Home Study Courses
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Simulates Classroom Environment
These self study courses are modeled after the classroom presentations which have been offered by the Optical Training Institute since 1988. Since then, thousands of opticians have prepared for the National Certifying Exams with over 70% of course graduates passing the the exam on their first attempt. Through the use of workbooks and audio CDs, these courses are now simulated in home study versions. The material consists of a combination of lecture, sample testing, and review. The abundant use of illustrations, tables, and clearly written explanations contained in the workbooks require little note taking on the part of the student, although there are pages reserved for that purpose.

Practice Tests
The material is contained in six workbooks. The conclusion of each section includes a twenty to thirty question multiple choice practice exam based on the material just covered. Each of test enables the student to evaluate how well he/she has assimilated the information, assessing strengths and weaknesses, and indicating where where further review may be needed. The answers to the sample test questions can be found only on the accompanying audio CDs rather than in the workbook. In this manner, similar to a classroom setting, the principle underlying each correct answer can be clearly explained allowing for a more thorough understanding. Certain "tips" on the test taking in general will be presented on the audio as the course progresses. These tests are excellent preparation for those wishing to take the National or State Certifying Exams.

Audio CDs
The workbooks and audio portions are designed to be used together, neither is complete without the other. Sections on the audio which correspond to the workbook material are indicated by a headphone symbol contained in a box along the side of the page.

Preparation — Not a Review
The Home Study Courses assume minimal optical background; they start from the beginning then clearly and methodically follow through to cover the material necessary to succeed on the written portions of the National Certifying Exams and State Boards in opticianry. A review course, on the other hand, assumes the material has been learned previously, that a quick on the day review or "brush-up" is sufficient to master the many subjects presented. Since the Home Study Courses assume minimal optical background, they are, in the truest sense, preparation courses.

Dual Purpose of Courses
These courses can serve a dual purpose. While they represent excellent preparation for those wishing to sit for the National Certifying Exams or State Boards in Opticianry, they will also provide an invaluable training training aid for employers wishing to orient new employees to the essential skills of spectacle and contact lens dispensing.

Certificate of Completion
The Optical Training Institute will issue a certificate of completion suitable for framing to registered course graduates who were successful in passing their National or State Board Exam. An Exam result form is included as part the course material.