American Medical Technologists (AMT) > Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant

Are you eligible for CMLA certification?

Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) applicants shall meet one of the following eligibility routes.

Required Documentation

Education

Applicant shall have graduated from, or scheduled to graduate from, an academic course (or combined courses) of study that includes:

  • a minimum of 200 didactic clock hours * AND 
  • a minimum of 120 hours of documented, approved clinical laboratory experience

* Of the 200 didactic clock hours, a minimum of 100 hours must have been devoted to the study of fundamental laboratory technology.

If recently graduated: 

  • Official final transcript provided by the school, showing graduation from a CMLA program

If graduated 5+ years ago:

  • Copy of transcripts showing graduation from a CMLA program
  • Six months of documented, full-time laboratory experience within the last 3 years, of which a minimum of 520 hours must have been devoted specifically to the performance of clinical laboratory duties
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Work Experience

Applicant shall have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 1,040 hours (six-months) of work experience within the past three years in which laboratory technology was the primary focus.

  • A copy of your High School Diploma or GED
  • Six months of documented, full-time laboratory experience within the last 3 years, of which a minimum of 520 hours must have been devoted specifically to the performance of clinical laboratory duties
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Want help choosing the application route that’s right for you? Try the CMLA Eligibility Assistant

Once Eligible You Can Apply

Complete application and submit fee online.

Once you are eligible you can apply. Submit a separate application for each certification.

Pay fee*

CMLA
$135

*Fees are non-refundable and include application, exam and first annual fee.

Utilize AMT study resources to increase testing confidence.

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Once you receive notification from AMT with approval you may proceed.

Schedule the exam

If you are taking the exam at your school, your instructor will provide information about the exam date and time. If you are taking the exam at a one of the hundreds of Pearson VUE testing center locations across the country, you will schedule your own exam.

Locate a Testing Center Near Me

To cancel or reschedule

Call Pearson VUE at 1-888-846-6941 24 hours prior to your exam. If you are late or don’t show, you must pay a retesting fee to reschedule.

Take the Exam

Arrive 30 minutes prior to exam time with the required testing items:

  1. Authorization letter
  2. Two forms of valid identification
    • Both must have your first and last name identical to your name on your authorization letter
    • Both must bear your signature
    • One form must be a photo ID, either a driver’s license, state ID card, military ID, or passport

After the Exam

  • Results are available after the exam and are sent to AMT within 48 hours
  • All documentation MUST be complete to receive certification
  • Official certificate will arrive in the mail within 7-14 days
  • You may download your certified member card from My AMT Portal.

Retesting

If you receive a failing score, you will need to retake the entire exam.

  • Retake is permitted no sooner than 45 days from previous attempt
  • A non-refundable fee is required for each additional attempt
  • You are limited to 4 exam attempts for any one certification
  • Consult the AMT study resources to prepare for a retake

Certification is a Step Away

Start advancing your career.