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).

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

Cost:

• Initial testing fee $135

• Retake fee: $110

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%)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Certified Medical Laboratory Assistants (CMLA) must renew every 3 years. The annual renewal fee is $75. These certificants need 10 CCP points per year, totaling 30 points in 3 years.

To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Hold a current, active CMLA certification from the AMT

• Complete 30 CCPs

• 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

Other related certifications include:

• Medical Technologist (MT)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)

• Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT)

• Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)