The End of an Era: Remembering the CLES Certification
If you have been browsing older career guides for Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) or looking through legacy hospital job requirements, you have likely come across the letters CLES—which stands for Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist.
However, if you are currently trying to figure out how to sign up for the exam, we have some definitive news: the CLES certification is officially defunct.
Here is a look back at what this prestigious credential was, why it disappeared, and what it means for laboratory service technicians today.
What Was the CLES Certification?
Launched in the late 1970s, the CLES was a highly specialized credential designed specifically for biomedical technicians who focused on the maintenance, calibration, and repair of complex clinical laboratory equipment.
While a standard Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) covers general hospital medical devices, the CLES exam tested specialized proficiency in:
- Laboratory Instrumentation: Analyzers, centrifuges, incubators, and chromatography systems.
- Safety Protocols: Chemical hygiene, bloodborne pathogens, and biohazard containment.
- Quality Assurance: Compliance with strict laboratory regulatory frameworks like CLIA, CAP, and FDA guidelines.
For decades, holding a CLES designation was a gold standard that proved to hospitals and laboratory original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that a technician possessed elite, specialized knowledge.
When and Why Did It Become Defunct?
The AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI)—which managed the exam—officially discontinued the CLES testing pathway at the end of 2018.
The decision came down to simple numbers and economics:
- Low interest: Over the years, fewer and fewer candidates were taking the specialized exam. Many laboratory Field Service Engineers (FSEs) received direct training from specific OEMs rather than seeking out a generalized lab certification.
- High maintenance costs: Maintaining a specialized, ANSI-accredited exam under modern ISO standards requires significant financial backing and continuous testing updates. ACI ultimately determined that the low volume of applicants could no longer justify the cost of keeping the program alive.
A Note on Legacy Status: If you see someone with “CLES” after their name today, they didn’t necessarily lose it! Technicians who already held the certification before it was retired are permitted to maintain their legacy status, provided they continue to log their continuing education units (CEUs) and pay their triennial renewal fees.
Correcting the Record: Legacy Myths
Because old career guides still linger on the internet, there are a couple of common myths you should watch out for:
- The “ICC” Confusion: Older articles state that the exam is offered by the International Certification Commission (ICC). The ICC hasn’t managed these exams in years; administration shifted completely to the AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI) long before the exam was retired.
- Active Status: You cannot apply for a new CLES exam today. Any program claiming to offer “new” CLES certifications is entirely outdated.
What is the Path Forward for Lab Techs?
Unfortunately, AAMI discontinued the CLES without introducing a direct replacement for laboratory-specific equipment. If you want to stand out in the clinical laboratory engineering field today, your best options are:
- The CBET (Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician): The broader core credential remains highly respected and recognized by healthcare employers everywhere.
- OEM Certifications: Most field service roles in modern labs favor direct, factory-authorized training certifications from major manufacturers (like Roche, Beckman Coulter, or Abbott) over generic certifications.
- The CABT (Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology): For those just breaking into the industry, AAMI offers this foundational exam to prove core competency.