American Medical Technologists (AMT) MLT Certification Testing & Requirements
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American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a not-for-profit, nationally-recognized certifying agency for health practitioners who must meet entry-level education, experience, and examination requirements. It is a nationally and internationally recognized certification agency and membership society for the following allied health professionals:
These certifications are meant to evaluate the competence of entry-level practitioners.
The main purpose of the AMT is to maintain competency standards in these occupations, thus safeguarding the health of the public. All certification examinations offered by AMT are analyzed, developed, and administered using state-of-the-art methods and industry standards. Each exam is developed by a special committee of subject matter experts. Once applicants receive certification, they become members of AMT by default and can avail of a number of benefits.
- Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Phlebotomy Technician (RPT)
- Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)
- Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Medical Technologist (MT)
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
- Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)
- Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT)
- Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC)
- Allied Health Instructor (AHI)
Why Certify with AMT?
Healthcare is evolving at a fast pace, thus certification is important for professionals to stay in touch with the latest developments. Plus, employers need to be assured that their employees are well-qualified and skilled. Certification is proof that an employee has the skills and knowledge necessary to do the job. Obtaining the certification, maintaining it, and engaging in continuing education also demonstrates to an employer that the applicant is committed to his profession, meets third-party standards that verify skills and competence, and is dedicated to maintaining quality in the workplace. It should also be noted that AMT certifications abide by rigorous standards, promote high exam security, and are also cost-effective.
Steps to Apply for an AMT Certification
The first step is completing the application process to achieve certification. Candidates must obtain the application and review the eligibility requirements for the designation in which they are seeking certification. When submitting an application, candidates should pay close attention to the documents required. Candidates are responsible for tracking the progress of their application via the AMT website. Application fees are non-refundable.
The second step is waiting for confirmation from AMT. After submitting a completed application, candidates should wait for emailed confirmation from the AMT indicating that they have been approved to test. On receiving approval, an “Authorization to Test” letter will be issued, including all the details necessary to schedule an examination.
The third step involves scheduling a test administration session. All AMT exams are administered at Pearson VUE testing centers on a computer. Pearson VUE testing centers are available at several hundreds of locations in the United States, its territories, as well as many other sites worldwide. After receiving an “Authorization to Test” letter from AMT, candidates must make appointments to test and select a date, time, and testing location that is most convenient to them.
The next step is taking the eligibility exam. Candidates must bring two forms of identification (bearing their name and signature) and at least one with a photograph. Candidates are also advised to bring a watch along for the examination, but calculators are not permitted in the exam room. Visitors also are not permitted in the examination room. Examinees are advised to be at the administration site at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled examination time and late arrivals may be refused admittance. In these cases, candidates have to pay a reexamination fee and reschedule their test.
The final step is receiving the results of the exam. Candidates who use the computer-based testing (CBT) system receive results immediately upon completion of the test administration session.
Candidates who fail must retake the entire examination. They can retake the examination three additional times, up to a total of four times. The examination may be rescheduled and retaken 45 days after the failed attempt.
AMT Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Certification Eligibility
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria in order to be eligible for the certification exam:
- Has graduated from an accredited college or university with an associate degree in medical laboratory technology or equivalent
- Has completed at least two years (60 semester-hours) of courses in an accredited college, including 25 semester-hours in clinical laboratory science disciplines and six months of approved lab experience
- Has completed a 50-week US military laboratory training program
- Has passed a generalist exam given by another certification organization approved by AMT or a state licensing board; met one of AMT’s other eligibility criteria; possesses an active certification or state license; and is currently employed or has recent laboratory experience (three of the last five years)
Please note that for this final eligibility route, no exam is required.
AMT MLT Application Process
Applicants that meet all eligibility requirements can now apply for the certification exam. Students must obtain the online application for medical laboratory technician and pay a $200 non-refundable application fee. Once the application is submitted, an “Authorization to Test” letter will be issued. Candidates can then make appointments to test. All AMT examinations are administered via computer at Pearson VUE testing centers. These testing centers are present at various locations.
Please note that AMT offers online practice exams that help candidates prepare for certification exams.
Attending the AMT MLT Exam
Candidates should reach the administration site at least 30 minutes before the examination time. Late arrivals will not be allowed to enter the center and will have to pay a reexamination fee and reschedule another testing appointment. All candidates are required to carry two forms of identification. Examinees not providing acceptable identification will not be allowed to sit for the test.
Time to Complete
Candidates will have three hours to complete this examination. Examinees are not permitted to continue taking the test beyond the given time limit.
Examination Results
Candidates receive their computer-based exam results immediately after completing the test. Test results appear on the screen and a paper copy of the results is provided by the proctor.
In addition, the results are provided to examinees in writing only and are not available by telephone. Once certification is granted, applicants automatically become members of AMT and can then take advantage of the various benefits it offers.
Maintaining AMT MLT Certification – Renewal Requirements
Candidates who meet all application requirements and pass the certification examination become certified by AMT. They then receive materials and information describing the benefits as well as new professional responsibilities. In addition, they are given a membership certificate and a digital member card. As a certified member of AMT, candidates can participate in the professional activities of the organization.
To maintain an active AMT MLT credential, a candidate must:
- Pay an annual fee – Certified candidates are required to pay an annual fee for keeping their status active. The fee also helps pay for all the benefits that members enjoy.
- Comply with the (CCP) Certification Continuation Program – The AMT requires all certified candidates to participate in (and document) activities supporting the certification every three years. There are no fees associated with Certification Continuation Program specifically, although an annual renewal fee is required to maintain an active certified member status. Depending on the certification that a member has acquired, they will have to collect a given number of points over a period of three years. For instance, Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) or Medical Technologists (MT) need 45 points and Medical Lab Assistants (CMLA) need 30. Certified members not meeting CCP requirements—including members who are audited and fail to provide documentation—will be considered non-compliant and lose their certified status.
- Abide by the AMT Standards of Practice – The AMT Board of Directors has adopted Standards of Practice which define the pillars of competent, honorable, and ethical behavior for AMT-certified allied healthcare professionals.
Reactivating AMT MLT Certification – Recertification Requirements
In order to recertify with the AMT and reactivate their status, candidates must comply with the CCP or pass the AMT certification exam again.
The recertification fee for a Medical Technologist (MT) or a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is $295. If it has been longer than ten years since a candidate’s certification lapsed, they may only recertify via examination.
