News for anyone who will be applying for certification or who is supervising others as they prepare to certify: AALAS has posted a new version (November 2005) of the Technician Certification Handbook and application form online (www.aalas.org). Click on Certification / Technician to display the links to download these resources. There is a separate link to both the application form and the handbook (which also includes the application form).

AALAS recommends that you have the latest version of these to review the program information and to submit the most current application form, since these documents are updated throughout the year as the program changes or as clarifications are needed.

Summary of 2005 Changes:

ELIGIBILITY
Eligible work experience includes quality assurance related to animal research or testing, and IACUC functions related to laboratory animal science.

LATG REFERENCE LIST
The Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians and the Merck Veterinary Manual were removed from the LATG reference list, effective August 1.

EXAM APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION
Instructions were added to the Handbook (and the Authorization to Test letter) for obtaining a confirmation statement for an exam appointment at a testing center.

APPLICATION FORM
The AALAS Core Values Statement and the Code of Ethics were added to the assurance statement signed by the candidate in the application form.