Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician™ (CALT™)

Start your career in lighting with NALMCO’s entry-level certification

Enroll in CALT Program

Complete your exam within 90 days of enrollment

Why CALT™?

Entry-level certification designed for lighting technicians
Builds foundational knowledge in lighting systems and service
Required prerequisite for CSLT™ certification

The Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician™ (CALT™) certification is a self-study credential offered by NALMCO (National Association of Lighting Management Companies). It is designed for lighting technicians beginning their careers and serves as the first step in NALMCO’s certification pathway.

What’s Included When You Enroll

  • Electronic training manual: Lighten Up!
  • Access to the computer-based CALT exam
  • Three-year certification upon passing

Important: You must complete the exam within 90 days of enrollment.

Exam Content Areas

  • Introduction to Lighting
  • Incandescent Lighting
  • Fluorescent Lighting
  • High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
  • LED Lighting
  • Lighting Controls
  • Service Basics
  • Safety Codes
  • Preparing for the Exam

Study Format

  • Self-study is the primary format
  • Some companies offer group sessions with lectures and discussion
  • Hybrid study + group review options may be available
  • Others study independently

Recommended: Check with your employer to see if training support is offered.

Exam Details

  • Format: Online, timed
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Passing Score: 70%
  • Results: Provided immediately
  • Certificate Issued: Within two weeks of passing
  • Retake Fee: $50 (if needed)

Enrollment & Cost

NALMCO Members

$165

Non-Members

$225

Each technician must register individually and create an account at NALMCO.org.

After registration, exam information and the training manual are emailed directly to the technician. Within 24–48 business hours, candidates will receive their NALMCO Identifier and secure exam URL.

Reminder: The exam must be completed within 90 days.

Recertification (Every 3 Years)

  • Renewal fee: $150
  • Continuing Education: 9 CEUs required
  • CEUs tracked via the NALMCO CEU Tracker

Renewal notices are sent by email and USPS. Invoices are issued in September of the expiration year.

Keeping your contact information up to date is critical to avoid missing renewal notices.

Additional Resources

NALMCO provides a public search tool to look up current CALT™ designees.

Start Your Lighting Career

Enroll today and begin your path toward CSLT™ and CLMC® certification.

Get Started