The CLS Certifying Examination

The CLS program certifies licensed Allied Health Professionals and validates their professional credentials to provide specialized care to patients with dyslipidemia and related cardiometabolic conditions.

• Who Should Take the Exam
• Eligibility Criteria
• Training Requirements and Deadline
• Examination and Fees
• Deadlines
• Application
• Designation/Maintaining your Certification

Who Should Take the Exam

• Are in clinical or academic practice and actively involved in patient managementt
• Seek to accomplish rigorous examination in clinical lipidology and are committed to continued professional development in lipid management
• Want to attain and demonstrate up-to-date, relevant expertise to patients, colleagues and employers

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Eligibility Criteria

The CLS advanced certification program is open to licensed nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, registered dietitians, clinical exercise physiologists/specialists and other health professionals who meet qualifying criteria. To become credentialed, candidates must meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria, and Training Requirements for their particular profession, which require applicants to demonstrate that they have earned 200 credit hour equivalents or "points" to qualify for the examination. Although rigorous, the requirements were designed to provide an avenue for advanced healthcare providers with demonstrated knowledge and experience in lipidology to become certified as Clinical Lipid Specialists.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

• US or Canadian Resident
• Must be one of the following:
  • Licensed Pharmacist
  • Licensed Physician Assistant
  • Licensed Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Licensed Registered Nurse
  • Registered Dietitian (proof of registration required for states that do not require licensure)
  • ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist
  • ACE Advanced Health Fitness Specialist

All applicants must submit a thorough CV detailing experience and credentials. Copies of all certificates and diplomas claimed must accompany the application. Physicians are not eligible to take this exam.

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Examination Description and Fees

The subject content of the CLS examination reflects the knowledge, skills, and attitudes deemed essential for the competent practice of lipidology. The examination has been constructed at the upper level of difficulty and consists of approximately 200 multiple choice questions. You will have 4 hours to complete the exam.

The content focuses on the approved Core Curriculum in Clinical Lipidology:

• Metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins and the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis
• Genetics, diagnosis, and management of dyslipidemias and the metabolic syndrome
• CV risk assessment
• Pharmacology, safety and efficacy of lipid-altering drugs
• Fundamentals of non-pharmacologic therapy: nutrition, exercise, and behavior and compliance

Fees

Credentialing Fee $120 (non-refundable)*
Examination Fee $376
Total Certification Fee $496

*A one-time $120 non-refundable application fee is incurred upon receipt of the application by the ACCL, regardless of eligibility outcome.

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Application Deadlines

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Applying for the CLS Exam

To apply please click here. Please see application deadlines. Once you submit your application please allow up to 2 weeks for processing. Upon approval of your application, you will receive an email providing instructions regarding selecting your exam date and location.

Click Here for a list of testing centers.

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Training Requirements

A minimum of 200 points are required to successfully credential for certification. Points are earned through primary and subspecialty board certifications, relevant academic practice, involvement in relevant clinical research and participation in lipid-focused continuing medical education activities. For specific training requirements see your professional healthcare sector under eligibility criteria.

Lipid Focused CME/CE
Lipid Focused Continuing Medical Education is defined by the ACCL as certified continuing medical education activities on topics relating to lipids and dyslipidemia including, but not limited to:

• Atherosclerosis
• Cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease
• Preventive cardiology
• Lifestyle management of dyslipidemias
• Pharmacologic management of dyslipidemias
• Evidence supporting dyslipidemia treatment guidelines
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Vascular biology
• Advanced lipoprotein metabolism
• Diabetic dyslipidemia
• Atherosclerosis imaging

For sources for lipid–focused CME/CE see the resource section.

Ready to take the exam?

Print your application here .

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ACCL Designations/Use of Credentials

Candidates who successfully pass the Clinical Lipid Specialist exam will earn the designation "Clinical Lipid Specialist." This credential may be abbreviated and used in the signature of professionals as follows:

Approved Designation: John Smith, PharmD, CLS
Or, this credential may be stated as "Diplomate, Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology"

There may also be limitations imposed by your state or professional licensure board.

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