Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques or CPLT is a short term entry level certification course which can be pursued after completing secondary (class 10) or 10+2 (class 12) level. The course provides basic knowledge and skills required to work in a science laboratory. It is a 6 months course and can be extended upto a span of 2 years.
Check the full list of CPLT colleges in India.
Candidates who have completed and passed their 10+2 examinations with science subjects from a recognised board are eligible to apply for this course. Students who have passed their 10th class examinations and have minimum 2 years experience of working in a science laboratory in school, colleges or universities are also eligible to apply.
Key Highlights of CPLT
- Full-Form: Certificate Program in Laboratory Technique.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Eligibility: Either 10+2 in science stream or class 10 with minimum 2 years of work experience in science laboratories.
- Admission Process: Based on marks scored in previous exams (Merit-based).
- Top Colleges: IGNOU, Government degree college for women Srikakulam, DAV PG college, Dehradun.
- Average Annual fees: INR 1,000 to INR 30,000.
- Distance Education: Available, but candidates will have to attend the practical classes regularly in the college campus.
- Colleges Providing CPLT in distance mode: IGNOU
- Job Options: Lab technician, lab assistant, lab manager, lab executives, etc.
- Average Starting Salary Package: INR 2-3 Lakhs.
- Higher Study Options: DMLT, BMLT, etc.
Admission to this course is merit based. The candidates are selected on the basis of marks scored by them in previous examinations (class 10 or class 12).
The course is desirable for those who are currently working or aspire to work in science laboratories. It imparts the knowledge of equipment used, their procurement and storage procedures, appropriate disposal procedures, basic skills for organising and managing laboratories etc.
The total fees of this course ranges between INR 1,000 to INR 30,000 depending upon the type of institution.
Some of the top institutions which offer CPLT are given below:
| Name of the Institute | Location | Admission Criteria | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Degree College for Women | Srikakulam | Merit based | INR 1,100 |
| Shri Shivaji Science College | Amaravati | Merit based | INR 4,200 |
| Nalanda Open University | Patna | Merit based | INR 1,325 |
| IGNOU | Delhi | Merit based | INR 3,500 |
| DAV PG College | Dehradun | Merit based | INR 3,500 |
Candidates completing this course can work in science laboratories as lab technician, lab assistant, lab manager, lab executives etc.
The average starting salary offered to these candidates is around INR 2-3 LPA. However, with more experience, candidates can end up earning around INR 7-8 LPA.
After completion of this course, candidates can also pursue a higher degree course in a similar field to gain more knowledge. They can pursue a diploma degree like DMLT or bachelor’s degree BMLT. This also helps them in increasing their earning potential.
Read more on top DMLT colleges in India.
CPLT Admission Process
The admission to Certificate in Laboratory Techniques course is merit based and candidates are selected on the basis of marks scored in qualifying examination, that is class 10 or class 12 examination.
Universities like IGNOU follow the given steps in case of online admissions:
- Step 1 - Candidates need to register themselves by creating an account on the official website of the college they want to apply in.
- Step 2 - Login to the account and fill all the required information.
- Step 3 - Upload necessary documents.
- Step 4 - Recheck the information filled and submit the application form.
- Step 5 - Pay the application fees to complete the admission process.
Follow the given steps for offline registration:
- Step 1 - Download the form from the official website of the college or obtain the application form from the college.
- Step 2 - Fill the required information and attach necessary documents.
- Step 3 - Pay the application fees as required by the college.
- Step 4 - Submit the form along with payment details either by post or at the college as required by the college.
Check the admission process of IGNOU Delhi.
CPLT Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply for a certificate in laboratory techniques course, candidates need to fulfil the eligibility criteria as required by the institution. The general eligibility criteria is given below:
- Candidates need to complete and pass their HSC or 10+2 examinations with science subjects and English with minimum 50% marks from a recognised board.
- Candidates who have completed 10th class education and have minimum 2 year experience of working in a science laboratory in any school, college or university are also eligible to apply for the course.
- There may be some relaxation in marks for the candidates belonging to reserved categories. However, the same may vary from college to college.
CPLT Entrance Exams
There is no entrance exam for this course. The admission is granted on the basis of marks scored by the candidates in the previous qualifying examination. A list of candidates will be prepared by the college on the basis of these marks. The shortlisted candidates will be called for further verification. Finally, the candidates found eligible will be granted admission to the course.
How to get admission in a good college?
- To get admission in a good college, candidates need to complete their HSC with good marks since admission is on the basis of marks scored in HSC.
- Study, practise and revise the concepts thoroughly before board examinations.
- Candidates should be updated about the admission process of the colleges they wish to apply in.
- Complete the application process before the last date of registration.
- Keep on visiting the official website for any further updates.
Interested in certification courses after 10+2? Check the full list of top certification courses in India.
CPLT: What is it About?
- Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) is an entry level course in the field of working in a science laboratory which can be pursued after completing HSC (10+2).
- Students pursuing this course learn about the technical know how and skills required to work in a science laboratory.
- Students learn about the basic facilities in a science laboratory, operation and management of equipment used in science laboratories, procedures of procurement and storage of equipment required in laboratories.
- The course generally consists of theoretical knowledge of science laboratories- Biology Lab, Physic Lab and Chemistry Lab and their practical implementation.
- To complete the course, students need to pass in both theoretical examinations and laboratory tests.
- After completion of course, students are qualified as professionals who can work in any laboratories- school laboratories, college laboratories, university laboratories, chemical laboratories, research laboratories etc.
CPLT Course Highlights
Some of the important highlights of Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques are given below in the table:
| Course Level | Certification |
| Full Form | Certificate in Laboratory Techniques |
| Duration | 6 months –2 years |
| Examination Type | Term end exam |
| Eligibility | 10+2 pass with science subjects or 10th pass with 2 years of work experience in school/college laboratory |
| Admission Process | Merit based |
| Course Fees | INR 1,000 – 30,000 |
| Average Salary | INR 2 to 8 LPA |
| Recruiting Areas | Schools, Colleges, Universities, Medicine Labs, Chemical Labs etc. |
| Job Positions | Lab Technician, Lab Assistant, Lab Executive, Research Centre Testing Manager, Research Centre Manager |
CPLT : Why this particular course?
- Helps you to increase your professional skills: If you are already employed in science laboratories, or are willing to work in laboratories in future, this course will help you to increase your professional skills.
- Can be beneficial for 10 pass candidates: Those candidates who started working after completing their 10th standard can also join this course,if they have a minimum 2 years of work experience. These candidates are generally not eligible for any Bachelor or Master degree course, so completing this course can be of great help.
- The job opportunities will never decrease: As schools, colleges, and science laboratories keep on increasing every day, the job opportunities for these candidates will also keep on increasing.
- High ROI: The fees of this course are very less. The average course fees for the complete course lies between INR 1,000 and INR 20,000. But, the average is also good and keeps increasing with experience. The entry level average salary for this course is around INR 2-3 LPA. However, with higher work experience, candidates can end up earning around INR 7-8 LPA. So, this course will have a high return on investment.
- Opportunities to work in Reputed Science Research Laboratories: Experienced candidates can even get job opportunities in reputed science research laboratories in our country.
Course Comparison
Certificate Program in Laboratory Technology (CPLT) vs Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT)
Both the courses are good courses and have their own academic implications. CPLT is a short term course that helps you learn about skills and knowledge required to work in science laboratories. BMLT is an UG level course which teaches about paramedical laboratory techniques.
The comparison between the two courses is given below in the table below:
| Parameters | Certificate in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT) | Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | It is a short term course in Laboratory techniques and provides you with knowledge and skills for working in a science laboratory. | It is a UG level course in the field of paramedical sciences which provides you an in depth knowledge of paramedical laboratory techniques. |
| Admission Criteria | Merit based | Merit based or entrance based |
| Examination Type | Term end exams | Semester based |
| Duration | 6 months to 2 years | 3 years + 6 months internship |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with science subject | 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in PCMB |
| Total Fees | INR 1000-30,000 | INR 20,000- 3,00,000 |
| Top Colleges | IGNOU, DAV PG College, Shri Shivaji College | Madhav University, Ayushman College |
| Campus Placements | Depends on college | Yes |
| Average Salary | INR 2 LPA | INR 3 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Schools, Colleges, Universities, Research Laboratories | Pharmaceutical Lab, Pathology Labs, Hospitals, Research and product development etc. |
| Job Roles | Lab Assistant, Lab Technician, Lab Manager | Lab Technologists, Laboratory Manager, Assistant Pathologist |
Also, take a look at the full list of top BMLT colleges in India.
Source: University Websites
CPLT Top Colleges
There are various colleges which offer certificates in Laboratory Techniques courses. The list of some the colleges which offer the same course is given below:
| Name of the Institute | Location | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | Delhi | INR 3,500 |
| AIIMS | Bhopal | INR 1,250 |
| Government Degree College for Women | Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh | INR 1,100 |
| DAV PG College | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | INR 3,500 |
| Shri Shivaji College | Amravati, Maharashtra | INR 4,200 |
| Nalanda Open University | Patna, Bihar | INR 1,325 |
| Kasturba Gandhi Degree and PG College for Women | Secunderabad, Telangana | INR 27,000 |
Source: College Websites
The colleges generally provide direct placement opportunities for this course, however, candidates can still apply for jobs at the laboratories.
CPLT College Comparison
IGNOU and Government Degree College for Women Srikakulam are two top colleges providing this course. In the table given below, we have compared these two colleges in a bit detail.
| Parameters | IGNOU | Government Degree College for Women |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | It is an Open Central University which offers distance education in a variety of courses. | It is a government college for women applicants only and offers a variety of regular courses. |
| Collegedunia Rating | 6.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Location | New Delhi | Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Admission Criteria | Merit based | Merit based |
| Course Fees | INR 3500 | INR 1100 |
| Average Placement package | INR 3,12,000 | NA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Nestle, KPMG, Aegis, Allsec Technologies | NA |
CPLT Distance Education
Open Universities like IGNOU provide this course through correspondence mode.
- The average fees for the full course of IGNOU is INR 3,500.
- The course is of minimum 6 months duration but it can be extended upto 2 years.
- The course does not involve any assignments. The only assessment mode is the term-end examination.
Check the full list of IGNOU study centres in India
CPLT Syllabus
The course consists of theory subjects about working in a science laboratory which is followed by their practical implication. The general syllabus of the course is given below in the table:
| LT-1 Good Laboratory Practices | LT- 2 Laboratory Techniques in Biology |
| Laboratory Organisation and Management-1 | Introduction to Biology Laboratories |
| Laboratory Organisation and Management-2 | Microscopy, Staining and Culture Techniques |
| Hazard in Laboratories | Laboratory Manual- Biology |
| Laboratory Safety | Basic Experiments in Biology |
| Laboratory Exercise Manual | - |
| Lt-3 Laboratory Techniques in Chemistry | Lt-4 Laboratory Techniques in Physics |
| Laboratory Apparatus and Equipments | Basic Apparatus in Physics |
| Laboratory Techniques-1 | Basic Experiments in Physics |
| Laboratory Techniques-2 | - |
| Basic Experiments in Chemistry | - |
CPLT Books
Given below are names of some books along with their authors that might be helpful for students who wish to pursue certificate courses in laboratory techniques.
| Book Name | Author |
|---|---|
| Laboratory Organisation and Management | Grover F |
| The Foundations of Laboratory Safety | Rayburn, Stephen R |
| Introduction to Biology Laboratory Manual | Stephanie M. Brown |
| Principles of Laboratory Instruments | Schoeff, Williams |
| Basic Concepts of Chemistry: Laboratory Experiments | Sherman, Alan |
| Building Scientific Apparatus | John H. Moore, Christopher C. Davis and Michael A. Coplan |
| Physics Laboratory Experiments | Jerry D. Wilson |
CPLT Job Prospects and Career Options
After completing a Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques course (CPLT), candidates can work in different science laboratories. Candidates can work in both private and government schools, colleges, universities, research labs etc.
Some of the Job Profiles offered to CPLT students are given below:
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Lab Assistant | Lab Assistants are responsible for helping teachers or professors in school labs and university labs. They help teachers while they teach students. They supervise and maintain the laboratory. | INR 2 LPA |
| Lab Technician | They help teachers and professors in conducting experiments, in teaching students, and maintain apparatus in the laboratory. | INR 2.4 LPA |
| Lab Executive | A Lab executive is a professional who is certified to work in school laboratories and university laboratories. | INR 4.5 LPA |
| Lab Manager | Lab Managers are responsible for supervising Labs and maintaining records of the same. | INR 5 LPA |
The graph below shows the various job roles offered to CPLT students and the average salary offered to them:
Source: Payscale
CPLT Future Scope
After completing Certification in Laboratory Techniques, a lot of opportunities are available for the candidates:
- Candidates can work in both government and private sectors in areas like Schools, Colleges, Universities, Research Labs, Chemical labs etc.
- Candidates can work as lab assistant, lab executives, lab in-charges, path lab assistants etc.
- The entry level salary of these employees is around INR 2 to 3 LPA, however, with higher experience, candidates can end up earning around INR 7-8 LPA.
- The candidates can also opt to pursue higher studies. They can pursue a diploma, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in similar fields. This will not only help them in increasing their knowledge and skills but also help them by increasing their recruitment area and earning potential.
CPLT FAQs
Ques. In which employment areas can I work after completing CPLT?
Ans. After completing CPLT, you can work in school laboratories, college laboratories, university laboratories, chemical labs, medical labs etc.
Ques. What is the maximum age bar to apply for this course?
Ans. There is no minimum or maximum age limit to apply for this course.
Ques. Will there be practicals also in CPLT?
Ans. Yes, the theory subjects will be followed by practical tests and you have to pass in both of them to complete the certification.
Ques. Can CPLT course be pursued in Hindi also?
Ans. Yes, you can pursue CPLT in Hindi also. IGNOU is one institute from where you can pursue CPLT in any of Hindi or English language.
Ques. Can I do DMLT after CPLT?
Ans. Yes, you can do DMLT after CPLT.
Ques. What are the areas of study in CPLT?
Ans. In CPLT, you will be taught about laboratory practices and various laboratory techniques used in biology labs, physics labs and at chemistry labs.
Ques. Can I pursue BSc with CPLT?
Ans. Yes, CPLT is a short term or vocational course and you can pursue BSc courses along with it.
Ques. What documents are required during CPLT registration?
Ans. The documents required during CPLT registration are: Class 12th certificate and marksheet, class 10th certificate and marksheet, transfer certificate, migration certificate, category certificate (if applicable), work experience certificate (if applicable), any other document as required by institution.
Ques. What is the fees of CPLT from IGNOU?
Ans. The total fees of CPLT Course from IGNOU is INR 3500.
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