CPLT full form is Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques. It is a skill-based course that is specially designed to train students in basic laboratory skills, equipment handling, sample processing, and quality control protocols. The CPLT course duration is 6 months to 1 year.
Being a certificate program in laboratory techniques, the CPLT eligibility criteria is that the candidate must have done 10+2 through a recognized board and should have a little to basic understanding about the technological terms.
The Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques or CPLT course fees may vary from institution to institution. Recognized Universities like Indira Gandhi National Open University and NSDC offer the certification course in INR 4,000 – 6,000. Private institutions might leap to INR 50,000.
After completing the certification program in Laboratory Techniques, candidates can pursue several interesting roles like Laboratory Technician, Research Assistant, Quality Control Technician, Forensic Laboratory Technician, or Teaching Laboratory Technician. The average salary one can earn after completing this course is between INR 3,00,000 – 4,00,000.
CPLT Course Highlights
Provided below are some of the basic CPLT course details:
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | CPLT |
Course Full Form | Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques |
Course Level | Certificate / Skill Development |
Duration | 6 Months – 1 Year |
Mode | Full-Time / Part-Time / Online |
Eligibility | 10+2 (Science preferred, not always mandatory) |
Admission Process | Dire |
Average Course Fee | INR 5,000 – INR 25,000 |
Certifying Bodies | IGNOU, DU, NSDC, Health Sector Skill Council, Private Institutions |
Job Roles | Lab Technician, Assistant, Quality Control Aide, Sample Processor |
Average Salary in India | INR 1.8 LPA – INR 3.5 LPA (Fresher Level) |
Why Pursue CPLT Course?
The Certification Program in Laboratory Techniques or CPLT course is an excellent course for candidates looking to advance their careers in laboratory handling. Here are some reasons to consider pursuing this course:
- The course is designed to give the learners an in-depth practical knowledge of lab equipment, managing chemical/biological samples, and following SOPs (Standard Operating procedures)
- It gives the candidates hands-on experience in the relevant industry role. Candidates can pursue roles in medical diagnostics, scientific research labs, food & pharmaceutical labs, and more. Prepares candidates for roles in medical diagnostics, scientific research labs, food & pharmaceutical labs, and more.
- This certification can be pursued after 10+2, even by those from a non-science background.
- With rising investments in healthcare, R&D, pharmaceuticals, and biotech, laboratory support staff are in high demand.
- Acts as a stepping stone for those planning to pursue a B.Sc. MLT, DMLT, or advanced clinical lab certifications.
CPLT Eligibility Criteria
Listed below are some of the CPLT course eligibility criteria requirements that the candidate must meet to pursue:
- The aspiring candidate must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board.
- Preferred Subjects: Science stream students (Biology/Chemistry) are given preference, though some institutes accept students from other backgrounds.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must understand English/Hindi (medium varies by institution).
CPLT Admission Process 2025
The admission process for CPLT is usually merit-based or direct, without an entrance examination. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the IGNOU CPLT Admission 2025.:
Step 1: Candidates can apply online/offline through the official website of the institute.
Step 2: Upload 10th & 12th mark sheets, ID proof, and photographs.
Step 3: Selection is based on qualifying exam marks or a first-come-first-serve basis.Step 4: After confirmation, candidates must pay the course fee to reserve their seats.Step 5: Classes begin typically in January or July 202,5, depending on the session.
CPLT Colleges in India
Based on updated institutional offerings and UGC-affiliated vocational programs, here are the recognized colleges in India offering the CPLT course:
Institute Name | Course Fee (Approx.) |
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) | INR 4,200/- |
Institute of Home Economics, Delhi University | |
DAV PG College, Dehradun | INR 3,500/- |
Shri Shivaji College, Amravati | INR 4,200/- |
Nalanda Open University, Patna | INR 1,325/- |
Kasturba Gandhi Degree and PG College for Women, Secunderabad | INR 27,000 |
Career Opportunities After CPLT
CPLT degree is still considered to be an entry-level course. However, being a course related to laboratory techniques, it opens up various technical and support roles:
- Pathology Labs
- Hospital Laboratories
- Biotech Firms
- Food Testing Labs
- Pharma Companies
- Academic Research Labs
- Diagnostic Centers
- Forensic and Environmental Labs
Common Job Profiles:
Listed below are some of the common job roles candidates can pursue after completing their certification course:
Role | Recruiters/Recruiting Areas | Average Salary (Approx.) |
Laboratory Technician | Ruby Hall Clinic, Health Plus, | INR 3,00,000 – 3,50,000 |
Sample Processing Assistant | Eclerx, Varaha ClimateAg Private Limited | INR 3,60,000 |
Quality Control Lab Aide | Pharmaceuticals & Manufacturing Companies | INR 2,62,800 |
Clinical Assistant | Ruby Hall Clinic, Adro Hearing Aid Center | INR 4,00,000 – 4,25,000 |
Research Lab Assistant | Medical research facilities, universities, Research Institutes, | INR 2,00,000 – 3,00,000 |
Average Salary After CPLT in India
Salaries in lab technician or assistant roles after completing CPLT degree are modest, but they can be improved with experience and additional certifications.
Experience Level | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
Fresher (0–1 year) | INR 1,80,000 – INR 2,40,000 |
2–3 Years | INR 2,50,000 – INR 3,50,000 |
With Diploma/BSc MLT | INR 3,60,000 – INR 5,00,000 |
Additionally, in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, salaries tend to be on the higher side due to the hospital and pharma industries.
Career Progression & Higher Studies After CPLT
After completing the CPLT course, students can:
- Pursuing a DMLT (Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology), doing so will give you further qualification in the Medical field.
- Go for B.Sc. MLT or B.Sc. in Life Sciences / Microbiology / Biotech
- Apply for Government Lab Assistant exams (Health Dept, Railways, etc.)
- Candidates can get certified in PCR techniques, Phlebotomy, or Biomedical Instrumentation
- Seek long-term roles in quality control, hospital pathology labs, or research institutions
CPLT FAQs
What functional skills will I gain through the Certificate Program in Laboratory Techniques (CPLT)?
The learners will gain hands-on skills in sample preparation, equipment calibration, quality control, and basic diagnostic testing. They will also be trained on standard laboratory equipment like microscopes, spectrophotometers, and centrifuges so that they are employable at the end of the course.
How does this program set up students for careers in specialized laboratory sciences?
The CPLT degree provides one with a baseline of knowledge and abilities that can be built on in more specialized advanced diplomas or certifications. For example, students can become specialized in microbiology, hematology, or molecular diagnostics to become employed in more specialized laboratory positions.
What kind of industries can I be employed by when I graduate from this program?
Individuals graduating from the CPLT program can find work in many different industries such as healthcare (diagnostic laboratories and hospitals), pharmaceuticals, food and beverage testing, labs for environmental science, and even forensic science labs.
Am I eligible to undertake higher education or certifications after completing the CPLT?
Certainly! CPLT is a stepping stone for higher education like a Diploma in Laboratory Technology or certifications like Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT). These certifications can lead to improved-paying employment opportunities.
How does the program ensure employability in an employment competitive marketplace?
The curriculum is based on hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment and real-world applications. In addition, many institutions that offer CPLT classes have hospital, laboratory, and private corporation affiliations, making it possible to place students in internships and making possible employers available.
