Can laboratories outside the United States apply?

Yes. CMLA accepts applications from laboratories outside the United States, provided that the application and all supporting documentation are submitted in English and the laboratory follows the same application procedures and review criteria applied to domestic applicants.

International applicants must complete all sections of the application and demonstrate full compliance with all accreditation criteria related to training, licensure, regulatory oversight, privacy, safety, and quality—even when certain requirements are not formally mandated in their home country.

When a specific U.S. requirement does not have a direct international equivalent, applicants may satisfy the criterion by submitting documentation that demonstrates equivalent authorization, licensing, or regulatory compliance under applicable national or regional standards. For example, a physician or physiotherapist practicing in a laboratory outside the United States is not required to hold U.S. licensure but must provide evidence of appropriate credentials and authorization from the relevant regulatory body governing practice in their country or region. International applications are reviewed using the same standards and expectations as all other applications to ensure consistency, quality, and rigor across accredited laboratories.