eye care.
COE Exam Eligibility Criteria for Overseas Optometrists
To take the OCANZ COE exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Optometry:
- 4-year optometry degree, or
- 3-year optometry degree with at least one year of supervised clinical experience
The idea is to make sure you have the right knowledge and enough hands-on experience before you take the COE exam. This way, when you start working as an optometrist in Australia, you’ll be fully prepared to meet the country’s standards.
How to Apply: COE Exam Process and Requirements
The COE exam process is divided into four main stages:
Step 1: Skill Assessment by OCANZ
- Initial Application: Candidates start with a skills assessment of their academic qualifications through OCANZ by submitting Form 2.
- Processing Time: Applications typically take about four weeks to process after submission.
After successful assessment, candidates receive eligibility confirmation to proceed with the Competency in Optometry Examination.
Step 2: Written Examination
The written section of the COE exam evaluates theoretical knowledge through two main exams:
- Clinical Science Examination: A 3-hour multiple-choice test covering:
- Biomedical science
- Vision and optical science
- Clinical science topics relevant to optometry
- Diagnosis and Management Examination: A 3-hour short-answer exam focusing on:
- Diagnostic skills
- Patient management and care strategies
The Written Exam is fully online and remotely proctored, making it super convenient for Internationally Graduated Optometrists. You can take it from your home country without having to travel all the way to Australia!
Step 3: Cultural Safety Training for Optometrists
Cultural Safety Training is an online component of the COE that prepares optometrists to work with diverse populations in Australia. After passing the written exam, you’ll need to complete cultural safety training before sitting for the clinical exam. This training includes six tutorials with 28 short lessons featuring videos, activities, and case studies based on real-life scenarios.
The program is self-paced, so you have the liberty to finish it in your own time. Just login and as and when you get the time! Make sure that you give the total time-commitment of 5 hours.
This training consists of two things:
- Short assessments like quizzes, short answer based questions on real life optometry scenarios
- One final MCQ at the end of the training.
To pass this training, you need to score at least 80% on each assessment and the MCQ. If you don’t pass, you can revisit the lessons and take the tests as many times as needed until you pass it.
Step 4: Clinical Examination
The clinical exam tests your practical optometry skills through two parts, which are:
- Skills Station Examination – Tests main skills, like:
- Taking vision assessments
- Your diagnostic techniques
- How you use and handle equipment
- Patient Examination – This part tests the candidate’s performance with four patients in a clinical setting, like in real-life scenarios. The clinical exam is conducted in person at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne.
COE Exam Format Overview
The Competency in Optometry Examination (COE) has five main components:
- Written Examination (2 Parts)
- Clinical Science Exam: 3-hour multiple-choice paper on biomedical, optical, and clinical sciences.
- Diagnosis and Management Exam: 3-hour short-answer test on patient diagnosis and management.
- Cultural Safety Training: Online training on cultural safety in healthcare.
- Clinical Examination (2 Parts)
- Skills Station Exam: Practical test of essential optometric skills.
- Patient Examination: Four clinical patient assessments in a supervised setting.
Exam Timing and Scheduling
The COE exam occurs twice annually; in 2025, it will be conducted in March and August. Written exams are remote and proctored, while clinical exams require you to travel to Melbourne, Australia.
Exam Preparation Tips for Overseas Optometrists
Preparing for the COE exam is important to make sure you pass it on the first attempt and that such a big financial investment doesn't go to waste. Here are some tips for success:
- Get Familiar with the Exam Structure: Know the format inside out. It’ll help you stay calm and manage your time better.
- Practice makes perfect: For the clinical exam, practice regularly to build your confidence.
- Review Cultural Safety Content: Cultural sensitivity is really important in Australia’s healthcare, so prepare for the online Cultural Training thoroughly.
- Mock Tests: Take mock exams to get familiar with the COE’s question style and exam environment.
English Proficiency Requirement
While OCANZ does not make the English proficiency tests compulsory, it’s recommended that candidates follow the Optometry Board of Australia’s (OBA) guidelines and clear any one of the accepted English language tests. Accepted tests include IELTS, PTE, and OET.
Testing Centers for the COE Exam
Need clarification about whether you will have to travel to Australia for the exam or not? Let us help you with it:
- Written Examination: Remote, online-proctored format. Meaning you can give it from your home country.
- Clinical Examination: Conducted in person at the Australian College of Optometry, Melbourne.
COE Exam Timeline
Let’s have a look at the timeline of each component of the exam;
- Skill Assessment: This takes around four weeks after submitting Form 2.
- Examination Cost: For a breakdown of total fees, read this blog.
Annual Exam Timing: COE 2025 will be held in March & August.
Conclusion
Did you know that Australia is home to over 6,000 practising optometrists, with demand growing even now? The COE exam covers everything from clinical skills to theory and even cultural sensitivity (because understanding patients is as important as treating them!). It's a slightly tough exam but one that is totally worth it. After all, who wouldn't want to work in a country where optometrists earn around INR 60 lakhs per year on average?
Whether you’re beginning your preparation or are ready to book your exam, Academically is here to help you through it. Book a free consultation here.
