American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Overview of certification Work and education requirements for certification Certification Registry Overview of Certification The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) offers technician certification at three levels: Laboratory Animal Assistant Technician (ALAT) Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT) Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) What can AALAS certification do for you? AALAS certification is a nationally recognized qualification for technical expertise in the laboratory animal field. To state your certification in your resume or on a grant application is a badge of excellence that demonstrates your pursuit of knowledge in the care and use of laboratory animals. The value of certification is recognized by institutions in research, education and the government. AALAS provides manuals for self-study at each level in preparation for the certification exam. DCM also offers courses in support of AALAS certification. The certification examination is a computerized exam that is held at designated testing sites all over the country, including St. Louis. AALAS members receive a 50% discount in examination fees. For more information, browse the AALAS website or call them at 901-754-8620. The following is a summary of the education and work requirements to sit for the AALAS certification exams. Exam Education Work Experience ALAT No H.S. diploma or G.E.D. 2 years   H.S. diploma or G.E.D. 1 year   Minimum 2 years of college 0.5 years       LAT No H.S. diploma or G.E.D. Not eligible   H.S. diploma or G.E.D. 3 year   Any 2-year A.A./A.S. degree 2.5 years   Any 4-year B.A./B.S. or higher degree 2 years   ALAT plus H.S. dipl. or G.E.D. or college or degree 1 year after ALAT       LATG No H.S. diploma or G.E.D. Not eligible   H.S. diploma or G.E.D. 5 years Any 2-year A.A./A.S. degree 4.5 years   Any 4-year B.A./B.S. or higher degree 4 years   LAT plus H.S. dipl. or G.E.D. or college or degree 1 year after LAT

Certification Registry The AALAS Certification Registry is a program for certified technicians to use continuing education for staying current in their field. Since the field is changing rapidly, with new knowledge, techniques, and concepts being introduced daily, it is essential that technicians remain on the cutting edge of their profession. Registered technicians are entitled to place an "R” (registered) in front of the certification acronym, e.g. RALAT, RLAT, or RLATG. This is a visible distinction indicating dedication to professional development and to the well being of the animals used in research. Briefly, the requirements are: Participants must be certified by AALAS at the ALAT, LAT, or LATG level. Participants must earn at a minimum the following CEUs over a two-year Registry Period -- ALAT - 10, LAT - 14, and LATG - 24. Participants must be an AALAS National Member at any membership level. Documentation of all CEUs must be submitted to the AALAS office. For details, browse the AALAS website or call them at 901-754-8620. Last updated: June 30, 2000.