General Information

The CLSO and CMLSO exams are primarily based upon the ANSI Z136 Series of Laser Safety Standards. The parent document, ANSI Z136.1-2007 Safe Use of Lasers is the primary source of information for the CLSO exam and a major source of information for the CMLSO exam. The primary source of information for the CMLSO exam is the ANSI Z136.3-2005 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities standard.

Laser Institute of America is the publisher of the ANSI standards and they can be obtained at their website www.lia.org.

All accepted applicants must submit the examination fee at least two weeks prior to the examination. Any applicant who has not paid will not be permitted to sit for the examination. An applicant may cancel or request to reschedule an examination. All such petitions must be in writing and received by the BLS at least 30 days prior to the applicant's scheduled examination date. In this case the examination fee may be refunded or reapplied to a future examination. If an applicant cancels or reschedules less than 30 days prior to the next examination, he/she may reapply the fee to a future exam. No refunds will be issued in this case. 

The exam is made up of 100 multiple-choice questions. The questions are grouped into areas of practice. Each question has five (four for CMLSO exam) possible answers from which to choose. The total allotted time to take the exam is three hours.

Examinees may bring a simple scientific calculator (non-programmable) and spare batteries if desired. (Calculators are not necessary for the CMLSO exam). Personal computers, books, manuals, notes or other reference materials may not be brought into the exam room.

Materials will be inspected on site, and proctors can refuse to allow examinees to bring certain calculators or other materials into the examination room. If you have any questions about what types of calculators or other materials are permitted, please contact the BLS in advance.

Application Deadlines

All applications for the CLSO and CMLSO exams must be postmarked no later than two weeks prior to when you wish to take the exam.