Aside from being a Certified Laser Safety Officer, you can also be a Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer (CMLSO).
See requirements for both CLSO & CMLSO as highlighted by BLS.
Certified Laser Safety Officer – Career Path
CLSO Requirements
For an individual to qualify to take the CLSO examination, the following requirements must be met:
- Candidates must have a 4-year degree from an accredited institution or a 2-year AS degree or a high school diploma and substantial experience in laser safety.
- One (1) year of experience with laser safety or acting as LSO, having performed the specific responsibilities outlined in the ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard.
- Two (2) professional reference statements or letters of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor and/or other knowledgeable person(s) stating that the applicant has performed the specific responsibilities of an LSO.
- A certificate of completion of a BLS-approved Laser Safety Officer course. (In special cases, this requirement may be waived by the BLS upon application with supporting documentation.)
Read Also: Requirements to become an IOSH trainer
CMLSO Requirements
For an individual to qualify to take the CMLSO examination, the following requirements must be met:
- Candidates must have a 4 year degree from an accredited institution or be a licensed medical professional or they may either have a 2 year AS degree or high school diploma and advanced education and training in their area of practice.
- One (1) year of experience with laser safety or acting as LSO, having performed the specific responsibilities outlined in the ANSI Z136.3 Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities standard.
- Two (2) professional reference statements or letters of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor and/or other knowledgeable person(s) stating that the applicant has performed the specific responsibilities of an LSO.
- A certificate of completion of a BLS-approved Laser Safety Officer course. (In special cases, this requirement may be waived by the BLS upon application with supporting documentation.)
Read Also: List of all IOSH courses and trainer’s directory
How To Apply For The CLSO & CMLSO Exams
Within the requirements for both certification exams, there is a link for application.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Click the application link above to see the application form
- Print out the form
- Fill the form
- Pay the necessary fee
- Send the duly completed form to The Board of Laser Safety (BLS) via their contact address.
- Wait for approval.
Once your application is approved, you are eligible to write the BLS certification exams.
NOTE: The form contains all the information you need, including the contact address and required fees.
Enroll for the courses via the approved training providers to be prepared for the BLS certification exams; either CLSO or CMLSO exams.
Read Also: List of all OSHA courses and trainer’s directory
Recertification Fee
Recertification fees are due no later than January 31st after the 3rd year of becoming certified or maintaining certification (i.e., at the end of the individual’s 3-year certification cycle). The fee must be accompanied by the completed Certification Maintenance (CM) form and supporting documentation. The recertification fee is $165.00
Failure to submit the form and recertification fee will result in Inactive Status.
A CLSO or CMLSO who turns in his/her form after the January 31 deadline must also submit a $55.00 late fee.
Certification Maintenance form
Retake Fee
Within two years of notification of acceptance to sit for an exam, an applicant who wishes to retake the exam due to cancellation or failure must notify the BLS in writing (an email is sufficient). Applicants may only retake the exam once in these two years. There is a $125.00 fee to retake the exam. Written notification must be received within these two years.
An applicant who was originally accepted more than two years previously must follow the new applicant procedures, including payment of a new application fee.
For more information, contact BLS here
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