AMT Certification: Overview and FAQ
Looking for ways to deepen your skills as an allied health professional? If you’re a CNA, GNA, or medical technician, getting an AMT certification could help add authority to your resume. American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a nationwide organization that helps certify professionals in medical and dental fields. If you’re looking for a way to stand out while applying for jobs and deepen your confidence at work, a certification from AMT could be the next step.
AMT has been certifying medical technologists since 1939, and their credentials are accepted in all U.S. states and some other countries. Getting an AMT certification not only helps show future employers that you have the skills for the job, but it also assures that you can keep patients safe within your role.
What Is an AMT Certification?
An AMT certification is a professional designation that shows your proficiency in a specific allied health field. AMT’s nationally recognized certifications validate proficiency for several medical and dental professions. Their certification options include:
- Allied Health Instructor (AHI)
- Certified Laboratory Consultant (CLC)
- Dental Assistant (RDA)
- Dental Assisting Radiography (DAR)
- Medical Administrative Specialist (CMAS)
- Medical Assistant (RMA)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
- Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT)
- Molecular Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)
- Phlebotomy Laboratory Technician (MLT)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Not only does certification increase your credibility as a professional, it also earns you membership with AMT. You can access their library of continuing education offerings, attend membership events, and network with their community of allied health professionals.
Get an AMT Medical Technologist Certification:4 Steps
Step 1: Verify AMT Certification Requirements
Requirements for AMT certifications depend on which credential you plan to apply for. Typically you’ll either need to meet educational, experience, and/or work requirements. Once you’ve completed these, you can apply to take the certifying exam in your field.
For example, if you want to become a medical assistant, you’ll need to meet at least one of these requirements to apply:
- Graduated from an accredited program in the past 4 years, having received at least 720 hours of instruction
- Completed an apprenticeship or work-study program within the past 4 years
- Employed for at least 3 of the past 7 years as a medical assistant
- Graduated from a medical services training program with the U.S. Armed Forces within the past 7 years
- Currently instructing an accredited medical assisting program, with a minimum of 5 years of full-time work
If you’re wondering whether you might qualify for an AMT certification, check the eligibility requirements for your role.
Step 2: Apply for Certification
If you meet the requirements, you’ll need to submit an application and pay a fee depending on the credential you’re applying for. You’ll need to create an identity with AMT to submit forms and payment. Allow one to two weeks for application processing.
Check on your AMT account to see when your application has been verified and you can sit for your exam. Once you’re certified, you’ll need to make a separate Pearson VUE account to schedule your exam.
Step 3: Study for Your Exam
You have a year after application verification to sit for the test, so if you’re nervous about passing, you might set a test date that’s a few months out so you can create a study plan. AMT offers practice tests to help you prepare, as well as a library of exam prep resources.
Step 4: Pass Your AMT Certification Exam
You’ll take the AMT exam at a Pearson VUE testing center, at your school, or online. Exam lengths differ depending on the credential you’re testing for. You won’t have to wait to learn whether or not you passed — you’ll see your score on the screen, and you’ll have the option to print your results. Results will appear in your AMT account up to 72 hours after your exam.
Once you’ve passed, you’ll have a digital badge where employers can see your skills and the requirements you met for certification. Your certification status will be available through the AMT certification verification portal on Credly.
American Medical Technologists Certification FAQs
How long does it take to get an AMT certification?
If you’ve completed the eligibility requirements and you don’t need much time to study, you could be AMT certified within a few weeks or months.
Can I get an AMT certification online?
You can take an AMT exam online, provided you use your personal computer through the Pearson VUE online proctoring program. When you sign up for the exam, you’ll need to specify your preference for an online test.
Can you repeat the certification exam?
Yes, but you’ll need to pay a fee and wait 45 days to test again. If your application will expire soon, you may need to submit a new application before retesting.
How many times can I retake an AMT exam?
You can only sit for an AMT exam four times for a credential, regardless of whether you renew your application. When you receive a failing score report, you’ll see the areas where you need to study before taking the exam again. Use this as a study guide so you avoid retesting over and over.
How often do I need to renew my certification?
To maintain certification, you’ll need to pay a yearly fee and meet qualification requirements every three years. These requirements are tracked through a system called CCP points, which you earn through doing job-related activities and earning continuing education. The amount of CCP points you need will depend on your credential.
What if my certification lapses?
You can recertify by completing CCP points or taking the exam again. Recertification fees are higher than renewals, so try to maintain your certification.
Seeking Other Ways to Advance Your Allied Health Career?
Whether you have an AMT certification or not, your skills are valuable and could be your ticket to a fresh opportunity. Sign up for nursing job notifications to start getting alerts for open roles in your area.