American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a nonprofit certification agency that administers the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) exam. The purpose of this exam is to make sure that you have the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a medical laboratory scientist.
Click “Start Test” above to take a free AMT MLS practice test, and check out our premium-quality AMT MLS test prep resources by clicking the links below!
AMT MLS Exam Eligibility
There are three routes of eligibility for this exam: education, MLT/military, and alternate education.
For this route, you must have a baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from an accredited institution recognized by a regional or national accreditation agency. This must have been obtained in the last five years.
Acceptable education programs must include at least one year of clinical laboratory experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.
Route 2: MLT/Military
For this route, you must have a baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from an accredited institution recognized by a regional or national accreditation agency OR have an equivalent degree from a foreign institution that is approved by AMT (American Medical Technologists).
You must also have completed an accredited medical technology (MLT) program or a 50-week US MLT training program, and you must have a minimum of one year of approved clinical laboratory experience.
Route 3: Alternate Education
For this route, you must have a baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from an accredited institution recognized by a regional or national accreditation agency or have an equivalent degree from a foreign institution that is approved by AMT.
You must have completed 35 semester hours of coursework related to clinical laboratory services such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, biological science, microbiology, mathematics, etc.
You must also have completed an accredited medical laboratory science training program leading to your baccalaureate degree OR completed at least one year of approved clinical laboratory experience within the last five years.
AMT MLS Exam Outline
The AMT Medical Laboratory Scientist exam contains 210 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given 3.5 hours to complete it.
The questions are split into nine content areas:
I. General Laboratory (14.3%)
The 30 questions in this area test your knowledge of various aspects of the lab, including instrumentation, laws, mathematics, and general microscopy. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- Laboratory quality
- Laws and regulations
- Safety
- Instrumentation, maintenance, and principles of operation
- Mathematics
- General microscopy
- Phlebotomy and specimen collection
- Patient identification
- Waived testing
II. Chemistry (21.4%)
The 45 questions in this area test your chemistry knowledge, including renal function tests, carbohydrate metabolism, endocrinology, and acid-base balances. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Instrumentation
- Renal function tests
- Hepatic function tests
- Carbohydrate metabolism
- Protein analysis
- Enzymology
- Endocrinology
- Lipids
- Water and electrolytes
- Acid-base balance
- Cerebrospinal fluid
- Other chemistry procedures
III. Hematology (15.2%)
The 32 questions in this area test your knowledge of various hematological procedures and instrumentation. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Erythrocyte procedures
- Leukocyte procedures
- Thrombocyte procedures
- Special procedures
- Automated instrumentation
IV. Coagulation and Hemostasis (7.1%)
The 15 questions in this area test your knowledge and skills related to coagulation and hemostasis. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Prothrombin time
- Partial thromboplastin time
- Fibrin degradation products
- Fibrin split products
- Platelet function tests
- Heparin assay
- Factor testing
V. Immunology and Serology (3.8%)
The 8 questions in this area test your knowledge and skills related to immunology and serology procedures and terminology. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Serological tests for syphilis
- Analytical procedures
- Special procedures
VI. Immunohematology (10.5%)
The 22 questions in this area test your knowledge and skills related to various immunohematology procedures and terminology. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Blood typing
- Immune response
- Compatibility testing principles and procedures
- Rh immune globulin
- Special tests
VII. Blood Banking and Transfusion Services (8.1%)
The 17 questions in this area test your knowledge and skills related to blood banking and transfusion. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Blood donor requirements
- Blood storage requirements
- Labeling requirements
- Regulations for the disposition of blood bags
- Quarantine procedures
- Therapeutic phlebotomy
- Regulation parameters for computer crossmatch
- Evaluation of blood donor collection requirements and deferrals
VIII. Microbiology (14.8%)
The 31 questions in this area test your knowledge of various aspects of microbiology, including bacterial identification, virology, and mycology. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Media quality control, techniques, and cultures
- Bacterial identification
- Special tests
- Virology
- Parasitology
- Mycology
IX. Urinalysis and Body Fluids (4.8%)
The 10 questions in this area test your knowledge of functions and procedures related to urinalysis and body fluids. Here is a closer look at the topics this section covers:
- General knowledge
- Renal function
- Urinalysis procedures
- Special tests
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AMT MLS Exam Registration
There are four steps to the application/registration process.
- Begin the online application and review the eligibility requirements
- Send in the application along with the application fee
- Wait for a confirmation email that contains the approval to test
- Schedule your exam
During the registration process, you can choose whether you would like to take the exam in-person at a testing center or take the exam online from your home.
Test Day
In-person Testing
Pearson VUE strongly advises that you arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam to allow time for the check-in procedures. During check-in, you will be asked for two valid forms of ID, and at least one form of ID must contain a photo. Failure to provide this identification will result in your exam being cancelled.
If you wear eyeglasses, you will be asked to remove them and allow them to be inspected. If your glasses do not pass inspection, you will not be allowed into the testing room.
Before you enter the testing room, you will be asked to leave all personal items behind, including your phone, papers, books, scratch paper, calculator, or food.
Once the exam begins, you will be allowed to take breaks, but the timer for the exam will not be stopped while you are away.
Remote Testing
If you’re taking the exam remotely, you will need to make sure your computer passes a system test and that you have a reliable internet connection.
For security reasons, you will be heavily monitored throughout the test-taking period. This may include audio and video recording of the exam session, as well as the proctor halting the exam upon notice of suspicious activity.
Similarly to the in-person exam, you should be ready to check in at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled exam time. During check-in, you will be asked for two valid forms of ID, one of which must contain a photo.
Once the check-in process is complete, you will be ready to take the exam.
How the AMT MLS Exam is Scored
Once you have finished the exam, the computer will immediately create a score report, which will be printed out and handed to you by the proctor if you are testing in-person. The passing score for the MLS exam is 70.
If you fail the exam, your score report will include information on which sections you scored the lowest on. You are allowed to retake the exam up to three additional times, but the original test fee must be paid in full each time.
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How to Study for the AMT MLS Exam
How to Study Effectively
Your success on Medical Laboratory Scientist test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking AMT MLS practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free AMT MLS exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many AMT MLS practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the MT practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for MT Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and AMT MLS study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
FAQs
Q
How many questions are on the AMT MLS exam?
A
There are 210 multiple-choice questions on the exam.
Q
How long is the AMT MLS exam?
A
The exam is timed at 3.5 hours.
Q
What is the passing score for the AMT MLS exam?
A
The passing score for this exam is 70.
Q
How much does the AMT MLS exam cost?
A
The cost of this exam is $245.
