This page provides an overview of support available and answers to frequently asked questions. A good place to start is downloading the CMALT Prospectus to find out more.
CMALT submission windows
We have three submission windows per year, in January, May and September. The submission form will be open for a two week period during these times. The window always opens at noon and closes at noon (UK time). Unfortunately we cannot accept any submissions outside of these windows.
Please note, from 1 January 2025, we will no longer have submission windows and submissions will be open all year round.
2024 submission windows are:
Monday 15 January - Monday 29 January 2024 (closing at noon UK time)
Thursday 16 May - Thursday 30 May 2024 (closing at noon UK time)
Monday 16 September - Monday 30 September 2024 (closing at noon UK time)
Please submit your portfolio here.
CMALT candidate guidance and support
Please refer to the guidance documentation for your chosen pathway. This detailed documents covers all elements that you will need to cover in order to submit your portfolio.
- Associate CMALT Guidelines PDF or Google doc (July 2019)
- CMALT Guidelines PDF or Google doc (July 2019)
- Senior CMALT Guidelines PDF or Google doc (July 2019)
CMALT portfolio register
There are examples of CMALT Holder portfolios that are available portfolios openly for ALT Members . You can search for portfolios with different specialisms, by sector or job role. You will need to be logged in to the ALT website as a Member to view the list of shared CMALT portfolios.
CMALT webinars for candidates
CMALT webinars provide information and support to candidates starting on and/or aiming to complete their portfolios in the next few months. They provide an overview of the submission process, advice on how to complete a portfolio and an opportunity to see how the assessment process works. There is also time for individual questions at the end of each session. We also run one-day CMALT Accelerator Workshops to help candidates get their portfolios ready for submission.
Find out dates and book your place or watch a recording (see a list of recent sessions below):
- September 2020 [Getting Started with CMALT] RECORDING
Maintaining your certified status
To maintain your certified status you need to submit a revised portfolio every 3 years and pay your annual certified membership fee. This becomes due one year after your initial certification date. Certified Holders names can be found on the Certified Holders List on the ALT Website.
CMALT holders: updating your portfolio
CMALT portfolios should be updated and reviewed every three years. CMALT Holders are notified when they are due to submit updates for the portfolio review. There is no charge for the process, but your Certified Membership must be current.
- Portfolio review guidelines for candidates (as Google doc, or download a PDF version)
- Answers to frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Example portfolios are available here: updated portfolios.
CMALT assessors
CMALT is a peer-assessed accreditation scheme and assessors play an important role and carry out assessments as part of their continued professional development. Please visit our CMALT Assessors page for more information and support.
CMALT Accelerator workshops
We are able to offer an optional 1-day standalone workshop designed to help CMALT candidates fast-track work on their portfolio in order to submit it to peer review. The workshop will provide tailored support for individuals as well as peer support in a group of CMALT candidates all working towards CMALT accreditation. The workshop day has both live sessions and asynchronous activities scheduled and concludes with networking opportunities with other candidates. The first half of the day is focused on strategies for writing specific portfolio sections, including practical examples from accredited portfolios. The afternoon session provides time for individual support and a peer review exercise.
To express an interest in attending a CMALT Accelerator workshop, or to arrange a Workshop for a group of candidates, please email cmalt@alt.ac.uk.
Candidate Testimonials
"The workshop was full of really useful information, brilliantly presented and brilliantly paced - and provided such a valuable and supportive space to explore the CMALT process". ~ Jen McParland
“This compact and hands-on workshop has helped me to reflect, fast progress and become confident in my writing. I would recommend the workshop to anyone who is preparing for their CMALT portfolios. Many thanks to Maren and Debbie. With your advice and support, I was able to submit my portfolio for assessment in January 2021” ~ Dr Jin Tan
Read Dr Jin Tan's Blog Post in relation to her experience
Archive of Previous Guidelines
For reference only, we also provide the previous versions of guidance below:
- CMALT Guidelines PDF or Google doc (retired in 2024)
- Guidelines for CMALT candidates (updated January 2019)
- Assessment form
- CMALT Assessment guidelines for assessors and candidates (2019)
- CMALT Portfolio Review Guidelines document
- CMALT: Assessment form [Word doc, updated Feb 2019]
- CMALT Portfolio Review: Portfolio Review Assessment Form (as Google doc or download as PDF) [updated April 2016]
- Review form for assessors (as Google doc, or download a PDF version)