Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology
CMALT (Certified Member of the Association for Learning Technology) is a professional accreditation programme for practitioners involved in learning technology. It recognises the skills and experience of professionals whose work involves learning technology.
Administered by the Association for Learning Technology (ALT), a professional body and learned society based in the UK with international membership, CMALT has been designed to:
CMALT provides formal recognition of your practical experience and professional competence in learning technology.
Joining a community of certified learning technologists allows for sharing of ideas and best practices.
CMALT certification can enhance your employability and career progression opportunities in the field.
The certification requires regular portfolio updates, encouraging continuous professional development.
The core of the CMALT certification is the creation of a portfolio that demonstrates your competence in learning technology. The portfolio is a reflective account of your practice, experience, and professional development in the field.
Register through the ALT website and gain access to guidance materials and the submission system. The registration fee includes support resources and 3 years of certification upon successful completion.
Familiarise yourself with the CMALT guidelines, which outline the portfolio structure and requirements for each section. Pay particular attention to the evidence requirements and assessment criteria.
Gather evidence that demonstrates your competence in each of the core areas. This might include project documentation, feedback from colleagues or students, screenshots, videos, or other artifacts that showcase your work.
Develop your portfolio following the CMALT structure, ensuring you address all core areas and include relevant evidence. The portfolio should be a reflective document that not only describes what you've done but also reflects on your learning and development.
Submit your completed portfolio through the ALT system. Your portfolio will be assessed by two CMALT holders who will provide feedback and determine whether it meets the certification requirements.
If successful, you'll receive CMALT certification valid for 3 years. If revisions are needed, you'll receive feedback and have the opportunity to make changes and resubmit.
Every 3 years, you'll need to update your portfolio to demonstrate ongoing professional development to maintain your certified status.
Your CMALT portfolio can be submitted in various formats, including:
The format should be accessible to assessors and allow you to include relevant evidence. The typical length is around 3,000-4,000 words, though this may vary depending on format and evidence included.
Your CMALT portfolio must address all of the following core areas, providing evidence and reflection for each. The portfolio should demonstrate both your competence in these areas and your commitment to ongoing professional development.
This section focuses on your understanding and application of learning technology from an operational perspective.
This section addresses how you use technology to support and enhance teaching, learning, and assessment processes.
This section explores your understanding of the broader context in which learning technology operates, including legal, ethical, and institutional considerations.
This section focuses on how you communicate about learning technology and work collaboratively with others in your role.
This section allows you to demonstrate specific expertise in an area of learning technology that is particularly relevant to your role or interests.
The official ALT page for CMALT certification, with information about registration, fees, and the certification process.
Comprehensive guidelines for CMALT applicants, including portfolio requirements, assessment criteria, and submission process.
Anonymised examples of successful CMALT portfolios to help you understand the expected structure and content.
An online community for CMALT holders and applicants to share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
Information about upcoming events and webinars, including CMALT-specific sessions and support workshops.
Blog posts from successful CMALT applicants sharing their experiences and advice.
Guidance for CMALT applicants working in different educational sectors, including higher education, further education, and schools.
ALT offers a mentoring scheme that pairs CMALT applicants with experienced CMALT holders who can provide guidance and feedback on portfolio development. This can be particularly valuable if you're unsure about how to approach your portfolio or want feedback before submission.
Additionally, many institutions have internal CMALT support groups or mentoring schemes for staff working towards certification. Check with your learning technology team or staff development department to see what support might be available locally.