In 1961 the name of the Board was changed to the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM) and the title of those qualifying for full membership was changed from “Fellow” to “Diplomate”.  The number of Diplomates was small and did not reach 50 until 1966.  A category of Honorary Diplomate was established and Dr. Leo Bustad was the first accorded this honor. The category of Associate Membership was confusing and the 1960’s saw its elimination.  After 1966 no further Associate applications were processed.  However, there was still a need for a professional organization open to all veterinarians in laboratory animal medicine.  The American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) was organized at this time to fill the need.  ACLAM’s commitment to continuing education resulted in a combined effort with the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) of the National Research Council in four symposia on “Animal Models for Biomedical Research”.  All four were published by the National Academy of Science. 

The criteria to be eligible to take the certifying examination continued to be a combination of training and experience and a scholarly contribution to the understanding of laboratory animal medicine.  These criteria were refined and defined in more detail.    The 1960’s saw the advent of academic training programs in laboratory animal medicine.  The first was directed by Dr. Thomas Clarkson at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1960 and this was followed by a program directed by Dr. Bennett Cohen at UCLA Medical School.  By 1965 there were nine such programs.  In 1964 ILAR sponsored a workshop on guidelines to be used by all training programs.  The guidelines were published and subsequently adopted by ACLAM. 

The first written exam was formulated by Dr. William Dolowy in 1962.  There were 6 applicants and 2 passed.  The exam was revised in 1965 under the guidance of an Examination Committee.  The written exam would consist of true/false, fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice questions.  An oral examination was required.  A practical exam was offered for the first time.  It consisted of slides of lesions of laboratory animal diseases and demonstration of examination techniques in laboratory animal medicine.  Because of existing By-Laws the practical exam was not required for certification until 1966. In the early 60’s a Diplomate took the written exam at the same time as candidates.  A passing score was set at 70% of the Diplomate’s score.  Later in the decade passing scores were determined at what was termed a “natural break point”.  Passing grades ranged from 57% to 70%.