COMS vs OT Certifications: Which Orientation & Mobility Credential Is Right for You?

Comparing COMS and Occupational Therapy Certifications

Overview

The COMS (Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist) from ACVREP is the premier credential for professionals teaching travel skills to individuals with visual impairments.

Key Facts

Detail	Information
Certifying Body	ACVREP (Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals)
Questions	140 scored questions
Time Limit	4 hours
Cost	~$755
Passing Score	Scaled (set by exam committee)
Renewal	Every 5 years

Prerequisites

•Completion of an ACVREP-approved O&M educational program
•350+ hour supervised internship under an experienced COMS
•Clinical Competency Evaluation signed by program director

Who Should Pursue the COMS?

The COMS is designed for professionals who teach orientation and mobility skills to:

•Individuals who are blind or have low vision
•Children with visual impairments
•Adults with age-related vision loss
•Individuals with multiple disabilities including vision loss

COMS vs Related Credentials

Feature	COMS	OTR/L (Occupational Therapist)
Focus	Orientation & mobility for visually impaired	Broad rehabilitation
Certifying Body	ACVREP	NBCOT
Education	Specialized O&M program	OT master’s program
Scope	Travel skills, cane techniques, GPS technology	ADLs, fine motor, cognitive rehab

Related Resources

•COMS Study Plan
•How Hard Is the COMS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the COMS exam difficult?

The exam is challenging due to the specialized knowledge required, but well-prepared candidates from accredited programs generally pass on their first attempt.

What is the COMS salary range?

COMS professionals typically earn $50,000-$80,000 annually, depending on experience and location.

How long does it take to become a COMS?

Most O&M programs take 1-2 years, plus a 350+ hour internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the COMS exam?

The COMS is a standardized exam. For a comprehensive study guide with practice questions and full-length exams, see our COMS Study Guide.

How should I prepare for the COMS?

Start with a structured study plan, use official exam blueprints, and practice with realistic exam questions. Our COMS Study Guide covers the complete exam content with detailed rationales.

Where can I find COMS practice questions?

Our COMS Study Guide includes full-length practice exams with detailed answer rationales covering every content area on the actual exam.

Related Resources

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Our COMS Study Guide covers every content area with practice questions and detailed answer rationales.

View COMS Study Guide →