Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Proficiency Testing
Description
This basic-level course provides foundational information about CLIA proficiency testing (PT), including its historical background, importance, and impact on clinical laboratories and facilities that perform regulated testing. The course covers the fundamentals of CLIA PT, explains the PT process and scoring procedures, and addresses PT referral.
Audience
This basic-level course is designed for individuals with roles associated with clinical laboratory testing, including those who conduct tests or support other activities related to the clinical testing process. This includes clinical and public health laboratory testing personnel, supervisors, consultants, directors, quality professionals, and anyone interested in CLIA proficiency testing basics.
Accessibility
Course content is closed captioned, where applicable, and optimized for a screen reader.
Objectives
At the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Identify the four steps in the proficiency testing (PT) process
- Locate the resource that identifies which nonwaived tests require PT
- Determine when to participate in PT versus performing alternative assessments
- List the corrective steps to take for a failed PT score
- Identify their responsibilities in ensuring compliance with PT requirements
Continuing Education (CE)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Laboratory Systems is approved as a provider of continuing education programs in the clinical laboratory sciences by the ASCLS P.A.C.E.® Program. This course is approved for 1 contact hour(s) P.A.C.E.® credit. P.A.C.E.® Course Number: 288-035-24
To receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Education Units (CEU), follow the steps below by November 1, 2026.
1. Complete the course in OneLab REACH.
2. Pass the posttest at 70%.
3. Copy the passcode provided after passing the posttest.
4. Go to CDC TRAIN and register for the Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Proficiency Testing (Web Based) – WB4907 course.
5. Check the box for each type of CE you wish to apply for when registering for the course.
6. Select the **Mark Completed** button on the course page in TRAIN.
7. Enter the passcode when prompted.
8. Complete the evaluation in CDC TRAIN.
You can access your CME or CEU certificates and transcript by visiting **Your Learning** in TRAIN.