CMLA (AMT) - Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant

The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) certification validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level laboratory assistants. American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the CMLA exam, accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (NCCA).

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the CMLA exam, applicants must meet all the requirements within one of 2 pathways:

• Experience Pathway

  • Worked a minimum of 6 months or 1,040 hours in lab technology within the last 3 years, with at least 520 hours dedicated to the performance of clinical laboratory duties

  • Provide a copy of high school diploma or GED

• Education Pathway

  • Graduated from (or scheduled to graduate from) an academic course that includes 120 hours of clinical laboratory experience and 200 didactic clock hours, with 100 hours devoted to fundamental laboratory technology

  • Provide a copy of official transcripts

  • Have at least 6 months of full-time laboratory experience within the last 3 years,  if graduated more than 5 years ago, with at least 520 hours dedicated to the performance of clinical laboratory duties

Completion Time: Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the CMLA exam

Cost: Initial testing fee $135

Retake fee: $100

Exam Format

The CMLA exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 2.5 hours to complete the exam with a minimum passing scaled score of 70. CMLA exam topics include:

• Laboratory Safety and Quality (45 questions/22.5%)

  • Safety standards, infection control procedures, and OSHA regulations

  • Quality assessment, quality control, and confirmatory testing

• Pre-examination (Preanalytical) Considerations (36 questions/18%)

  • Phlebotomy

  • Pre-examination processes and specimen collection

• Examination (Analytical) Considerations (83 questions/41.5%)

  • Chemistry

  • Hematology

  • Microbiology

  • Urinalysis

  • Anatomy and physiology

• Patient Test Management, Communications, and Foundations (36 questions/18%)

  • Legal, ethical, confidential, and professional considerations, HIPAA, and patient’s bill of rights

  • Clerical skills, communications, and interpersonal relations

Test Dates

Applicants may register to take the CMLA exam anytime Monday through Saturday based on availability at their selected Pearson VUE Testing Center.

Test Results

Test results appear on the computer screen after test completion. AMT also mails a detailed score report to examinees.

Online Application

• Go to the certification website 

• Click “Apply Now” next to the correct eligibility pathway

• Create an account or log in

• Select “Molecular Diagnostic Technologist (CMLA)”

• Click the correct eligibility pathway

• Complete contact information

• Enter education and training information

• Input employment history

• Select “Agree” under the Examinee Agreement

• Click “Submit”

• Enter payment information

Allow 2 to 3 weeks for processing. AMT issues an Authorization to Test (ATT) upon approval.

CMLA is valid for 3 years, and certification holders must pay an annual fee. Renewal applicants can renew by retaking the exam or earning Certification Continuation Program (CCP) points.

Renewal by Exam

• Print the Recertification by Exam form 

• Insert contact information

• Check the box next to “Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)”

• Answer personal information

• Sign and date the Examinee Agreement

• Check the box next to “CMLA”

• Provide payment information

• Submit by emailing to [email protected] or mailing to American Medical Technologists, 10700 West Higgins Road, Suite 150, Rosemont, IL 60018

Once AMT processes applications, candidates receive an ATT and can schedule their exam with Pearson VUE.

Renewal by CCPs

• Print the Recertification by CCP form

• Complete the checklist

• Insert contact information

• Check the box next to “Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)”

• Answer personal information

• Insert CCP information

• Sign and date the Attestation

• Check the box next to “CMLA”

• Insert payment information

• Submit by emailing to [email protected] or mailing to American Medical Technologists, 10700 West Higgins Road, Suite 150, Rosemont, IL 60018

Renewal Fees

Annual fee of $75, plus

• Renewal by Exam: $205

• Renewal by CCPs: $205

To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Hold a current, active CMLA certification from the AMT

• Complete 30 CCPs or retake the CMLA exam

• Pay renewal fee

Part of the renewal process requires 30 CCP points. Qualifying activities include:

• Professional Education (no maximum)

• Formal Education (45 points maximum)

• Authorship of Scholarly Works (no maximum)

• Instructional Presentations (no maximum)

• Organizational Participation (9 points maximum)

For full information, refer to the Qualified CCP activities. Applicants can track their CCP points on AMTs online portal, AMTrax.

AMT provides several resources to help prepare for the CMLA exam, including:

• CMLA Content Outline

• Certification Handbook

• CMLA Reference Materials

• CMLA Study Guide includes a practice quiz. Cost: $79

Other related certifications include:

• Medical Technologist (MT)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)

• Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT)

• Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)