The CLSO Certified Laser Safety Officer exam is administered by the Board of Laser Safety (BLS) and covers nine distinct areas of practice related to laser safety, optical radiation bioeffects, regulations, and hazard evaluation. Candidates are evaluated on their operational understanding across 100 questions within an allotted testing duration of 180 minutes.
Candidates seeking professional certification as a laser safety officer who actively manage or oversee extensive laser safety programs across medical, educational, industrial manufacturing, academic, or research laboratory settings.
Review the relevant standards and regulations, such as ANSI Z136.1-2014, while dedicating structured time to all nine areas of practice. Use flashcards and practice questions to familiarize yourself with the question formats, and prepare for calculations using an approved simple scientific, non-programmable calculator before testing.
Covers lasers and optics fundamentals, accounting for 11.0 percent of the exam. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of core optical radiation properties, physical laser characteristics, output parameters, and basic radiometric terminology necessary for evaluation.
Focuses on laser and optical radiation bioeffects, weighted at 11.0 percent of the test. The content reviews the biological interactions and damage mechanisms of laser energy on the human eye and skin across diverse spectral bands.
Addresses non-beam hazards associated with lasers, representing 8.0 percent of the overall examination. Topics encompass electrical, physical, chemical, and biological dangers that arise during laser operation, maintenance, service, and beam interaction with target materials.
Covers laser control measures and accounts for 17.0 percent of the examination weight. Candidates are evaluated on selecting, implementing, and monitoring engineering controls, administrative procedures, warning signs, labels, and personal protective equipment.
Details regulations and standards, making up 14.0 percent of the total exam weight. Candidates must understand compliance requirements involving the ANSI Z136.1 Safe Use of Lasers standard, the Federal Laser Product Performance Standard, and OSHA regulations.
Covers hazard evaluation and classification with a 15.0 percent exam weight. The domain requires competence in classifying laser systems, analyzing viewing conditions, establishing nominal hazard zones, and applying quantitative assessment criteria correctly.
Focuses on Maximum Permissible Exposures, accounting for 11.0 percent of the exam. This area tests the ability to perform MPE calculations and properly apply biological correction factors across various wavelengths and pulse durations.
Addresses laser safety program administration, weighted at 10.0 percent of the examination. Topics include establishing institutional policies, managing safety audits, conducting training programs, maintaining documentation, and executing designated laser safety officer responsibilities.
Covers laser measurements, representing 3.0 percent of the examination content. The domain evaluates knowledge of optical measurement equipment, measurement procedures, calibration considerations, and practical techniques required for verifying operational laser hazard evaluations.
Read all questions and answer choices carefully before selecting the most correct answer. You may use a simple scientific, non-programmable calculator during the 180 minutes provided for the 100 questions.
The CLSO exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering nine different areas of practice related to laser safety. Candidates should plan their time carefully across all sections of the test.
Candidates must check with Board of Laser Safety (BLS) for specific details regarding the passing score and scoring policies for the certification exam, as predetermined cut scores are established by the board.
Test takers are given 180 minutes to complete the 100-question multiple-choice examination administered by the Board of Laser Safety. Managing your pacing evenly ensures adequate time for every question.
Candidates may use a simple scientific, non-programmable calculator during the test session. Personal electronic devices, including mobile phone calculators, are strictly prohibited in the testing room during the examination.
Verified 2026-09-13
This content is structured using official Board of Laser Safety reference materials, exam guides, and published domain outlines to ensure accurate editorial representation.