MDT (AMT) - Molecular Diagnostic Technician

The Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT) certification validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level Molecular Diagnostics Technologists performing molecular diagnostic DNA-based tests in a lab. American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers the MDT exam.

Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the MDT exam

Cost

• U.S. testing fee: $260

• International testing fee: $255

• Retesting fee: $140

Exam Format

The MDT exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam and the minimum passing scaled score is 70. MDT exam topics include:

• General Laboratory (36 questions/18%)

• General Molecular Diagnostics Theory (40 questions/20%)

• Molecular Laboratory Procedures (20 questions/10%)

• Diagnostic Methods (104 questions/52%)

Test Dates

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

Test Results

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

Eligibility

To be eligible to take the MDT exam, applicants must meet all the requirements within one of 4 pathways:

• Medical Technologist Certification Pathway

  • Medical Technologist (MT) or equivalent certification

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent degree from an international institution with official transcripts

  • A minimum of 6 months of full-time laboratory experience within the last 5 years 

• Molecular Science Program Pathway

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent degree from an international institution with official transcripts

  • 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biological science, chemistry, mathematics or medical science courses

  • Completion of a diagnostic molecular science program within the past 5 years, or if graduated more than 5 years ago, at least 6 months of full-time laboratory experience within the last 5 years

• Laboratory Science Education Pathway

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent degree from an international institution with official transcripts

  • At least 1 year of full-time laboratory experience within the last 5 years

  • A major in biological science or chemistry or 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry or medical science courses with at least 1 year of molecular science experience in the last 5 years

• Advanced Science Degree Pathway

  • Graduate-level degree in immunology, microbiology, chemistry, biology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences or a related field, or an equivalent degree from an international institution with official transcripts

  • At least 6 months of full-time laboratory experience within the last 5 years

  • At least 6 months of molecular science experience within the last 5 years

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

Molecular Diagnostics Technologists (MDT) maintain certification through CCP with a 3-year cycle. The annual renewal fee is $110. They are required to complete 12 CCP points per year, for a total of 36 points every 3 years.

To be eligible for renewal, applicants must:

• Hold a current, active MDT certification from the AMT

• Complete 36 CCPs

• Pay renewal fee

Part of the renewal process requires 36 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 MDT exam, including:

• MDT Content Outline

• Certification Handbook

• MDT Reference Materials

The AMT also offers the following certifications:

• Medical Technologist (MT)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

• Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)

• Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC)