MAINTENANCE of Certification

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Starting with the recent Applicants that have successfully passed the certification exam given in 2019 and all new candidates from January 1, 2020, forward, all candidates will automatically begin the new 4-year recertification scheme structure.  After a transition period to accommodate all current B.C.O.'s registering or re-certifying in the next 3 years, all B.C.O.'s will Re-certify every 4 (four) years with 200 credits per the new scheme.

The Registration portion of the cycle, and the credit requirement will be eliminated by the new 4 (four) year Recertification scheme.

There will be no “look backs” on credits after the transition is made by the B.C.O. into the new 4 (four) year recertification cycle.  All future credits will only be valid for 4 years. From the Issue date to the expiration date of the current certificate. 

Financially NEBO will operate by charging a yearly “Maintenance of Certification” (MOC) to the B.C.O. and by charging a “flat fee” for pre-approved programs/events/meetings.  

All fees listed are subject to change. A master fee list will be evaluated on an annual basis. 

A grace period or “suspension” should accommodate most complications with life events without total revocation or loss of Certification under reasonable time frames. (see below)

Additional “non-prior approved” program and credit awards’ will still be available at a current fee of $10 (ten) US dollar per credit cost to the applicant with a $50 (fifty) US dollar non-refundable application fee. Must be submitted within the calendar year to have credits reviewed and verified.

Initial certification will include a full-size certificate with an initial issue date (Jan 1 of the year results are valid unless delayed by exam results) and final expiration date (Dec 31, 4 calendar years after issue date).  

Certificate numbers will be as follows: Initial year of certification (or new issue date, if certification has lapsed and the B.C.O. has certified anew)- Personal ID number.    Ex: 19-270

The ID numbers will not change and will remain the same for recertification unless a lapse by the B.C.O. results in a loss of certification.  In that event when the lapsed B.C.O. later retakes the initial certification exam again, the new Certification becomes a new initial year of Certification for that B.C.O. and a new record begins.

- An 8x10 certificate will be sent for all subsequent recertifications every 4 (four) years.

      -    All Certificates for Board Certified Ocularists will begin on January 1 and end 

4 (four) calendar years later on December 31.

In the event of lapse of recertification, the previous certificate and issue date is no longer used. Once the B.C.O. successfully re-exams, they will be issued a new issue date and large certificate. Subsequently, the recertification cycle will follow the new issue date. The lapse in recertification cancels the old “first certified date” as the candidate is completely retested and started anew.

NEW Suspension Inclusion with Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Fee

- A fee for “Maintenance of Certification” or MOC of $250/calendar year will be due no later than January 31 of each calendar year.  

- The payment of the yearly MOC will allow the B.C.O. to remain in “Good Standing” status with NEBO (see glossary for terms of “Good Standing”)

- There will be a $100 late fee added after January 31st.  The B.C.O. has until February 28th to pay MOC and late fee.

- If no payment is received by February 28th, the B.C.O. is placed under “Suspension” classification. (see glossary for terms of “Suspension”) 

- In the event of Suspension the B.C.O. can regain “in good standing“ status by paying MOC due for the year,  the late fee ($100) if paid by February 28th and Suspension fee ($500) if after February 28th before the end of the calendar year in which the B.C.O. failed to pay the MOC.  

- Once the back due MOC, late fee and suspension fees are paid in full the Suspension is lifted.  The B.C.O. status will then be changed back to “In good standing” (see glossary for terms). 

- Failure to comply with any and all of the three elements for re-certification will result in a B.C.O. being placed on Suspension status until corrected, or the Certificate is revoked for failure to comply at the end of the Suspension year.

- During the “suspension” time period the B.C.O. is listed as “not in good standing” or “not current” for all credentialing verification inquiries, register listings and other communications with NEBO.

- Yearly ethics sign off- A B.C.O. may not qualify for recertification requirements even if they are “Current” on credits and “in good standing” financially if they have been found guilty or convicted of any crime more severe than a simple misdemeanor criminal offense.  Afford pleas, bench agreements or other types of reduced charges associated with misdemeanor level charges also apply.  Sexual conduct/offense registry also disqualify a candidate or B.C.O. from certification or recertification. All code of conduct violations are based on public court documentation of a conviction or plea.  An appeal hearing process shall be accommodated.

- Failure of the B.C.O. to pay the yearly MOC, late fees and suspension fee by December 31st, of the “suspension” calendar year will result in revocation of Board Certification at Midnight (CST) on December 31st .