Frequently Asked Questionss

How long is the exam?

The exam will consist of two parts, each part covering a time span of two hours, making the total testing time 4 hours. There will be a short break given between part I and part II of the examination. The exam will consist of between 200 and 250 questions.

What does the test cover?

The following content areas will make up the examination:

• 22% Pharmacological Therapy
• 18% Nutrition and Non-pharmacological Therapy
• 10% Clinical Trials
• 10% Metabolic Syndrome
• 10% Lipoprotein Metabolism
• 10% Risk Assessment and NCEP Guidelines
• 5% Genetic Disorders
• 5% Vascular Biology
• 5% Special Populations (ethnicity, pediatrics, geriatrics, HIV, etc.)
• 5% Behavior and Compliance

What credential is given?

Clinical Lipid Specialist

How is the credentialing process adjudicated?

The credentialing committee of the ACCL Board of Governors determines whether or not participants have met the credentialing requirements;

1. Applications received in office: Deadline is 30 days prior to exam date
2. Staff will perform perfunctory analysis based on submission
3. Any questions shall be presented to the ACCL Credentialing Committee for review
4. The Committee will review application and determine acceptance/rejection of applicant
5. Letters sent to examinees at least 3 weeks prior to meeting confirming their seat or rejection for the examination.
6. If rejected, an applicant can appeal the ACCL Credentialing Committee's decision. An approved appeal allows the applicant to take the next scheduled examination.

Download the complete credentialing guide here (Acrobat Reader Required)

What happens if I fail?

The ACCL certification exam may be taken up to 3 times upon filing of a new application and paying the re-examination fee ($250) each time (the credentialing fee of $100 is a one-time fee and will not be charged for re-examinations). If a candidate fails three successive examinations, eligibility is withheld for a period of two years.

What if I cannot make the scheduled examination as scheduled?

Please make every effort to notify the office regarding your difficulty. You will automatically be assigned to take the next available examination and you will be notified of the location and date of such exam. No refunds will be provided because the ACCL will have to pay for preparation of the exam booklet, staffing, the scoring fee accordingly, regardless of participation.

How quickly will I receive results?

Generally we will have results to participants 6-8 weeks from the date of examination.

How is the ACCL related to the National Lipid Association (NLA) and other organizations?

They are not. Although the NLA supported the ACCL development and provides office space to the organization, it is a stand alone not for profit organization. The NLA as well as organizations such as the PCNA work collaboratively with the ACCL to develop training programs that support the successful completion of the exam.

Is there a plan for electronic testing?

The ACCL has arranged for testing center support in 2008. We have identified over 300 local sites nationally approved to provide remote testing services.

Have a question that was not answered?

Call the ACCL Manager, Nicole Woodsmall, RD, at 904-998-0356