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.
Certified Point-of-Care Testing Professional (CPP) October 2026 Application period is now open. Submit your application by November 19 to be eligible for the February CPP certification exam.
Please contact [email protected] for specific questions regarding a submitted application.
Please Note: Beginning in 2027, the exam cycle will shift from April and October to February and August.
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,
- Please Note: Applicants without a four-year degree may qualify via CLIA (120+ semester hours) with required POCT/lab experience.
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-February) and Fall (mid-August).
Key dates and deadlines
All applications must be completed online and require an ADLM account. ADLM membership is not required.
May 2026 Application Cycle
- Application Open: May 4 - July 7
- Application Review: July 7 - August 28
- Applicant Notified: September 4
- Exam Payment Open: September 7 - September 17
- Test Self-Registration: September 21 - October 2
- Exam Week: October 12 - 15
- Exam Results Announced: November 6
Application Cycle Through 2030
| Year | Cycle | Application Window | Exam Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Fall | October 5 - November 19, 2026 | February 15 - 18, 2027 |
| Spring | March 8 - May 6, 2027 | August 16 - 19, 2027 | |
| 2028 | Fall | August 16 - October 14, 2027 | February 14 - 17, 2028 |
| Spring | March 6 - May 4, 2028 | August 14 - 17, 2028 | |
| 2029 | Fall | August 21 - October 19, 2028 | February 12 - 15, 2029 |
| Spring | March 5 - May 3, 2029 | August 13 - 16, 2029 | |
| 2030 | Fall | August 20 - October 18, 2029 | February 11 - 14, 2030 |
| Spring | March 4 - May 2, 2030 | August 12 - 15, 2030 |
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.