Point-of-Care Testing Professional Certification

Become a Certified Point-of-Care Testing Professional

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is among the fastest growing disciplines within laboratory medicine and clinical diagnostics. With certification through the ADLM Board of Certification, you can showcase your proven expertise. As a Certified Point-of-Care Testing Professional (CPP), you will stand out as someone who has gone above and beyond to demonstrate proficiency in POCT.

The October 2025 application cycle is now open and will accept applications from October 27 through December 18, 2025. Please contact [email protected] for specific questions regarding a submitted application. 

Please Note: Beginning in 2026, the exam cycle will shift from May and November to April and October.

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Who are certified POCT professionals?

CPP certification is designed for all personnel who perform diagnostic tests outside the central laboratory, including near-patient testing, point-of-care device selection and validation, quality management, operator training, regulatory compliance, and serving as a liaison with the central laboratory. To be eligible for the CPP credential, you must have either:

• A four-year degree in a biological, chemical, physical, or medical laboratory science and at least two years of direct POCT work experience, OR
• A two-year degree in medical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology and four years of direct POCT work experience, OR
• Applicants without a qualifying degree may be eligible under the CLIA credit-hour alternative with at least 120 semester hours from an accredited institution, including either:
  • 48 semester hours in medical laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, or
  • 48 semester hours in science courses comprising:
    • 12 hours in chemistry (including general and either biochemistry or organic)
    • 12 hours in biology (including general and one of molecular, cell, or genetics)
    •  24 additional hours in chemistry, biology, or lab science fields

Applicants must also meet required POCT or laboratory experience criteria as documented in their CV and references.

About the exam

The POCT Professional Certification exam is a two-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam is only available online and is monitored by an online proctor via webcam. This allows candidates to take the timed exam in the convenience of their own home or via personal laptop at a time scheduled by the candidate. The exam is offered twice annually, in the Spring (mid-April) and Fall (mid-October).

Key dates and deadlines

All applications must be completed online and require an ADLM account. ADLM membership is not required.

October 2025 Application Cycle

• Application Open: October 27 - December 18
• Application Review: January 5 - February 27
• Applicant Notified: March 6
• Exam Payment Open: March 9 - March 20
• Test Self-Registration: March 23 - April 10
• Exam Week: April 13 - 16
• Exam Results Announced: May 8

How do I apply?

A completed application consists of:

• An education transcript (degrees earned outside the United States and Canada require a credential evaluation report).
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV) submitted as a single PDF.
• Personal Statement describing your POCT work experience
• Letter from a supervisor documenting your POCT work experience submitted by the applicant.
• One letter of recommendation from an individual other than your supervisor submitted by reference directly to the application portal.
• Application fee.

View detailed application requirements here.

For complete details on the certification and application process, please review the Point-of-Care Testing Professional Certification Candidate Handbook.