CEMT Certification Program
The Microscopy Society of America (MSA), the world's largest professional association of microscopists, provides the only certification of technologists in biological transmission electron microscopy available in the Americas. The program was instituted in 1978 to establish standards for technical skills. In addition to assuring employers that certified technologists are technically proficient, certification can be important in determining job classification, salary level, and potential for advancement or promotion. Many consider certification to be a key benchmark in their professional development.
The program is administered by the Certification Board, which is appointed by the Council of the Society. The Board develops regulations, formulates and evaluates examinations, and interprets policies.
The Certification Board has established the use of the approved acronym "CEMT" to represent Certified Electron Microscopy Technologist to be awarded to all who have been successfully certified by the MSA Certification Committee. Certified Electron Microscopy Technologists can use these initials after his or her name to more firmly provide a professional identification of Certification for as long as the Certification remains valid (eg. "John Smith, AA, BS, CEMT").
Individuals with the requisite educational and/or occupational qualifications can attain certification by completing an application and passing both written and practical examinations. Successful candidates are awarded an official numbered MSA Certificate and a Certification Pin. Two examination cycles are offered each year.
CEMT Exam Cycles for 2024
Application Deadline
Written Exam Given
Practical Exam Deadline
Cycle 91
Application deadline: January 30
Written Exam date: March 5
Practical Exam deadline: May 14
Cycle 92
Application deadline: August 13
Written Exam date: September 17
Practical Exam deadline: November 26
Important Documents
Brochure & Complete Regulations (Word Doc)
Brochure & Complete Regulations (PDF)
Application Form
The initial period of certification is the year in which certification is completed and the following calendar year.
Renewals
Certification is valid for ten (10) years, and may be renewed every ten (10) years by payment of the appropriate fee ($75 for MSA members, $150 for non-members). Certified Technologists whose certification has lapsed may have it reinstated by paying the appropriate renewal fee and providing documentation of certification. The renewal fee will be the amount, in five year increments, to bring certification current from the last certification/renewal. This is a change from previous policy, which had required reexamination after a two year lapse.
For renewals, please fill out the renewal form or contact the Association Management.
Certified Microscopists
The Certification Board administers the written and practical examinations to certify biological transmission electron microscopy technologists through the CEMT Certification Program. Examinations are administered to qualified candidates twice a year. Please contact the chairman for further information.
Certified Microscopists
Chair
Rudy Alvarado
Oregon Health and Science University
2730 S. Moody Ave
RLSB P2N004
Portland, OR 97201
Office: (503) 418-0067
Email
Vania Almeida
University of Miami
Angela Blissett
The Ohio State University
Leona Cohen-Gould
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Nick Conoan
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Karen Kelley
University of Florida
Frank Macaluso
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Sara Pawlak
Yale School of Medicine
Tracey Stewart
Iowa State University
Alyssa Waldron
Bergen County Academies