AMT Candidate

Handbook

AMT certification gives you the advantage

you need to advance your career
American Medical Technologists is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit certifying agency
for health practitioners who meet entry-level education, experience, and examination
requirements.

Compliance with eligibility requirements results in the issuance of a certificate and membership
in American Medical Technologists (AMT).

© 1992, American Medical Technologists

Most recent revision: February 2024

The information presented in this booklet reflects the policies of

American Medical Technologists at the time of publication. The policies are subject to change
and procedural modifications may occur without notice.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

American Medical Technologists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Purpose of the Certification Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

The Application Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Non-Discrimination Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Application Appeals and Reconsideration of

Adverse Certification Decisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION THROUGH

COMPUTER-BASED TESTING (CBT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

General Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Authorization to Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Examination Security and Test Administration Regulations . . . . . . . . . . 4

Policy Regarding Eyeglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Day of the Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Promptness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Rescheduling Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Cancellation Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL EXAMINEES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Questionable Test-Taking Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ……. 5

Examinee Agreement Regarding Score Cancellations and Confidentiality 6

Special Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

EXAMINATION RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7

Scoring Procedures ………………………………………………………….. 7

Scores and Score Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Processing Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………. 7

 Retesting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 7

EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Education, Qualifications, and Standards Committees . . . . . . . . . . 7

The Competency Outline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 8

EXAMINATION FORMAT AND CONTENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 8

Examination Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Examination Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Pretest (Pilot) Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Criterion-referenced Examinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Setting the Criterion (passing score) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 9

Passing the Examination and Reexamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MAINTENANCE OF EXAMINATION QUALITY AND TEST SECURITY . . . . . 10

Collection and Review of Statistical Indices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Examination Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Examination Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AMT Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

The Purpose of Recertification and Continuing Competence.. . . . . . . . . 10

Certification Continuation Program (CCP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Standards of Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12

Disciplinary Process and Revocation of Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Addendum A………………………………………………….. . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15

Addendum B………………………………………………….. . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17

Addendum C………………………………………………….. . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Frequently Asked Questions about Computerized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . 19

 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

GENERAL INFORMATION completed online at:

www.americanmedtech.org.
American Medical Technologists
American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a 2. Review the Candidate Handbook
national agency that certifies examination- prior to completing the application.
based primary designations of healthcare The Handbook outlines important
personnel: medical technologists, medical information and requirements to which
laboratory technicians, office laboratory all applicants must comply.
technicians, medical assistants, phlebotomy
technicians, dental assistants, and medical When submitting an application,
office administrative specialists. The candidates must pay close attention to
organization's purpose is to help protect the the documentation required. Also, it is
welfare of the public by maintaining the candidate’s responsibility to stay
competency standards in these informed of the progress of the
occupations. application via the AMT website and to
assist in the timely response of
As an accredited member of the National references and employers. Candidates
Commission for Certifying Agencies should allow sufficient time for
(NCCA), a division of the Institute for application review and processing
Credentialing Excellence (ICE), AMT (normally 1-2 business days).
adheres to a number of rigorous criteria Candidates are encouraged to submit
regarding the conduct of its credentialing the application and required
programs. All AMT certification documentation as early as possible to
examinations are constructed and allow for unanticipated delays.
administered in accordance with Applicants applying for special
methodologies recognized by both accommodations should allow additional
psychometric and credentialing processing time (up to 30 days) and
communities. must submit appropriate documentation
as outlined in a subsequent section of
Purpose of the Certification this handbook. Appeals for denied
Examinations applications may be filed according to
AMT certification examinations are intended the stipulations outlined in a subsequent
to evaluate the competence of entry-level section of this handbook. Application
practitioners. The tests address content fees are NOT refundable.
areas defined and validated by subject-
matter experts, educators, and individuals 3. Wait for emailed confirmation from
working in their respective fields. As the AMT indicating that you have been
tests provide only one source of information approved to test. When a candidate’s
regarding examinee competence, they are application is complete and has been
used in conjunction with other indicators of approved by AMT, an Authorization to
training and experience in the granting of Test letter will be issued. The
certification. correspondence will include all details
APPLYING FOR CERTIFICATION necessary to schedule an examination
administration.
1. The Application Process
4. Schedule a test administration
Obtain the application and review the session. All AMT examinations are
eligibility requirements for the administered on computer at Pearson
designation in which you seek VUE testing center. Appointments at the
certification. The application may be testing centers may be made after
receiving an “Authorization to Test”
letter from AMT. Candidates are
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 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

advised to make appointments to test as to the individual by telephone. All of the

soon as practical, to allow for the applicant's expenses pertaining to the
selection of a time, date, and test center appeal will be borne by the applicant. The
___location that best accommodates their Committee will notify the applicant in writing
schedules. of its decision within 120 days of receipt of
the original written appeal.
5. Attend the examination
administration. Detailed information Stage 2: Appeal to the AMT Board of
regarding test administration provisions Directors
and requirements is provided in this
handbook. Applicants may appeal the decision of the
EQS Committee to the AMT Board of
6. Receive examination results. Directors by writing to the President of the
Candidates examined by computer- Board within 60 days of notification of the
Committee decision. The applicant may
based testing (CBT) receive results
immediately upon completion of the test submit any documentation deemed
administration session. Results will not necessary to support the appeal. The Board
be issued via telephone, facsimile may meet in person or by telephone. The
transmission, or emails, under any Board may allow the individual to be present
circumstances. at a personal meeting, if one is held, or may
talk to the applicant by phone. All of the
Non-Discrimination Policy applicant's expenses pertaining to the
Qualified applicants are considered for appeal will be borne by the applicant. The
certification without regard to race, color, Board will notify the applicant of its decision
religion, gender, national origin, age, marital in writing within 120 days of receipt of the
status, medical condition, or disability. written appeal. The decision of the Board of
Directors is final.
Application Appeals and Reconsideration
of Adverse Certification Decisions AMT Board of Directors Options: The
Applicants deemed ineligible to sit for an fundamental decision of the Board will be to
AMT certifying examination or who have an affirm or overturn the Office Staff or
adverse certification decision have the committee decision. However, the Board
opportunity to appeal. may also opt to make other decisions
deemed appropriate.
Stage 1: Appeal to the Examinations,
EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATION
Qualifications, and Standards Committee
THROUGH COMPUTER-BASED
An applicant may appeal the decision of the TESTING (CBT)
AMT Office Staff regarding application
eligibility or appeal an adverse certification General Information
decision to the Examination, Qualifications, All AMT CBT is administered under contract
and Standards (EQS) Committee by writing with Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE testing
the Committee within 60 days of notification centers are available at several hundred
of the decision. The applicant may submit locations in the United States, its territories
any documentation deemed necessary to and overseas locations. Complete and
support the appeal. The EQS Committee current information regarding domestic
may meet in person or by telephone to Pearson VUE sites can be reviewed at the
discuss the appeal. The Committee may website: www.pearsonvue.com/amt. This
allow the applicant to be present at a site also provides maps and driving
personal meeting, if one is held, or may talk instructions to each testing center.
Additionally, AMT offers individuals taking

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 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

the Registered Medical Assistant (LRP), no other people / pets, etc. are
RMA(AMT) and the Registered Phlebotomy allowed in the testing room. Any violation of
Technician RPT(AMT) exam(s) the the testing policies and procedures outlined
opportunity to test Online via Live Remote in this booklet may result in dismissal from
Proctoring (LRP) using a personal the testing center or the stopping of the LRP
computer. Information related to this option examination, invalidation of examination
can be found at results, and forfeiture of eligibility to test and
https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test- associated fees.
takers/OnVUE-online-proctoring.aspx
Policy Regarding Eyeglasses
Authorization to Test The check-in procedure at computerized
Once a candidate’s Application for test centers includes an inspection of
Certification is complete and has been eyeglasses. Prior to admittance, examinees
officially approved by AMT, an Authorization will be required to remove eyeglasses (or
to Test letter is posted on the candidate’s present eyeglasses intended for use) and
home page. At the same time, AMT sends show them to the test center administrator
Pearson VUE an electronic authorization for inspection without handing them to the
indicating which candidates are approved administrator. In addition, Google Glass and
and eligible for examination and how the other similar technologies are prohibited.
test will be delivered (at a Pearson VUE site Eyeglasses not passing inspection and
/ Online using a personal computer (LRP). Google Glass will not be permitted in the
Upon receipt of the Authorization letter, examination room under any circumstances.
domestic candidates may log on to
www.pearsonvue.com/amt or call Pearson The Day of the Examination
VUE directly at 888-846-6941 to schedule Examinations are administered as
an examination time and place. The letter scheduled in advance with Pearson VUE. It
contains the telephone number and other is advisable to bring a watch. Examinees
important testing information. are not permitted to continue taking the test
beyond the established time limit. Visitors
Examination Security and Test are not permitted in the examination room.
Administration Regulations Calculators are not allowed in the
To ensure that all AMT candidates are examination room and are not necessary.
examined under comparable conditions The examination questions are so
employing fair and accurate testing constructed that all numerical calculations
methods, it is essential that testing may be performed by hand. In addition,
environments be standardized. In addition scratch paper should not be necessary.
to other provisions outlined in this booklet,
the regulations below seek to achieve test Promptness
standardization and augment test security. Examinees are advised to be at the
These security provisions apply to both administration site or if testing online (LRP),
testing environments, onsite at Pearson preparing to check in at least 30 minutes
VUE and online, using your personal prior to the scheduled examination time to
computer (LRP). No cellular phones, allow for check-in. Examinees arriving late
beepers, pagers, cameras, photographic or may be refused admittance by the Pearson
video equipment, transmitters, or electronic VUE proctor. Should this occur, the
equipment of any type is allowed in the candidate will be required to pay a
testing room. No papers, books, textbooks, reexamination fee and reschedule another
notebooks, notes, unauthorized scratch testing appointment.
paper, calculators or food are permitted in
the testing room. Eating, drinking, and
tobacco use are prohibited. If testing online

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Identification Rescheduling Policy

In order to be admitted into a Pearson Examination appointments may be
Testing Center, candidates MUST bring/ rescheduled without fee by contacting
present two valid forms of matching Pearson VUE no later than one full business
Identification, both original, bearing their day prior to the scheduled appointment.
name and signature and at least one with a
photograph. Acceptable photo identification For example, a candidate wishing to
is limited to: VALID Driver’s License; cancel an appointment for 10AM on a
Passport; VALID Military Identification; or Monday morning would need to contact
State Identification Card (Benefits, FOID, Pearson by 10AM Friday morning.
Firearms, Concealed Carry cards are not Candidates must speak directly to
valid for this purpose). The secondary Pearson VUE Call Center staff to
identification must contain name and authorize appointment cancellations.
signature. Expired IDs are not acceptable,
If you cancel online (preferred) you must
unless accompanied by valid renewal
papers. Examinees must ensure that all ensure you complete the entire process and
identification matches the information on the receive the email notification that your exam
authorization letter. has been cancelled. If no confirmation
email is received, the exam has NOT been
Examinees not providing acceptable cancelled. There is no charge for
identification will be refused admittance to rescheduling if the change is made at least
test and will be required to pay a one business day prior to the appointment.
reexamination fee and reschedule another
testing appointment. Cancellation Policy
Examination appointments may be canceled
Time Limit for Computerized Testing without fee by contacting Pearson VUE no
Examinees have established timeframes in later than one business day prior to the
which to complete the examination (see scheduled appointment (see example
below): above). There is no charge for canceling if
the change is made at least one business
• Dental Assistant (chairside) – 2.5 hours day prior to the appointment. Candidates
• Dental Assistant (radiography) – 2.0 canceling appointments after one business
hours day prior to a scheduled appointment will
• Medical Administrative Specialist – 2.0 forfeit their full testing fee and will be
hours assessed a retesting fee.
• Medical Assistant – 2.0 hours
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL
• Phlebotomy Technician – 2.5 hours
EXAMINEES
• Medical Laboratory Scientist – 3.5 hours
• Medical Laboratory Technician – 3.0 Questionable Test-Taking Behavior
hours Proctors have been given specific
• Medical Laboratory Assistant – 2.5 instructions regarding questionable test
hours taking behavior, or "cheating." Such
• Molecular Diagnostics Technologist – behavior includes but is not limited to:
3.0 hours examinees copying from one another,
• Patient Care Technician – 2.5 hours speaking to one another, or someone else
entering the room during the administration,
Breaks During Testing copying from notes or looking at
NOTE: The examination counter/time will papers/texts/phones, etc. Proctors have
NOT be stopped during the exam been instructed to immediately terminate
administration for breaks, etc. the examination for those individuals in
question. Examinations terminated under

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such circumstances will be invalidated and express prior written authorization of AMT’s
the examinee will be subject to the policies Director of Testing and Competency
outlined in this booklet. Assurance. The unauthorized disclosure,
publication, copying, reproduction,
Examinee Agreement Regarding Score transmission, distribution or possession of
Cancellations and Confidentiality exam content or materials in any form is a
crime and may subject you to civil liability
By applying and sitting for an AMT and/or criminal prosecution.
certification examination, all candidates
agree to the following policies: Special Accommodations
AMT is committed to ensuring that no
1. Validity Assurance and Score individual is deprived of the opportunity to
Cancellation - AMT reserves the right to take an examination solely by reason of a
cancel any examination score if, in AMT’s disability. Special accommodations may be
professional judgment, there is any reason
provided for candidates with documented
to question the score’s validity. disabilities. A limited number of
Circumstances warranting score accommodations are possible if you plan to
cancellation may include, but are not limited test by Online via LRP. Candidates
to: copying from notes or from another requesting special provisions must state
examinee’s answers; speaking or otherwise their needs in writing when applying to take
communicating with others during the test the examination. Requests should include
administration; aiding or receiving aid from (but are not limited to): 1) medically
other examinees; consulting study aids of supported documentation of the disability, 2)
any type during the exam; copying, accommodations requested for the
transcribing, or otherwise reproducing test
examination, and 3) descriptions of past
materials; removing test materials from the
accommodations provided in other cases.
examination room; or having improper
access to AMT exam content prior to the The computer-administered AMT
exam administration. Significant score examination tests the examinee's base of
increases upon retesting may also be knowledge related to a certification
investigated to ensure the authenticity of discipline. The examination is combined
results. Misconduct may disqualify you from with other indicators of competence in the
all future examination attempts and from larger certification process for a specific job
AMT certification. function.
2. Exam Confidentiality and Non- Accordingly, no candidate will be excused
Disclosure Agreement - The content of all from the knowledge-based examination or
AMT certification exams is copyrighted and offered a modification that would
is the property of AMT. Exam materials will compromise the examination's ability to
be provided to you on a temporary basis for assess the skills and knowledge it is
the sole purpose of testing your knowledge designed to measure. Similarly, no auxiliary
and competency in the discipline for which aid or service will be provided that will
you seek certification. You are required to fundamentally alter the examination or will
return any exam materials to the test result in an undue burden to AMT.
administrator immediately after completing
the exam, and you are prohibited from using Whenever possible, the AMT Office will
or possessing AMT examination content for determine applicant eligibility for special
any other purpose or at any other time. You provisions. Candidates should allow the
agree not to disclose, publish, copy, AMT Office reasonable time (up to 30 days)
reproduce, transmit or distribute exam to review the request, and if warranted,
content, in whole or in part, in any form or make provisions to provide an
by any means, for any purpose, without the

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 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

accommodation. The proctor will be notified items and is therefore less reliable than
if special considerations are granted. performance on the whole examination.

EXAMINATION RESULTS
Although there are 200-230 questions on
Scoring Procedures the examination, the minimum passing
All computerized examinations are scored score on the examination is translated into
immediately by the computer. This scoring the number 70, on a scale ranging from 0 to
method allows for both a high degree of 100. This system of "scaled scores" is used
quality control with respect to the accuracy to provide a common scale for reviewing
of results, in addition to absolute objectivity and reporting test results across examinees,
with respect to scoring. and across different forms of the same test.
Scores and Score Reports It is important to note that 70, and the
Following examination scoring at the scores that examinees receive, are neither
conclusion of a test administration, percentages of questions, nor numbers of
examinees receive a printed report notifying questions answered correctly. Rather, these
them of their examination performance. are points on a 0 to 100 scale. Therefore, a
Candidates examined both at a testing score of 99 would NOT indicate that 99% of
center and through Live Remote Proctoring the questions were answered correctly, or
will receive overall results displayed on the that 99 questions were answered correctly.
computer screen at the end of the test
administration session. Candidates Processing Time
examined at a testing center will also Examination results are available
receive their results on paper, provided by immediately upon completion of computer
the proctor. Similarly, candidates examined administered examinations. Test results
through Live Remote Proctoring will also appear on the screen and a paper copy of
receive their results on paper, which will the results is provided. In addition, results
automatically be queued to print on an are provided to examinees in writing only
examinee’s local printer. and are not available by telephone.
Passing examinees receive a report
indicating the passing score on the Retesting
examination (70), the range of scores Because performance is evaluated with
obtainable, and their obtained scale score respect to all content areas, failing
only. Failing examinees receive a report candidates who choose to retake the test
containing the same information, in addition are required to retake the entire
to information regarding the subsections of examination. Candidates can retake the
the test in which they obtained low scores. examination three additional times after the
The report will display plus signs “+” next to first failure, up to a total of four (4) times, for
the domains in which the examinee that certification. After failing any test, it is
performed satisfactorily and minus “-“ signs recommended that candidates study all
next to the domains in which the examinee areas in which mastery of the material was
performed unsatisfactorily. Failing not achieved (as indicated on a failing score
examinees may consider these areas of report) before reattempting a test. A
weakness in preparation for retesting. retesting fee is required.
Subsection content ___domain mastery/non-
mastery feedback is provided as a guide to EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT
content areas where additional review or
professional development may be helpful in AMT’s Examination, Qualifications, and
preparing to retake the exam. Performance Standards Committees (EQS) develop all
in a content ___domain is based on fewer test certification examinations. Each certification
designation has a respective committee of

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 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

subject-matter experts that is responsible Once the list of competencies required for
for constructing examinations within its successful practice is developed, test
discipline. In addition to generating and
updating specifications on which the questions are written to address each
examinations are based, the Committees competency. The items are then classified
write test questions and review questions in terms of several dimensions and entered
submitted from other sources (questions are into a computerized item bank. As the
submitted by instructors, experts, number of written test questions far exceeds
practitioners, and other individuals the number of questions allowable on a
associated with a specific occupation). The particular test, examinations contain only a
Committees also determine certification sample of items (therefore referencing only
requirements and address standard-setting a sample of competencies). However,
issues related to their respective during test construction, the items are
credentials. After construction by the expert drawn from the bank in such a way as to
committees, examinations are subsequently ensure that representative samples of
reviewed and approved by the primary EQS competencies are assessed.
Committee under the auspices of the
American Medical Technologists Board of The summary content outline presented for
Directors. each certification describes the knowledge
and task areas considered by American
The Competency Outline Medical Technologists to comprise the
American Medical Technologists practitioner work role. Given the
administers "competency-based" development of thorough and appropriate
certification examinations. A competency- competency lists, and the selection of item
based testing strategy involves assessing samples adequately representing requisite
whether or not examinees possess the skills competencies, valid tests for practitioner
and knowledge required for successful certification may be constructed. Through
performance in a particular job role. the employ of subject-matter experts,
practitioner input, and extensive test
The first step in the development of this type validation research, American Medical
of test is to define the work role by listing Technologists continually strives to maintain
the areas in which a certificant must be sound, updated examinations.
competent. Such a list may include a variety
of aspects addressing knowledge of EXAMINATION FORMAT AND CONTENT
procedures, knowledge of theories, and Examination Format
application of theories, in addition to a AMT certification examinations consist of
number of other knowledge and skill-related 100-230 four-option, multiple-choice items.
statements. Examinees are required to select the single
In the development of examinations, the best answer from among the four
EQS Committee begins by constructing a alternatives. Multiple answers for a single
draft of the competency (or task) inventory. item are scored as incorrect. Test items
The preliminary list is then circulated to a may require examinees to recall facts,
random sample of practitioners to obtain interpret graphic illustrations, interpret
their input. The competency outline information presented in case studies,
presented for each discipline represents the analyze situations, or solve problems.
consensus of experts and practitioners Examination Content
regarding the composition of the respective The general content outline for the
work role. (The outline is actually a certification examination can be found on
summary of a more detailed task inventory.) the AMT website. The percentages of
questions indicated for each content area

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 American Medical Technologists Candidate Handbook

should be considered reliable, but independently by qualified, experienced

approximate. Examination content outlines individuals in the field. The experts on the
for all certifications may be found on the EQS Committee then evaluate the difficulty
of each individual examination item to
AMT website: www.americanmedtech.org. determine the passing score. The interested
Outlines are available on the “Get Certified examinee may consult the following
– Prepare” page at: Get Certified – Prepare. reference for a more detailed discussion of
(Links may be clicked to access page.) the method: Livingston, S.A., & Zieky, M.J.
(1982). Passing Scores: A Manual for
Pretest (Pilot) Questions Setting Standards of
AMT examinations may contain pretest
items that are unscored questions Performance on Educational and
embedded in the test. AMT uses data Occupational Tests. New Jersey:
gathered in this manner to evaluate new, Educational Testing Service.
unused questions prior to use on future
certification examinations. Pretest questions The advantage of a criterion-referenced
are not identified in the test and they appear examination is that the focus changes from
just like any other question. The total time the question: "Is this individual better (or
allowed for testing takes the presence of worse) than the rest of the group being
pretest items into consideration. Time is tested?" to: "Is this individual sufficiently
allowed to answer these questions. As competent, based on this examination, to be
pretest items are unscored, candidates’ allowed to practice in the profession?"
answers to these questions will not affect
test scores. For additional information regarding the
passing score determination methodology
EXAMINATION PERFORMANCE related to specific AMT certification
STANDARDS examinations see:

Criterion-referenced Examinations Addendum A – MLS/MLT/RMA Certification

AMT certification examinations are Examinations
competency-based, criterion-referenced
examinations. As such, they may be Addendum B – RPT/RDA/DAR/CMLA/CMAS
different from typical tests that most Certification Examinations
examinees may have taken.
Addendum C – Passing Rates
Traditionally, many tests are scored or
graded "on the curve." To obtain an "A" an Passing the Examination and
examinee is only required to perform better Reexamination
than the rest of the people in the group who The minimum passing score for an
take the test. Criterion-referenced examination is translated into the number
examinations (including those employed by 70 (on a scale ranging from 0 to 100). To
AMT) do not use the group for determining pass the examination, a candidate must
performance, but rather an external obtain a scaled score of 70 or greater.
standard called the "criterion." Examinee Although the examination consists of
performance is evaluated against this several distinct content areas, evaluation of
standard to determine if an individual's test performance is based on the total score
score is sufficiently high to indicate that a candidate obtains, combined across
competence to begin working in the field as all content sections. Because performance
is evaluated with respect to all content
a professional.
areas, failing candidates who choose to
Setting the Criterion (passing score) retake the test are required to complete the
To determine the criterion or "passing entire examination. Candidates are allowed
score," each examination item is reviewed
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to retake the examination three additional in all administrations. Test validation

times after the first failure. After failing any research is periodically conducted to ensure
test, it is recommended that candidates that the content of examinations is current
study all areas in which mastery of the and relevant to each certification
material was not achieved (as indicated on designation. Furthermore, comprehensive
a failing score report) before reattempting a statistical summaries are prepared annually
test. A retesting fee is required. to assess the performance outcomes of all
Candidates may take an examination for a examinations administered.
specific certification discipline a maximum of
four times. Applications remain active for Examination Security
one year. Candidates wishing to be All examinations administered by AMT are
examined after an application has expired processed with the highest degree of
will be required to submit a new application security allowable. All examination
in addition to any required documentation. administrations are conducted under strict
direction of proctors. Test documents are
handled at the AMT Office under secure
MAINTENANCE OF EXAMINATION conditions.
QUALITY AND TEST SECURITY
CERTIFICATION
Collection and Review of Statistical
Indices AMT Certification
After each examination is scored, statistical Candidates who meet all application
reports are generated that show how each requirements, pass the certification
question in the test performed. The results examination, and comply with policies and
of these analyses are reviewed by members provisions for their respective disciplines
of the EQS Committee. The Committee or may become certified by AMT. New
its designate makes a final determination certificants receive materials and
regarding the suitability of a particular information describing the benefits and
question, and the answer to the question. responsibilities of being certified by AMT, in
addition to a membership certificate and
Examination Development wallet card. Candidates should be aware of
Test items retained in the AMT item bank several key policies that are relevant
are regularly reviewed and evaluated. following the granting of certification to
Necessary changes or deletions are made include: The Certification Continuation
to update content and relevance. New items Program (CCP), The Standards of Practice,
added to the bank proceed through and the Disciplinary Policy.
numerous reviews and evaluations before
approval and acceptance. Certification The Purpose of Recertification and
examination development is the direct Continuing Competence
responsibility of the EQS Committees. The purpose of continuing competence is to
ensure and demonstrate that the skills,
In constructing different forms of a test, a knowledge, and abilities that certificants
change in an individual item does not alter possess at the time of initial certification
the balance of the complete examination. remain persistent throughout their
The subject matter, examination passing careers. Continuing competence involves
score and other data for each item are ensuring that practitioners keep pace with
considered when constructing an the rate of change encountered in
examination. This provides all examinees healthcare and that practitioners maintain
with consistent and comprehensive skills that are calibrated with current
examinations. Candidates may be assured healthcare practices, regardless of the
that the content of the examination and the stages of their careers. In meeting the goal
required level of performance will be similar of continual competence, practitioners must

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demonstrate that they meet recertification Members of the Registry and all
requirements every three years, on an individuals certified by AMT recognize
their professional and ethical
ongoing basis. This time frame is consistent responsibilities, not only to their patients,
with the appropriate maintenance of current but also to society, to other health care
skills and knowledge in healthcare. professionals, and to themselves.
The Certification Continuation Program
(CCP) is intended to promote and recognize The AMT Board of Directors has
practitioners who demonstrate continued adopted the following Standards of
efforts to carry the competencies present at Practice which define the essence of
initial certification throughout their careers. competent, honorable and ethical
The purpose and goal of the CCP is the behavior for an AMT-certified allied
same as that of certification in general: To health care professional. Reported
facilitate the provision of competent violations of these Standards will be
healthcare.This effort is also intended to referred to the Judiciary Committee and
promote safety and professional conduct in may result in revocation of the
all practice-related responsibilities. individual’s certification or other
disciplinary sanctions.
Certification Continuation Program
(CCP) I. While engaged in the Arts and
The Program requires all new certificants to Sciences that constitute the practice
participate in, and document activities of their profession, AMT
supporting the continuation of AMT professionals shall be dedicated to
certification every three years. In meeting the provision of competent and
this requirement, certificants are required to compassionate service and
accrue continuing education through the shall always meet or exceed the
following qualifying activities: Professional applicable standard of care.
Education, Formal Education, Authorship of
Written Works, Instructional Presentations II. The AMT professional shall place
and Organizational Participation. In addition, the health and welfare of the patient
certificants must comply with the AMT above all else.
Standards of Practice. Certificants will
receive reminders via mail and email III. When performing clinical duties and
regarding their compliance with the procedures, the AMT professional
Program, throughout the years. Members shall act within the lawful limits of
are encouraged to use AMTrax to track their any applicable scope of practice,
CE and other related activities. Certificants and when so required shall act
must comply with required program under and in accordance with
elements to remain certified. Individuals not appropriate supervision by an
in compliance with the CCP policy are not attending physician, dentist, or other
considered by AMT to be certified. licensed practitioner.
Standards of Practice
The American Medical Technologists is IV. The AMT professional shall always
dedicated to encouraging, establishing respect the rights of patients and of
and maintaining the highest standards, fellow health care providers, shall
traditions, and principles of the comply with all applicable laws and
disciplines which constitute the allied regulations governing the privacy
health professions of the certification and confidentiality of protected
agency and the Registry. healthcare information, and shall
safeguard patient confidences

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unless legally authorized or patient’s diagnosis, care and

compelled to divulge protected treatment.
healthcare information to an
authorized individual, law X. The AMT professional pledges to
enforcement officer, or other legal or uphold personal honor and integrity
governmental entity. and to cooperate in protecting and
advancing, by every lawful means,
V. AMT professionals shall strive to the interests of the American
increase their technical knowledge, Medical Technologists and its
shall continue to learn, and shall Members.
continue to apply and share
scientific advances in their fields of Disciplinary Process and Revocation of
professional specialization. Certification
AMT certificants will be disciplined, if
VI. The AMT professional shall respect necessary, under Articles IX and XI of the
the law and pledges to avoid AMT National Bylaws and the standing
dishonest, unethical or illegal Disciplinary Policy approved by the AMT
practices, breaches of fiduciary duty, Board of Directors.
or abuses of the position of trust into
which the professional has been
placed as a certified healthcare
professional.

VII. AMT professionals understand that

they shall not make or offer a
diagnosis or dispense medical
advice unless they are duly licensed
practitioners or unless
specifically authorized to do so by an
attending licensed practitioner acting
in accordance with applicable law.

VIII. The AMT professional shall

observe and value the
judgment of the attending
physician, dentist, or other
attending licensed practitioner
provided that so doing does not
clearly constitute a violation of law
or pose an immediate threat to the
welfare of the patient.

IX. AMT professionals recognize that

they are responsible for any
personal wrongdoing, and that they
have an obligation to report to the
proper authorities any knowledge of
professional abuse or unlawful
behavior by any party involved in the

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RESOURCES

Content Outlines - Examinations:

Content outlines for examinations in a specific certification may be found on the AMT website at
www.americanmedtech.org in the Certification section under the individual certification of
interest.

Content Outlines – Practice Examinations:

Practice examinations for the certification being sought may be found on the AMT website at
www.americanmedtech.org in the Certification section under the individual certification of
interest.

Reference Material and Publications:

Reference material for certification being sought may be found on the AMT website at
www.americanmedtech.org in the Certification section under the individual certification of
interest.

Practice Examinations:

Practice examinations are available for order and purchase on the AMT website at
www.americanmedtech.org.

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ADDENDUM - A

EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT: MLS, MLT, AND RMA

Setting the Criterion (passing score)

Item raters begin by identifying which answer choices the minimally-competent, entry-level
individual should be able to eliminate as clearly incorrect. The number of remaining answer
choices determines the probability of choosing the correct answer. The average of all
reviewers' judgments determines the Minimum Passing Level (MPL) of each test item.

For example, if it is determined that the minimally-competent examinee could eliminate

one of the answer choices as clearly incorrect, he would then be selecting from among
the three remaining choices. His chances of selecting the correct answer would be 1 out
of 3, or .33. This number is the MPL for the question. If he could eliminate two answer
choices as clearly incorrect, he would then be selecting from the two remaining choices.
His chances (the “odds”) of selecting the correct answer then become 1 out of 2, or .50.
For example:

The bone in the thigh is the

* A) femur.
B) tibia.
C) radius.
D) humerus.

For example, the minimally competent medical assistant should be able to immediately
recognize C) and D) as arm bones, thus eliminating those choices as being clearly incorrect. He
might then need to mentally review his knowledge of anatomy to recall the positions of the
leg bones, thus making his final selection of the correct answer from either A) or B). In this
case, his odds are 1 in 2. The MPL for this item would be .50.

The "odds" of answering an item correctly can be thought of as the item's difficulty. Each item
has its own difficulty value (MPL). Therefore, a complete examination is composed of items of
various difficulties.

After the committee has reviewed each item, indicating which of the four responses to each item
the minimally competent examinee should be able to perceive as incorrect, the judges' ratings
are pooled to obtain the minim um passing level (MPL) for each test item. The MPL settings for
all items appearing on a particular examination then are totaled to determine the minimum
passing level (MPL) for the entire examination. This procedure is done before the administration
of an examination.

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All AMT examinations have 100-230 items, but consider the following hypothetical 5-item test:
Item Minimum Passing Level (MPL)

Item A .50
Item B .33
Item C .25
Item D 1.00
Item E .50
2.58 = Passing score or MPL for the test (rounds to 3 out of 5).

An examinee's "raw score" is determined by summing the number of items answered correctly.
Examinees with scores exceeding the test MPL pass the test. Examinees with scores falling
short of the MPL fail the test.

All raw scores (and the MPL) are then converted to standard scores through a linear
transformation. This statistical procedure provides a common scale for reviewing and reporting
results.

The advantage of a criterion-referenced examination is that the focus changes from the
question: "Is this individual better (or worse) than the rest of the group being tested?" to: "Is
this individual sufficiently competent, based on this examination, to be allowed to practice
in the profession?"

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ADDENDUM - B

EXAMINATION DEVELOPMENT: RPT, RDA, DAR, CMLA, CMAS

Setting the Criterion (passing score)

The following outlines the method used for determining passing scores for AMT tests:

1. The Examination, Qualifications, and Standards Committee assigns a difficulty value

each question.

Each item on the test is of multiple-choice form (four options, one being the correct answer).
Prior to administering the examination, each member of the Committee reviews every test
question, indicating the probability that an entry-level, minimally-competent examinee will
answer an item correctly. Probabilities are assigned using a scale range of .25 to 1.00, in
increments of .05 (the lower bound of the scale is .25, to represent "chance probability" for
a four-option test item).

To help make the rating task more concrete, the judges may consider a hypothetical group of
100 entry-level, minimally-competent examinees. From this group, raters are asked to
consider the number of examinees that would answer a particular question correctly. In
assigning ratings, the judges may draw upon their own expertise, and/or consider statistical
information regarding the prior performance of an item.

Consider the difficulty rating assigned by a judge, to the following question:

The planet nearest the sun is

A) Jupiter
*B) Mercury
C) Earth Probability .65
D) Venus

This rater indicated that an entry-level, minimally-competent examinee has a 65% (.65)
probability of answering the item correctly. This number reflects the difficulty level for the
question (.25 would represent a difficult question, and 1.00 would represent a relatively
easy question). Similar responses are obtained from each judge. The arithmetic mean
across raters is calculated, to yield one difficulty value per question.

The average rating for each item is pooled (in a computerized database) with the item
on a permanent or semi-permanent basis. Therefore, when an item appears on a
subsequent test form, it will carry a difficulty rating from the prior review. The "minimum
passing level" (MPL) for each item is reviewed during the construction of subsequent
forms and is modified or reevaluated if necessary.

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2. An overall difficulty level for the examination is calculated.

The final passing score, or the minimum passing level (MPL) for a test is simply the
sum of the difficulty values for each individual item. For example, consider a five-item
test comprised of items of the following difficulties:

Difficulty
Item A .50
Item B .25
Item C .65
Item D 1.00
Item E .50
2.90

The passing score for the test would be 2.90 (which, in this example, would be rounded
to 3 questions). Fractional test MPLs are rounded such that numbers over .5 are
rounded to the next largest integer, and numbers under .5 are rounded to the next
smallest integer. The examination passing score is not adjusted after the above
determination is made, with the exception of the deletion of items pending statistical
item analyses. The careful review of item analyses helps ensure the integrity of the
passing level.

3. Examinee performance scores are calculated.

An examinee's "raw score" is determined by summing the number of items answered

correctly. Each question answered correctly is worth one raw score point. Examinees
with scores exceeding the test MPL pass the test. Examinees with scores falling short of
the MPL fail the test.

All raw scores (and the MPL) are then converted to standard scores through a linear
transformation. This statistical procedure provides a common scale for reviewing and reporting
results.

The advantage of a criterion-referenced examination is that the focus changes from the
question: "Is this individual better (or worse) than the rest of the group being tested?" to: "Is
this individual sufficiently competent, based on this examination, to be allowed to practice
in the profession?"

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ADDENDUM – C

Number of Current Certificants, Examination Administration Volumes, and Passing

Rates for AMT Certification Programs

2022
Certification Currently Number Percent
Program Certified Examined* Passing
CMAS 183 20 80%
CMLA 291 113 79%
MLT 2,809 437 68%
MLS 9,695 853 61%
RDA 1,053 879 76%
RMA 59,168 8,329 72%
RPT 6,106 1,847 82%

Examination statistics may also be found on the AMT website: www.americanmedtech.org.

A table presenting the statistics is located on the “Resources” page at:
americanmedtech.org/Resources. (Links may be clicked to access page.)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPUTERIZED TESTING AT AMT

• Where are computerized tests administered? Pearson VUE testing centers are available
at several hundreds of locations in the United States, its territories and at sites worldwide.
Complete and current information regarding testing sites may be found at
www.pearsonvue.com/amt.

• How frequently are tests administered? Tests are available nearly every day of the year,
except Sundays and Holidays. Contact your local testing center for availability.

• When am I authorized to contact Pearson VUE and schedule an administration time?

When your completed AMT certification application and supplemental information has been
reviewed, and approved as complete, you will receive an authorization letter. You may then
contact Pearson VUE to schedule a date and time to take your examination. The BEST way
to schedule your examination is on-line at www.pearsonvue.com.

• What identification will I need for admittance into the Pearson VUE testing center?
You will need two forms of valid identification, both bearing your signature and at least
one (1) bearing your photo. (Photo identification is limited to driver's license; state-issued
Identification card; military identification or passport). Ensure that the information on your
identification matches the information on your authorization letter to avoid being
turned away and assessed a retesting fee.

• Are calculators permitted in the test administration area? Calculators are neither
permitted nor required when taking your test.

• When are my computerized test results available? Your score is available moments after
completing your test. A paper copy of your results letter is provided to you before leaving
the testing center.

• How soon may I retake an examination after an unsuccessful attempt? Examinations

may be rescheduled and retaken 45 days after the failed attempt.

• What if I have other questions that are not addressed here? For other questions contact
the AMT Registrar at (847) 823-5169 or visit: www.americanmedtech.org

Good Luck on Your Certification Examination!

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10700 W. Higgins Road, Suite 150
Rosemont, Illinois 60018
Voice: (847) 823-5169
E-mail [email protected]
Web: www.americanmedtech.org