(ALAT) Certification Exam– AALAS | 2025/2026 Questions
and AnswersAssistant Laboratory Animal Technician
(ALAT) – Complete 200 -Questions |Grade A
Exam Overview: The ALAT certification demonstrates competency in laboratory animal care and
handling. This question bank covers all content domains proportionally: Management (28%), Animal
Husbandry (24%), Facility (20%), Animal Health (16%), and Regulations (12%). All questions align with
current AALAS standards, The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Act
regulations, and PHS Policy.
Q1: Required Publications
Other than the ALAT Training Manual, name the publication that you must read and study to prepare for
the ALAT certification exam.
A. The Animal Welfare Act Regulations
B. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
C. AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia
D. PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Answer: B
Rationale: The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is the primary source of standards and
guidelines for laboratory animal care and use in the US and is specifically required reading for ALAT
exam preparation along with the training manual.
Q2: AALAS Certification Levels
List the three levels of AALAS Technician Certification.
A. ALAT, RLAT, RLATg
B. ALAT, LAT, LATG
C. RALAT, RLAT, RLATg
D. ALAT, RLAT, LATG
Answer: B
Rationale: The three AALAS certification levels are Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT),
Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). RALAT/RLAT/RLATg
refer to "Registered" designations.
Q3: Historical Organization
What organization was formed in 1950 by Dr. Nathan Brewer and other veterinarians?
,A. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
B. Animal Care Panel (ACP)
C. Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)
D. Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
Answer: B
Rationale: Dr. Nathan Brewer and other veterinarians formed the Animal Care Panel (ACP) in Chicago in
1950. In 1967, the ACP changed its name to the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
(AALAS).
Q4: USDA Coverage
Which of the following animals used in laboratory animal research would be covered by the Animal
Welfare Act?
A. Rats bred for research
B. Mice bred for research
C. Birds
D. Guinea pigs
Answer: D
Rationale: The Animal Welfare Act covers guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, wild mice, horses,
gerbils, goats, and sheep. Birds, rats, and mice bred specifically for research are NOT covered by the
AWA.
Q5: IACUC Composition
According to the Animal Welfare Act, list the three types of members who must sit on the IACUC.
A. The facility director, a veterinarian, a community member
B. The chair, a veterinarian, a non-affiliated member
C. The principal investigator, a veterinarian, a scientist
D. The institutional official, a veterinarian, a public relations representative
Answer: B
Rationale: The IACUC must consist of at least three members: the chair, a veterinarian, and a non-
affiliated member (public member) who represents community interests.
Q6: 3Rs - Reduction
Using 100 mice in a research study instead of 150 could be an example of which of the 3 Rs?
A. Replacement
,B. Reduction
C. Refinement
D. Reconstitution
Answer: B
Rationale: Reduction refers to strategies that minimize the number of animals needed to obtain valid
results while still achieving study objectives. Using fewer animals (100 instead of 150) exemplifies
reduction.
Q7: Rat Species
The common laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, was developed from the wild _____ rat.
A. Norway
B. Black
C. Brown
D. Sewer
Answer: A
Rationale: Rattus norvegicus, the common laboratory rat, was developed from the wild Norway rat.
Q8: Porphyrin
The reddish material found in the tears and saliva of rats is called:
A. Hemoglobin
B. Bilirubin
C. Porphyrin
D. Melanin
Answer: C
Rationale: Porphyrin is the reddish-brown pigment found in the tears and saliva of rats. It can be
mistaken for blood and may indicate stress or illness when excessive.
Q9: Hamster Anatomy
The most unusual feature of the hamster, which makes it a popular model for research is their:
A. Cheek pouch
B. Hibernation ability
C. Scent glands
D. Short gestation period
, Answer: A
Rationale: The hamster's cheek pouch is its most unusual anatomic feature and makes it a valuable
research model, particularly for immunology and transplantation studies due to its immunologically
privileged nature.
Q10: Gerbil Behavior
Why should gerbils be approached quietly?
A. They are aggressive when startled
B. They are prone to audiogenic seizures
C. They may bite without warning
D. They will attempt to escape their cage
Answer: B
Rationale: Gerbils are prone to audiogenic seizures triggered by loud or sudden noises. Approaching
them quietly helps prevent stress and potential seizure activity.
Q11: Gerbil Odor
Why do gerbils have relatively little odor compared to other rodents?
A. They groom more frequently
B. They produce very small amounts of urine and very dry feces
C. They have fewer scent glands
D. Their bedding absorbs odors more effectively
Answer: B
Rationale: Gerbils produce very small amounts of urine and very dry feces, resulting in minimal odor
compared to other rodents. This allows their cages to be changed less frequently than similarly sized
rodents.
Q12: Guinea Pig Nutrition
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
Answer: C
and AnswersAssistant Laboratory Animal Technician
(ALAT) – Complete 200 -Questions |Grade A
Exam Overview: The ALAT certification demonstrates competency in laboratory animal care and
handling. This question bank covers all content domains proportionally: Management (28%), Animal
Husbandry (24%), Facility (20%), Animal Health (16%), and Regulations (12%). All questions align with
current AALAS standards, The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Act
regulations, and PHS Policy.
Q1: Required Publications
Other than the ALAT Training Manual, name the publication that you must read and study to prepare for
the ALAT certification exam.
A. The Animal Welfare Act Regulations
B. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
C. AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia
D. PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Answer: B
Rationale: The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is the primary source of standards and
guidelines for laboratory animal care and use in the US and is specifically required reading for ALAT
exam preparation along with the training manual.
Q2: AALAS Certification Levels
List the three levels of AALAS Technician Certification.
A. ALAT, RLAT, RLATg
B. ALAT, LAT, LATG
C. RALAT, RLAT, RLATg
D. ALAT, RLAT, LATG
Answer: B
Rationale: The three AALAS certification levels are Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT),
Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), and Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG). RALAT/RLAT/RLATg
refer to "Registered" designations.
Q3: Historical Organization
What organization was formed in 1950 by Dr. Nathan Brewer and other veterinarians?
,A. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS)
B. Animal Care Panel (ACP)
C. Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)
D. Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
Answer: B
Rationale: Dr. Nathan Brewer and other veterinarians formed the Animal Care Panel (ACP) in Chicago in
1950. In 1967, the ACP changed its name to the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
(AALAS).
Q4: USDA Coverage
Which of the following animals used in laboratory animal research would be covered by the Animal
Welfare Act?
A. Rats bred for research
B. Mice bred for research
C. Birds
D. Guinea pigs
Answer: D
Rationale: The Animal Welfare Act covers guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, wild mice, horses,
gerbils, goats, and sheep. Birds, rats, and mice bred specifically for research are NOT covered by the
AWA.
Q5: IACUC Composition
According to the Animal Welfare Act, list the three types of members who must sit on the IACUC.
A. The facility director, a veterinarian, a community member
B. The chair, a veterinarian, a non-affiliated member
C. The principal investigator, a veterinarian, a scientist
D. The institutional official, a veterinarian, a public relations representative
Answer: B
Rationale: The IACUC must consist of at least three members: the chair, a veterinarian, and a non-
affiliated member (public member) who represents community interests.
Q6: 3Rs - Reduction
Using 100 mice in a research study instead of 150 could be an example of which of the 3 Rs?
A. Replacement
,B. Reduction
C. Refinement
D. Reconstitution
Answer: B
Rationale: Reduction refers to strategies that minimize the number of animals needed to obtain valid
results while still achieving study objectives. Using fewer animals (100 instead of 150) exemplifies
reduction.
Q7: Rat Species
The common laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, was developed from the wild _____ rat.
A. Norway
B. Black
C. Brown
D. Sewer
Answer: A
Rationale: Rattus norvegicus, the common laboratory rat, was developed from the wild Norway rat.
Q8: Porphyrin
The reddish material found in the tears and saliva of rats is called:
A. Hemoglobin
B. Bilirubin
C. Porphyrin
D. Melanin
Answer: C
Rationale: Porphyrin is the reddish-brown pigment found in the tears and saliva of rats. It can be
mistaken for blood and may indicate stress or illness when excessive.
Q9: Hamster Anatomy
The most unusual feature of the hamster, which makes it a popular model for research is their:
A. Cheek pouch
B. Hibernation ability
C. Scent glands
D. Short gestation period
, Answer: A
Rationale: The hamster's cheek pouch is its most unusual anatomic feature and makes it a valuable
research model, particularly for immunology and transplantation studies due to its immunologically
privileged nature.
Q10: Gerbil Behavior
Why should gerbils be approached quietly?
A. They are aggressive when startled
B. They are prone to audiogenic seizures
C. They may bite without warning
D. They will attempt to escape their cage
Answer: B
Rationale: Gerbils are prone to audiogenic seizures triggered by loud or sudden noises. Approaching
them quietly helps prevent stress and potential seizure activity.
Q11: Gerbil Odor
Why do gerbils have relatively little odor compared to other rodents?
A. They groom more frequently
B. They produce very small amounts of urine and very dry feces
C. They have fewer scent glands
D. Their bedding absorbs odors more effectively
Answer: B
Rationale: Gerbils produce very small amounts of urine and very dry feces, resulting in minimal odor
compared to other rodents. This allows their cages to be changed less frequently than similarly sized
rodents.
Q12: Guinea Pig Nutrition
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize which vitamin?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin D
Answer: C
