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AALAS' Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence:

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)

The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. In fact, these certifications have come to be a common requirement for a lab animal care position.

Below is a general overview of the technician certification process. For complete program information, download the Technician Certification Handbook. The handbook contains everything you need to know about application and testing procedures, qualification criteria, exam fees, and many other topics, and should be retained for use as a reference during the application process.

AALAS' Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence:

Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)
CMAR Information included below

The technician certification designations of ALAT, LAT, and LATG are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. In fact, these certifications have come to be a common requirement for a lab animal care position.

Below is a general overview of the technician certification process. For complete program information, download the Technician Certification Handbook. The handbook contains everything you need to know about application and testing procedures, qualification criteria, exam fees, and many other topics, and should be retained for use as a reference during the application process.

A year's worth of work experience is equivalent to 1950 hours. The CRB allows for experience in non-laboratory animal environment (up to 3 years) to be applied to the required work experience using the following equation.

0.5 year in a non-lab animal environment = 1 month of lab animal experience

Documentation must be provided for all diplomas/degrees. Non-U.S. diplomas/degrees will be evaluated for equivalency and may be referred to the CRB. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED to be eligible to take the LATG exam.

Overview of the Technician Certification Exams
All three examination levels consist of multiple-choice questions with a single correct answer and three incorrect answers. Exams are administered throughout the year on a personal computer (PC) workstation at a Thomson Prometric Testing Center; a pencil-and-paper exam is offered once yearly at the AALAS National Meeting.

The blueprint for the examinations is based on the results of a Job Analysis Survey conducted on behalf of the CRB. From this study the Exam Content Outlines (ECOs) are developed. The ECOs list the knowledge, skills, and abilities an AALAS-certified technician is expected to have at each level of certification, and are available in the Technician Certification Handbook. The ECOs are divided into three performance domains, or principal areas of work related responsibility: (1) Animal Husbandry, (2) Facility Management, and (3) Animal Health and Welfare. The number of questions (and percentages) from each domain that will appear on the examination are:

Each domain is broken down into tasks, which are explained by task statements (descriptions of specific goal-directed activities having a common objective). Examination questions are prepared from these task statements by AALAS members with expertise in the care and treatment of laboratory animals. Each examination question is then carefully referenced, reviewed, and evaluated by the CRB to ensure its accuracy and correctness.

The exams are designed as minimum competency tests and are not intended to distinguish among scores above the passing point. Therefore, no breakdown of scores is reported for passing candidates. This policy is established as a safeguard against misuse of the exam scores of passing candidates. Upon completion of your exam, you will receive a hard copy printout of a Pass/Fail Report that states whether you passed or failed. Within 3 to 4 weeks, you will receive an official report from AALAS. Passing candidates will receive an official pass notice and a certificate, and are encouraged to pursue the next level of AALAS certification (if applicable) and to further increase their knowledge base through continuing education. Candidates failing to pass their exam will receive an official score report containing their scale score and diagnostic information identifying areas of strength and weakness; these candidates are encouraged to reapply. When retaking an exam, the entire exam fee must be submitted again along with an Application Form. Candidates failing to pass can reapply immediately upon receipt of their official score report.

How to Apply
To apply for an AALAS Technician Certification Exam, you must complete an application form and submit all necessary documentation and fees. Once your application has been approved and processed, you will receive an Authorization to Test letter from the AALAS office. You must take this letter with you to your exam.

Study Materials
AALAS offers many resources which may aid you in your exam preparations, including training manuals, exam content outlines, and the reference list. Any of these or a combination of them will be very useful. The reference list is below; visit the Bookstore for more information about other resources.

Check out these practice materials available to Arizona members

Technician Certification Reference Lists
(Updated July 2001)

This is a list of publications referenced in the AALAS test item data bank. The test item data bank contains all test questions for the AALAS certification examinations This list is published by the CRB to assist those who are preparing to take a certification test as well as those with teaching responsibilities. The Certification Reference List may be altered and expanded by the CRB at any time without notice. The certification test item data bank is not static. New questions are added on a continual basis. As new test items are added to the data bank additional publications may be referenced. Check this page often for the newest listings. Please send any comments concerning these lists to the Education Department.

Additional suggested readings are listed in the AALAS manuals (ALAT, LAT, LATG) and in the Additional Readings for Professional Development list. These publications should be consulted and used as sources of information and for continued education. They also may be used as references for newly developed exam questions.

The Certification Reference List is divided by certification level. Each higher level incorporates the references of the lower level(s). The LAT level includes the material found in the ALAT and the LAT reference lists, and the LATG level includes the material found in the ALAT, LAT, and LATG reference lists. References are not listed in order of importance. Familiarity with all materials listed does not guarantee that an individual will pass an AALAS certification examination.

To obtain any of the publications in this list contact your bookstore, the publisher or the AALAS office. Resources may be located by the ISBN number listed at the end of each reference. Government publications can be located on the Internet. Links to other websites are provided for your convenience only, and are not guaranteed to contain complete information.

ALAT Resource Materials

• AALAS ALAT Manual, 98-1. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Cordova, TN. 1998

• Animal Welfare Regulations. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 9, Subchapter A, Parts 1-3 (9CFR 1-3): Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. National Research Council. Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 1996. ISBN 0-3090-5377-3. Complete Text (NAP/html)

LAT Resource Materials

• AALAS LAT Manual, 00-2. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 2000

• Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bethesda, MD. 2002. (NIH/html)

• Good Laboratory Practices for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies, 21 CFR, Food and Drugs, Chapter I, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, Subchapter A – General, Part 58; Code of Federal Regulations EPA 40 CFR, Protection of Environment, Chapter I, Environmental Protection Agency Subchapter R – Toxic Substances Control Act, Part 792 and 40 CFR, Protection of Environment, Chapter I, Environmental Protection Agency – Subchapter E – Pesticide Programs, Part 160

• 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 202:229-249,1993. (AVMA/html)

• Clinical Laboratory Animal Medicine: An Introduction. Hrapkiewicz, K, Medina, L, Holmes, DD. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 2nd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8138-2555-5 (Order online at Barnes and Noble)

Note: The LAT level list includes materials found on both the ALAT and LAT reference lists.

LATG Resource Materials

• AALAS LATG Manual, 00-3. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. 2000

• Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories. DHHS Publication No. (CDC) 93-8395. U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC. 4th ed. 1999. ISBN 0-1604-0585-8. (Gov Printing Office, HTML)

• Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1997. ISBN 0-3090-5299-8. (NAP/image)

• Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of B-virus Infections in Exposed Persons. The B virus Working Group. Holmes, GP et al. Clinical Infectious Diseases 20:421-439, 1995. (no online source)

• Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual for Animal Research Facilities. National Center for Research Resources, National Institutes of Health. NIH Publication No. 00-2006. 2000. (NIH/PDF)

Note: The LATG level list includes materials found on the ALAT, LAT and LATG lists.

Technician Certification Registry

By participating in the Technician Certification Registry, you will show that you have not only mastered the skills of your specific certification level but have also maintained a credible, current level of knowledge in the laboratory animal science field. Since the field is changing rapidly, with new knowledge, techniques, and concepts being introduced daily, it is essential that you, as an animal caregiver, remain on the cutting edge of your profession. The “R” (registered) in front of the certification acronym will be your entitlement of Registry participation. It will be a visible distinction on name tags, resumes, and business cards indicating your dedication to your professional development and to the well being of the animals in your care.

If you obtain AALAS certification at any level, you will automatically become “registered” for a two-year period. You will receive both Registry and Certification certificates from the AALAS office shortly after your exam date. Once you are entered into the Registry, you must acquire the required number of CEUs for your certification level by the expiration date of your Registry period (ALAT: 10, LAT: 14, and LATG: 24). This expiration date can be found on your Registry Certificate. CEUs can be earned by participating in example CE activities.

Participants who are not AALAS members will also be assessed a $40 non-refundable administrative fee for each subsequent two-year period of Registry status; participation is free to AALAS members. Documentation of all CEUs must be submitted to the AALAS office using the AALAS Certification Registry CEU Submission Form; the administrative fee must be submitted along with your documentation.

If you do not fulfill all requirements for renewing your Registry status, the “R” portion of the “Registered” certification acronym will be forfeited. (Example: if you lost your status as an RLAT, your certification would then revert to an LAT.) Also, your name would be removed from the Registry list that is published in the AALAS Reference Directory.

More information about the Technician Certification Registry can be found in the Technician Certification Handbook. If you have questions about the technician certification program or the Registry, contact the Education department.

Additional Readings for Professional Development
(Updated July 2001)

This list of publications is provided for the laboratory animal professional in addition to the AALAS certification resource lists. These publications may serve as a source for a variety of information needed for the daily management and operation of an animal facility, for teaching activities, for the development of research projects, etc. AALAS does not claim that this list is a complete list of publications in the field of laboratory animal science nor does AALAS vouch for the quality of these publications. For more publications the reader is referred to sources like the Animal Welfare Information Center, the National Research Council and other publishing companies.

General References

• Learning Veterinary Terminology. McBride, DF et al. Mosby-Year Book, St. Louis, MO, 1996. ISBN 0-8151-5960-9

• Principles of Laboratory Animal Science: A Contribution to the Humane Use and Care of Animals and the Quality of Experimental Results. Van Zutphen, LFM et al. Elsevier, NY, 1993. ISBN 0-4448-1487-6

• Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary. Blood, DC, Studdert, VP. WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1999. ISBN 0-7020-2442-2

• Veterinary Medical Terminology. Christenson, DE. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 1997. ISBN 0-7216-4859-2

Laws, Regulations, Policies

• Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching. Federation of Animal Science Societies, Savoi, IL. 1st revised ed. 1999

• Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals. Vol.1, Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), Ottawa, Ontario. 2nd ed. 1993. ISBN 0-9190-8718-3

• Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals. Vol.2. Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC), Ottawa, Ontario. 1984. ISBN 0-9190-8708-6

• Guidelines for the Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Herpetologists League, and Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. 1987

• Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Field Research. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, American Fisheries Society and American Institute of Fisheries Research Biologists. 1987

• IATA Live Animal Regulations. International Air Transport Association. Publications Department, 2000 Peel St. Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2R4, Canada. 20th ed. 1993

Administration and Management

• Institutional Administrator's Manual for Laboratory Animal Care and Use. DHHS - NIH Publication No. 88-2959. 1988

• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook. OPRR - NIH Publication No. 92-3415. 1992

• Laboratory Animal Records. DHHS - Public Health Service - NIH Publication No. 80-2064. 1979

• The Care and Feeding of the IACUC: The Organization and Management of an Animal Care and Use Committee. Podolsky, ML, Lucas, V. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL.1999. ISBN 0-8492-2580-3

• The IACUC Handbook. Silverman, J, Suckow, MA, Murthy S. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2000. ISBN 0-8493-1685-5

• Principle-Centered Leadership. Covey, SR. Fireside Publ. 1992. ISBN 0-6717-9280-6

• Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor. Umiker, W. Aspen Publishers, Gaithersburg, MD. 3rd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8342-1091-6

• Basic Statistics. Tales of Distributions. Spatz, C. Brooks/Cole Publishing, Pacific Grove, CA. 6th ed. 1997. ISBN 0-5942-6424-7

Laboratory Animal Care and Handling

• Biology and Diseases of the Ferret. Fox, JG. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia. 2nd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-6833-0034-2

• The Biology, Husbandry and Health Care of Reptiles. Ackerman, LJ. TFH Publications, 1997. ISBN 0-7938-0504-X

• The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit. Manning, PJ. et al. Academic Press, London, UK. 2nd ed. 1994. ISBN 0-1246-9235-4

• The Experimental Animal in Biomedical Research. Rollin, BE., Kesel, ML. Vol 2: Care, Husbandry and Well-Being: An Overview by Species. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1992. ISBN 0-8493-4982-6

• The Handbook of Experimental Animals. The Laboratory Rat. Krinke, G. Academic Press, London, UK. 2000. ISBN 0-1242-6400-X

• The Handbook of Experimental Animals. The Laboratory Fish. Ostrander, GK. Academic Press, London, UK. 2000. ISBN 0-1252-9650-9

• Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science, Vol. I, Selection and Handling of Animals in Biomedical Research. Svendsen, P, Hau, J. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1994. ISBN 0-8493-4378-X

• Laboratory Animal Management: Dogs. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. 1994. ISBN 0-3090-4744-7

• Laboratory Animal Management: Rodents. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC.1996. ISBN 0-3090-4936-9

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Cat. Martin, BJ. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1998. ISBN 0-8493-2567-6

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Guinea Pig. Terril, L, Clemons, D. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1997. ISBN 0-8493-2564-1

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Hamster and Gerbil. Field, KJ, Sibold, AL. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1999. ISBN 0-8493-2566-8

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Rabbit. Suckow, MA. Douglas, FA, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1997. ISBN 0-8493-2561-7

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Rat. Sharp, P, LaRegina, M. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1998. ISBN 0-8493-2565-X

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Small Ruminants. Allen, MJ, Borkowski, GL. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1999. ISBN: 0-8493-2568-4

• Laboratory Animal Reference Series. The Laboratory Swine. Bollen, PJA. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1999. ISBN 0-8493-1035-0

• Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Biology and Management. Bennett BT, et al. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 1998. ISBN 0-1208-8661-8

• Nonhuman Primates in Biomedical Research: Diseases. Bennett BT, et al. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 1998. ISBN 0-1208-8665-0

• Practical Animal Handling. Anderson, RS, Edney, ATB. Pergamon Press, New York, NY. 1991. ISBN 0-0803-6152-8

• The Psychological Well-Being of Nonhuman Primates. National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. 1998. ISBN: 0-3090-5233-5

• Restraint and Handling of Wild and Domestic Animals. Fowler, ME. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 2nd ed. 1995. ISBN 0-8138-1892-3

• The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals, 7th ed. Poole, T. and English, P. Vol. 1 Terrestrial Vertebrates & Vol. 2 Amphibians and Aquatic Vertebrates and Advanced Invertebrates. Blackwell Science Publishers, 1999. ISBN 0-6320-5133-7

Anatomy and Physiology

• Anatomy & Dissection of the Rat. Walker, WF, Homberger, DG. Freeman Company, New York, NY. 1998. ISBN 0-7167-2635-1

• The Atlas of Mouse Development. Kaufman, MH. Academic Press, Orlando, FL. 1992, ISBN 0-1240-2035-6

• Anatomy of Vertebrates, Fishes, and Reptiles. Owen, R. International Books and Periodicals Supply Service. 1984. ISBN 0-7855-0340-4

• A Colour Atlas of the Anatomy of Small Laboratory Animals. Vol. 1: Rabbit, Guinea Pig. Popesko, P, et al., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1992. ISBN 0-7234-1822-5

• A Colour Atlas of the Anatomy of Small Laboratory Animals. Vol. 2: Rat, Mouse, Golden Hamster. Popesko, P. et al. Wolfe Publishing, London. 1992. ISBN 0-7234-1823-3

• A Guided Tour of Veterinary Anatomy: Domestic Ungulates and Laboratory Mammals. Smallwood, JE. W.B. Saunders. 1991. ISBN 0-7216-3731-0

• An Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology. Mitchell, AR and Watkins, PE. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 1993. ISBN 0-9052-1412-9.

• Laboratory Anatomy of the Frog and Toad. Chiasson, RB, Underhill, RA. McGraw Hill, 1993. ISBN 0-6971-2313-8

• Laboratory Anatomy of the Mink. Chiasson, RB, Radke, WJ. McGraw Hill, 1997. ISBN 0-6970-4793-8

• Laboratory Anatomy of the Perch. Chiasson, RB, Radke, WJ. McGraw Hill, 1991. ISBN 0-6970-4939-6

• Laboratory Anatomy of the Pigeon. Chiasson, RB. McGraw Hill, 1984. ISBN 0-6970-4927-2

• Necropsy Guide: Rodents and the Rabbit. Feldman, DB, Seely, J. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1988. ISBN 0-8493-4934-6

• Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology. De LaHunta, A. W.B. Saunders, 1983. ISBN 0-7216-3029-4

Genetics, Transgenics and Nomenclature

• Definition, Nomenclature, and Conservation of Rat Strains. National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. ILAR News, 34(4):S1-S26, 1993

• Handbook on Genetically Standardized Jax Mice. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME. 5th ed. 1997

• Molecular Biology Made Simple and Fun. Clark, DP, Russell, LD. Cache River Press. 2nd edit. 2000. ISBN 1-8898-9904-6

• Standardized Nomenclature for Transgenic Animals. National Academy Press, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. ILAR News (Journal) 34(4):45-52, 1993

• Systematic Approach to Evaluation of Mouse Mutations. Sundberg, JP., Boggess, D. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2000. ISBN 0-8493-1905-6

Behavior

• Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists. Houpt, KA. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 3rd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8138-1061-2

• The Veterinarian's Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior. Beaver, B. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA.1994. ISBN 0-8138-2114-2

Nutrition

• Animal Feeding and Nutrition. Jurgens, MH. Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque, IA. 8th ed. 1996. ISBN 0-7872-2307-7

• Nutrient Requirements of Laboratory Animals. National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 4th ed. 1995. ISBN 0-3090-5126-6

• Nutrient Requirements of Nonhuman Primates. National Research Council, Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2nd ed. 2000. ISBN 0-3090-6989-0

Internal Medicine and Diseases

• Color Atlas of Diseases and Disorders of the Pig. Smith, WJ et al. Iowa State University Press, Ames IA. 1990. ISBN 0-8138-0069-2

• Color Atlas of Diseases and Disorders of the Sheep and Goat. Linklater, KA, Smith, MC. Wolfe Publishing, London, England. 1993. ISBN 0-7234-1708-3

• Fish Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment. Noga, E. Iowa State University Press, Ames IA. 2000 ISBN 0-8138-2558-X

• Fish Medicine. Stoskopf, MK. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 1993. ISBN 0-7216-2629-7

• Handbook of Rodent and Rabbit Medicine. Laber-Laird, K ed al. Elsevier, New York, NY. 1996. ISBN 0-0804-2504-6

• Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. Greene, CE. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 2nd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-7216-2737-4

• Infectious Diseases of Mice and Rats. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. 1991. ISBN 0-3090-3794-8

• Companion Guide to Infectious Diseases of Mice and Rats. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. 1991. ISBN 0-3090-4283-6

• Manual of Avian Medicine. Olsen, GH, Orosz, SE. Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 1999. ISBN 0-8151-8466-2

• Manual of Small Animal Endocrinology. Torrance, AG, Mooney, CT. Iowa Sate University Press, Ames, IA. 2nd ed. 1998, ISBN 0-9052-1442-0

• Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Mader, D. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 1996. ISBN 0-7216-5208-5

• Self-Assessment Color Review of Small Mammals. Brown, SA, Roenthal, KL. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 1997. ISBN 0-8138-2092-8

Microbiology and Parasitology

• Diagnostic Veterinary Parasitology. Hendrix, CM. Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 2nd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8151-8544-8

• Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. Russell, AD, Hugo, WB. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, PA. 4th ed. 1991. ISBN 0-8121-0863-9

• Handbook of Laboratory Animal Bacteriology. Hansen, AK. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1999. ISBN 0-8493-2913-2

• Principles and Methods of Sterilization in Health Sciences. Perkins, J. Charles Thomas Publisher. 2nd ed. 1980. ISBN 0-3980-1478-7

• Parasites of Laboratory Animals. Owen, SG. Laboratory Animal Ltd. Handbook 12. Hoddle Doyle Meadows, Station Road, Linton, Cambridgeshire CB1 6UX, England

• Veterinary Clinical Parasitology. Sloss, RI, Zajac, AM. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 6th ed. 1994. ISBN 0-8138-1733-1

• Veterinary Microbiology. Hirsh, DC, Zee, YC.. Blackwell Publisher. 1999. ISBN 0-8654-2543-4

Pathology and Laboratory Diagnosis

• A Colour Atlas of Comparative Veterinary Haematology; Normal and Abnormal Blood Cells in Mammals, Birds and Reptiles. Hawkey, CM, Dennett, TB. Wolfe Publishing Limited, London, England. 1998. ISBN 0-7234-0930-7

• Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Pratt. PW. Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 1997. ISBN 0-8151-7326-1

• Immunodeficient Rodents. A Guide to Their Immunobiology, Husbandry and Use. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1989. ISBN 0-3090-3796-4

• Manual of Clinical Procedures in the Dog, Cat and Rabbit. Crow, SE, Walshaw, SO. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, PA. 1997. ISBN 0-3975-1588-X

• Pathology of Laboratory Rodents and Rabbits. Percy, DH., Barthold, SW. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 2nd ed. 2001. ISBN 0-8138-2551-2

• Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods. Willard, MD, et al. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 1999. ISBN 0-7216-7160-8

• Techniques of Veterinary Radiography. Morgan, JP. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 5th ed. 1993. ISBN 0-8138-1727-7

• Veterinary Hematology. Atlas of Common Domestic Species. Reagan, WJ, et al. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA 1998. ISBN 0-8138-2664-0

• Veterinary Immunology. An Introduction. Tizzard, I. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 5th ed. 1996. ISBN 0-7216-5772-9

• Veterinary Laboratory Medicine - Clinical Pathology. Duncan, JR et al. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 3rd ed. 1998. ISBN 0-8138-1917-2

Pharmacology and Therapeutics

• Applied Pharmacology for the Veterinary Technician. Wanamaker, BP, Pettes, CL.. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 1996. ISBN 0-7216-4954-8

• Formulary for Laboratory Animals. Hawk, CT, Leary, SL. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 2nd ed. 1999. ISBN 0-8138-2469-9

• Veterinary Drug Handbook. Plumb, DC. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 3rd ed. 1999. ISBN 0-8138-2353-6

Anesthesia, Pain, and Surgery

• Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals. Kohn, DF et al. Academic Press, New York, NY. 1997. ISBN 0-1241-7570-8

• Anesthetic and Sedative Techniques for Aquatic Animals. Ross, B. Blackwell Science. 2nd ed. 1999. ISBN 0-6320-5252-X

• Experimental and Surgical Techniques in the Rat. Waynforth, HB, Flecknell, PA. Academic Press, New York, NY. 1992. ISBN 0-127-38851-6

• Fundamental Techniques in Veterinary Surgery. Knecht,CD, et al. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 3rd ed. 1987. ISBN 0-7216-1397-7

• Guidelines for Animal Surgery in Research and Teaching. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 54:1544-1559, 1993

• Handbook of Veterinary Procedures and Emergency Treatment. Kirk, RW, et al. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA. 7th ed. 2000. ISBN 0-7216-7166-7

• Laboratory Animal Anesthesia: A Practical Introduction for Research Workers and Technicians. Flecknell, PA. Academic Press, London, England. 2nd ed.1996. ISBN 0-1226-0361-3

• Medical, Surgical and Anesthetic Nursing for Veterinary Technicians. Pratt, PW. Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 1994. ISBN 0-9396-7413-0

• Recognition and Alleviation of Pain and Distress in Laboratory Animals. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. 1992. ISBN 0-3090-4275-5

• Surgery, Anesthesia, and Experimental Techniques in Swine. Swindle, MM. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 1998. ISBN 0-8138-1829-X

Euthanasia

• Animal Death and Human Emotion in the Laboratory. Walshaw, SO. Lab Animal, 23(6):24-29, 1994

• Suggestions from Research Workers for Coping with Research Animal Death. Pekow, CA. Lab Animal, 23(10):28-29, 1994

• Design and Construction of Animal Facilities

• Environmental Management in Laboratory Animal Units. Heine, WOP. Pabst Science Publishers, Scottsdale, AZ.1998. ISBN 3-9331-5109-0

• Handbook of Facilities Planning, Vol. 2: Laboratory Animal Facilities. Ruys, T. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, NY. 1991. ISBN 0-4422-3426-0

Biohazards in Animal Research

• Control of Communicable Diseases Manual: An Official Report of the American Public Health Association. Benenson, AS. American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. 16th ed. 1995. ISBN 0-8755-3222-5.

• Criteria for a recommended Standard Occupational Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases and Vapors. DHEW - NIOSH Publication No. 77-140. 1977.

• Handbook of Zoonoses. Vol. 1: Bacterial, Rickettsial, Chlamydia, and Mycotic. Beran, GW, Steele, JH. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2nd ed. 1994. ISBN 0-8493-3205-2

• Handbook of Zoonoses. Vol. 2: Viral. Beran, GW, Steele, JH. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2nd ed. 1994. ISBN 0-8493-3206-0

• Health and Safety in Laboratory Animal Facilities. Laboratory Animal Handbooks #13. Wood, M. Smith, MW. Royal Society of Medicine Press, London, UK. 1999. ISBN 1-8331-5421-0

• Laboratory Safety - Principles and Practices. Fleming, DO et al. American Society for Microbiology. 2nd ed. 1995. ISBN 1-5558-1047-O

• Primary Containment for Biohazards: Selection, Installation and Use of Biological Safety Cabinets. Centers for Disease Control, NIH, DHHS. US Government Printing Office, Washington, DC. 1995.

• Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposing of Chemicals. National Research Council. National Academy Press. Washington, DC. 1995. ISBN 0-3090-5229-7.

• The Zoonoses: Infections Transmitted from Animals to Man. Bell, JC. et al. Edward Arnold, London, England. 1988. ISBN 0-7131-4561-7

• Zoonoses: Recognition, Control, and Prevention. Hugh-Jones, ME et al. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 1995. ISBN 0-8139-1821-4

Experimental Design

• Essentials for Animal Research: A Primer for Research Personnel. Bennett, BT et al. National Agricultural Library, Beltsville. MD. 1990

• Laboratory Animals: An Introduction for Experimenters. Tuffery, AA. John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY. 2nd ed. 1995. ISBN 0-4719-5257-5

Animal Models and Resources

• Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science, Vol. 2, Animal Models. Svendsen, P, Hau, J. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1994. ISBN 0-849-34390-9

• Nonmammalian Animal Models for Biomedical Research. Woodhead, AD. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 1990. ISBN 0-8493-4763-7

• Swine as Models in Biomedical Research. Swindle, MM. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. 1992. ISBN: 0-8138-1472-3

• Wildlife Mammals as Research Models: in the Laboratory and Field. Bayne, KAL, Kreger, MD. Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, Greenbelt, MD. 1995

Alternatives

• Alternatives to Animal Testing: New Ways in the Biomedical Sciences, Trends and Progress. Reinhardt, CA, VCH Publishers, New York, NY. 1994. ISBN 1-5608-1831-X

Veterinary Ethics and Animal Welfare

• Ethics, Animals and Science. Dolan, K. Blackwell Science. 1999. ISBN 0-6320-5277-5

• Handbook of Laboratory Animal Management and Welfare. Wolfensohn, S, Lloyd, M. Blackwell Science.1998. ISBN 0-6320-5052-7

• In the Name of Science: Issues in Responsible Animal Experimentation. Orlans, FB. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 1996. ISBN 0-1951-0871-X

• Man & Mouse: Animals in Medical Research. Paton, W. Oxford University Press, New York, NY. 2nd ed. 1993. ISBN 0-1928-6146-8

• The Unheeded Cry: Animal Consciousness, Animal Pain, and Science. Iowa State University Press, Ames, IA. ISBN 0-8138-2576-8

• Veterinary Ethics. Tannenbaum, J. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MA. 1989. ISBN 0-6830-8102-0

• What Should We Do About Animal Welfare? Appleby, M. Blackwell Science. 1999. ISBN 0-6320-5066-7

Technical and Professional Education

• Education and Training in the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: A Guide for Developing Institutional Programs. National Research Council, Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources. National Academy Press, Washington, DC, 1991. ISBN 0-3090-4382-4

• NetVet: Mosby's Veterinary Guide to the Internet. Boschert, K. Mosby, St. Louis, MO. 1997. ISBN 0-8151-2935-1

Serial Publications

• Animal Welfare Information Center Newsletter. National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD USA. Tel. 301-504-6212. ISSN 1050-561X

• Comparative Medicine. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Cordova, TN, USA. ISSN 023-6764

• Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Cordova, TN, USA. ISSN 1060-0558

• ILAR Journal. Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources. National Research Council, Washington, DC, USA. ISSN 0018-9960

• Jax Notes. The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA

• Lab Animals. Information, Ideas, Methods & Materials for the Animal Research Professional. Nature America Inc. New York, NY, USA. ISSN 0093-7355

• Laboratory Animals. The International Journal of Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare. Laboratory Animals Ltd., London, England. ISSN 0023-6772

Audiovisuals and Computer Software

• Anesthesia Matters. 1995. MIT Committee on Animal Care, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Tel. 617-253-1758

• Basics of Aseptic Surgery and Anesthesia in Rodents. 1995. MPSX Communications, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. Tel. 814-863-3102.

• A Guide to Snakes. Waters, M., Zwat, P., Frye, FL. Krieger, PO Box 9542, Melbourne, FL, 32902. 2000. CD-ROM.

• A Guide to Lizards. Waters, M., et al. Krieger, PO Box 9542, Melbourne, FL, 32902. 1999. CD-ROM.

• Handling and Sexing of Some Common Laboratory Animals. 1996. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science/University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Tel. 403-492-5193

• The Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Base Module - 1 video; Species Modules - 4 videos; Techniques Modules - 4 videos). Laboratory Animal Training Association, Highland Village, TX 75067. Tel. 800-262-5282

• Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science: Series II. American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine/ University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7161. Tel. 206-685-1186

• Necropsy Procedures For Small Laboratory Animals. The Microbiology Laboratories. North Harrow, Middlesex. HA2 7RE. UK. FAX: +44-20-8860-6100

• Some Preferred Techniques for the Laboratory Rat. 1997. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science/University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Tel. 403-492-5193

• Some Preferred Techniques for the Laboratory Rabbit. 1998. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science/University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Tel. 403-492-5193

• Some Preferred Techniques for the Laboratory Mouse. 1998. Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science/University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Tel. 403-492-5193

• Video Mouse Training Programs (Manual Restraint, Oral Gavage, Injection Methods). Biotech Informational Systems, Madison WI, 53719.

• Manual of Standard Operating Procedures for Animal Facilities (text document or computer disk). Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science/University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Tel. 403-492-5193

 Technician Certification Exams

 AALAS Technician Certification candidates: Schedule your exam date on-line! While not "real-time" scheduling, Prometric will confirm appointments within 24-48 hours. Click here, and look for the AALAS program under Health/Medical Certifications.

The Technician Certification Handbook contains everything you need to know about the AALAS Certification Program, including information on obtaining an application form, application and testing procedures, qualification criteria, exam fees, and many other topics. This Handbook should be retained for use as a reference during the application process. You can download a PDF file of the Technician Certification Handbook by clicking here.  (Be patient, it may take a few moments to download).

The AALAS Technician Certification Application Handbook is a PDF file, which must be viewed with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software).  To download Acrobat Reader (free) from the Adobe web site, click here.

If you have difficulty downloading this PDF file, try Fax On Demand:  Our Fax On Demand number is (901) 754-2546. This is an automated fax response system that guides you through a set of pre-recorded voice messages. You may access the system by calling from a touch-tone phone, selecting either documents, catalogs, or a listing of available documents, to be faxed back to any fax machine that is convenient to you... anytime, anywhere. Using this method, certification forms, membership applications, etc., may be retrieved instantaneously in print. If it can be faxed through traditional faxing methods, it can be made available through the fax on demand.

Or you may contact  the national office a request a handbook be mailed to you.

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More information about the CM exams is available in the CMAR Handbook.