American Board of Ocularistry
Policy for the
Grandfathering of Subject Matter Experts
Grandfathering Application of the ABO
The process of grandfathering subject matter experts is an acknowledged method of acquiring the base of knowledge that is necessary for the creation of a formal professional certification exam. The grandfathering process also allows for the thoughtful evaluation of what qualifies a person as an expert in the field, documentation of the qualifications of the individuals chosen to be subject matter experts, and recognition of their unique abilities and knowledge through the grandfathering process.
According to the Institute for Credentialing Excellence, grandfathering is defined as “National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Grandfathering— The process by which individuals are granted certification without being required to meet a formal examination requirement.” This process is frequently invoked when a certification program is initiated, as a way of recognizing the experience and expertise of long-term experts, and/or to allow grandfathered individuals to develop the initial form(s) of the certification examination. Individuals initially certified through grandfathering may, in the future, be required to pass a form of the certification examination they did not participate in developing in order to maintain certification.” (Institute for Credentialing Excellence, 2006)
In order to be granted the status of Subject Matter Expert for the American Board of Ocularistry and to be grandfathered as an Advanced Certified Ocularist by the American Board of Ocularistry, individuals must meet the standards outlined below. These persons shall be granted certification without the requirement to complete a formal examination process. This process has been designed to allow for a pool of experts who have long term experience in ocularistry. These Subject Matter Experts shall agree to play an essential role in the development of role delineations, test questions, and the development and evaluation of the initial forms of the American Board of Ocularistry Certification Exam. Subject Matter Expert Candidates who meet the requirements and wish to request to be grandfathered may complete an application, and a non-disclosure agreement.
The certification status issued through this Grandfather Clause is valid and is subject to the same renewal requirements as any other Certification issued by the American Board of Ocularistry. These requirements may include passing a more current form of the examination which the Subject Matter Expert did not participate in creating, the accrual of continuing education credits, and/or renewal fees.