Who is eligible
To sit the COE you need an optometry qualification from a course of at least 4 years' full-time study, or 3 years' full-time study followed by one year of supervised clinical practice. If your country of training requires a professional exam for registration, you must have passed that too. OCANZ doesn't assess dispensing opticians, optometry assistants or medical (ophthalmology) qualifications.
The COE step by step
- Eligibility assessment (A$868, non-refundable): OCANZ checks your qualification. It takes about 4 to 8 weeks and doesn't expire.
- Written examination (A$3,534 for both papers, A$1,858 for one): the Clinical Science MCQ paper and the Diagnosis and Management SAQ paper, sat online on consecutive days, twice a year.
- Cultural Safety Training (A$291): an online, self-paced program of 6 tutorials (about 5 hours plus assessments), with an 80% pass mark on each assessment and the final exam.
- Clinical examination: the Skills Station examination (A$2,863; pass all 12 skills at 6 stations), then the Patient examination (A$4,722; pass 3 of 4 patient exams), at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne.
- Apply for registration with the Optometry Board of Australia (through Ahpra) or the New Zealand Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board.
Fees at a glance (2026-27)
That's A$12,278 for one attempt at every stage, before travel to Melbourne, visas, resits and registration fees. Fees apply from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 and there's no refund for failure.
| Stage | Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Eligibility assessment | A$868 |
| Written examination, both papers | A$3,534 per attempt |
| Written examination, one paper | A$1,858 per attempt |
| Cultural Safety Training | A$291 |
| Skills Station examination | A$2,863 per attempt |
| Patient examination | A$4,722 per attempt |
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free COE Clinical Science practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Time limits that matter
- You must pass both written papers before the clinical exam. At the first attempt you sit both together; failing one gives you one chance to resit only that paper within 3 years.
- After passing the written exam, you have 3 years to pass the clinical exam, or you start the whole process again.
- Written results arrive within 6 to 8 weeks; clinical results within 5 weeks.
- The written exam runs twice a year (2027: 1-2 March and 2-3 August), so a fail usually costs about 5 months plus the fee.
Therapeutic endorsement
The COE assesses therapeutics only to the level of an optometrist without an endorsement for scheduled medicines. To prescribe therapeutically in Australia you then need OCANZ's Assessment of Competence in Ocular Therapeutics (ACOT) or an accredited Australian ocular therapeutics program.
How to prepare for the Clinical Science paper
- Read OCANZ's COE Examination Guide and the Optometry Australia Entry-level Competency Standards 2022.
- Learn Australian and New Zealand standards and guidelines (Austroads, AS/NZS eye protection and sunglass standards, NHMRC diabetic retinopathy guidelines), not just what's usual where you trained.
- Practise optics calculations by hand: no calculator is allowed.
- Take at least two full timed mocks of 144 questions in 3 hours before exam day.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an English test to sit the COE?
OCANZ doesn't require evidence of English to sit the COE, but the Optometry Board of Australia and the New Zealand board have English language requirements for registration. Check them before you start.
Where is the clinical exam held?
Always at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne, Australia.
How much does the whole COE cost?
About A$12,278 for one attempt at each stage in 2026-27, before resits, travel and registration.
Do I need a skills assessment for migration?
For General Skilled Migration to Australia you apply to OCANZ for a skills assessment, unless you're already registered with the Optometry Board of Australia. OCANZ doesn't give immigration advice.
Official sources
- OCANZ: Overseas Optometrists
- OCANZ: Fees and Appeals
- OCANZ: FAQs
- OCANZ: Migration
- Optometry Board of Australia
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand rules change; confirm with the Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand before you apply.
