The purpose of the Guide to the CSAO is to summarize and explain the structure and content of the CSAO and to validate its structural connection to the day to day practice of optometry with a correlation to the attributes and competencies that the profession of optometry in Canada has identified as essential to practice safely and effectively. The Guide sets out the attributes and competencies that will be assessed as well as indicates the extent to which they will be assessed. It is imperative that candidates for the CSAO thoroughly review the Blueprint in order to prepare for taking the CSAO. Successful completion of recognized academic and clinical programs of training in optometry are generally sufficient to prepare candidates to take the CSAO. However, it is always wise to review the potential content of the CSAO and the Blueprint provides a fundamental and specific description of the content that may be encountered.

The current 2008 Guide to the CSAO is available for download in PDF format. You will require a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this document. If required, please visit the Adobe website at www.adobe.com or click on the following link:

Please note: the “Guide to the CSAO” has replaced the “Blueprint of the CSAO”. However, if necessary, the 2007 CSAO Blueprint and the 2006 CSAO Blueprint are both available for your reference.