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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 consists of 200 questions.

What does the test cover?

The following content areas will make up the examination:

22% Pharmacological
10% Risk Assessment
5% Genetics
18% Nutrition, Exercise and Lifestyle
10% Lipid Metabolism
10% Metabolic Syndrome
10% Clinical Trials
5% Special Populations
5% Adherence and Compliance
5% Vascular Biology Details
100%

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 $120 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 attend my scheduled exam slot?

Please make every effort to notify the office regarding your difficulty. We will make every effort to reschedule your exam. No refunds will be provided because the ACCL will have to pay for preparation of the exam booklet, staffing, and the scoring fee accordingly, regardless of participation. If you are unable to reschedule at least 72 hours ahead of your exam, you will forfeit your exam fee. The credentialing fee of $120 is a one time fee and is transferable to a rescheduled exam in the future.

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 unaffiliated. Although the NLA supported the development of the ACCL and shares office space with the organization, it is an independent, not for profit organization. The NLA, as well as organizations such as the PCNA, works collaboratively with the ACCL to develop training programs that support the successful completion of the exam.

Have a question that was not answered?

Call the ACCL Manager, Trisha Mackowiack, at 904-998-0356