The Certified Office Laboratory Technician (COLT) examination is administered at more than 200 locations around the United States and Canada. The exam is administered on a daily basis, with the exception of some holidays or other short-term breaks. The test is administered for the same price in both computer and paper formats. While the computerized versions of the test typically take less time, both paper and electronic versions have the same number of questions and the same distribution of questions in the content areas. The paper version of the test takes about three hours to complete.

Questions are divided evenly within the content areas, though within some content areas there may be varying emphasis between certain laboratory procedures. Since accurate results are so vital to laboratory operation, more questions are devoted to quality control issues (12% of the exam) than to other content areas. 10% of the questions on the exam deal with OSHA regulations and laboratory safety standards and procedures. Hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, phlebotomy, microscopy, microbiology, and the use of equipment comprise a significant portion of the test topics. Also of concern to the laboratory technician certification is knowledge of the legal, ethical and professional standards of practice. Communications, interpersonal relationships, and even clerical skills and duties apply to laboratory certification, so knowledge is tested in these areas as well.

Test centers will require candidates to present identification before sitting for the exam. Candidates will need two forms of identification, one bearing a photo of the examinee. Examples of acceptable identification include a photo driver’s license, state-issued identity card, military ID, or passport.

Computerized test results are available immediately upon completion of the exam. Those who do not pass the examination must wait 90 days before taking it again.

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