Top 10 Biochemist Certifications

Certifications are important for a biochemist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They show employers that the individual has taken the time to gain specific training and has proven their understanding of the subject. Certifications can also help biochemists stand out from other applicants who may not have them, helping them to be more competitive in the job market. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for higher pay or positions in specialized fields.

This article aims to review the top certifications for biochemists and explain how they can help further a biochemist's career.

What are Biochemist Certifications?

Biochemist certification is a voluntary program for biochemists to demonstrate their professional qualifications. It is offered by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). Certification requires the completion of a comprehensive written examination, which tests knowledge and skills in biochemistry, molecular biology, and related areas. The certification also requires demonstration of advanced professional experience in biochemistry or molecular biology.

Biochemist certification can help an individual stand out from other applicants in the competitive job market by demonstrating their commitment to excellence in their field. It also serves as recognition of a candidate's expertise and knowledge base within the field, as well as providing recognition of dedication to continuing education and professional development. Additionally, it provides employers with assurance that they are hiring a highly-qualified individual who has been tested on current topics in biochemistry and molecular biology. Finally, certification may provide access to career advancement opportunities, such as promotion or higher salaries.

Pro Tip: If you are interested in becoming a certified biochemist, make sure that you research the educational and certification requirements of the specific certification program you are interested in pursuing. It is important to understand the scope of knowledge that is required for successful completion of any biochemist certification program.

Related: What does a Biochemist do?

Top 10 Biochemist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Biochemists today.

1. American Board of Clinical Biochemistry (ABCB)

The American Board of Clinical Biochemistry (ABCB) is a professional certification organization that provides board certification for clinical biochemists. It was established in 1978 to promote and maintain the highest standards of practice in the field of clinical biochemistry. ABCB certification is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence and dedication to the profession.

It takes approximately 18-24 months to complete the ABCB certification process, depending on individual circumstances. The process consists of two parts: an initial application and a final examination. The initial application requires submission of educational transcripts, work experience documentation, letters of recommendation, and other materials as required by ABCB. After review and approval of the application, candidates are eligible to take the final exam which consists of both written and practical components.

To get ABCB certified, applicants must first submit an online application form along with all required documents including transcripts, work experience documentation, letters of recommendation, etc. Once approved by ABCB’s Certification Committee, applicants can register for the final exam which includes both written and practical components.

The cost for ABCB certification depends on several factors such as whether or not you have previously taken any exams from ABCB and if so how many times you have taken them before. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified through ABCB.

2. American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certified Clinical Chemist (CChem)

American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certified Clinical Chemist (CChem) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of clinical chemistry. The CChem certification is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the practice of clinical chemistry.

It typically takes three to five years to become certified as a CChem. The process begins with gaining experience and education in the field, including completing an accredited degree program in clinical chemistry or related science, obtaining relevant laboratory experience, and passing an exam administered by AACC. Once these criteria are met, applicants can submit an application to AACC for review and consideration.

To get certified as a CChem, applicants must submit their application along with all required supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of reference, and proof of laboratory experience. The application fee is $275 USD. Applicants must also pass the AACC-administered CChem exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory management, instrumentation, quality control/assurance, safety protocols, and data analysis.

Once certified as a CChem, individuals must maintain their certification by participating in continuing education activities every two years and paying annual fees of $100 USD.

3. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a medical laboratory scientist. This certification is offered through the ASCLS, which is an international organization dedicated to promoting quality laboratory science and patient care.

In order to become certified as an MLS, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Generally, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science from an accredited college or university, or have at least five years of full-time work experience in a clinical laboratory setting. Additionally, applicants must pass the ASCLS Certification Examination.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on whether you are an ASCLS member or not. For non-members, the cost is $300; for members, it is $250. The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other criteria, you will receive your MLS certification within two weeks of submitting your application materials. Your certification will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

4. National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA-MLP) Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

The National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA-MLP) Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a voluntary professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who work in the medical laboratory field. It is designed to promote quality patient care by providing an objective measure of competency in the medical laboratory profession.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive written examination administered by NCA-MLP. The exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics and other related areas.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification process from start to finish. During this time period, applicants must submit their application materials, take the written exam and receive their results. Once all requirements are met and the applicant passes the exam with a score of at least 75%, they will be awarded their certification.

The cost for taking the MLT certification exam varies depending on which type of exam you are taking (e.g., generalist or specialist). Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the generalist exam and up to $450 for specialty exams. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting your application materials or taking practice tests prior to taking the actual exam.

5. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Certified Biochemist (CBiol)

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Certified Biochemist (CBiol) program is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of biochemists and molecular biologists. The CBiol designation is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, experience, and commitment to the field of biochemistry and molecular biology.

The CBiol program requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in biochemistry or molecular biology, as well as a doctoral degree in one of these fields. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through an extensive written exam covering topics such as biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, immunology, and bioinformatics.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the entire CBiol process. To begin the process, applicants must first submit an application form and fee ($300). Once accepted into the program, applicants must then take the written exam. If they pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be awarded the CBiol designation.

In addition to the application fee ($300), there is also an annual maintenance fee ($50) that must be paid each year in order to maintain the CBiol designation. This fee covers administrative costs associated with maintaining records for certified individuals and providing them with access to ASBMB resources such as publications and conferences.

6. American College of Nutrition (ACN) Certified Nutrition Specialist

The American College of Nutrition (ACN) Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is an advanced level credential for nutrition professionals. It is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of nutrition.

In order to become an ACN Certified Nutrition Specialist, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. To be eligible, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in nutrition, dietetics, food science, human nutrition, or a related field; plus at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in the field of nutrition.

Once the educational and experience requirements are met, applicants must pass the ACN CNS Exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as biochemistry, clinical nutrition, public health nutrition, food service management and more. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their ACN CNS certification which is valid for five years. Recertification requires completion of 75 continuing education credits every five years.

7. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-Certified Exercise Physiologist

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in exercise science, program design, and health behavior change. The EP-C credential is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to assess, design, implement, and evaluate safe and effective exercise programs for individuals with medical conditions or special needs.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the requirements for the NASM Certified Exercise Physiologist certification. To become certified, applicants must first complete a NASM approved course in exercise physiology or related field. After completing the coursework, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by NASM. Upon passing the exam, applicants are granted their EP-C credential.

The cost of becoming a NASM Certified Exercise Physiologist varies depending on which course you choose and whether you opt for additional study materials or coaching services. Generally speaking, the cost of becoming an EP-C ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

8. International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories-Certified Biological Sample Manager

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories-Certified Biological Sample Manager (ISBER-CBMS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in managing biological sample repositories. The program is administered by the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices in the management of biological and environmental samples.

To become certified, an individual must complete a comprehensive training program that includes both online and in-person components. The training covers topics such as sample collection, storage, tracking, database management, quality assurance/quality control, data analysis, and more. The program also requires applicants to have at least two years of experience working with biological samples in a repository setting.

The ISBER-CBMS certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To get started, interested individuals should contact ISBER directly for information about the application process and fees associated with the program.

The cost of the ISBER-CBMS certification program varies depending on the applicant's country of residence; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

9. American Society of Cytology-Certified Cytotechnologist

The American Society of Cytology-Certified Cytotechnologist (ASCC) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and proficiency of cytotechnologists in their field. A cytotechnologist is a laboratory professional who specializes in the study of cells, including their structure, function, and pathology. This certification is awarded to those who have met specific educational and experience requirements and have passed an examination administered by the ASCC.

To become an ASCC-certified cytotechnologist, individuals must first meet certain educational criteria. These include having earned at least a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field from an accredited college or university, as well as completing at least 12 months of supervised clinical training in cytopathology. In addition, applicants must have passed the National Certification Examination for Medical Laboratory Professionals (NCLEX-MLP).

Once these educational requirements are fulfilled, individuals can apply to take the ASCC certification exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as cell morphology and pathology, specimen collection and handling techniques, laboratory safety protocols, quality assurance practices, and more. The exam fee is $450 USD.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice a year at various locations around the United States. Those who pass the exam will receive their ASCC certification within four to six weeks after taking the test. Upon successful completion of all requirements for certification, individuals will be eligible to use the title “ASCC-Certified Cytotechnologist” after their name.

10. National Registry of Certified Microbiologists-Certified Microbiologist

The National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) is a program developed by the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) to recognize and credential microbiologists who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The NRCM is an independent, voluntary certification program that evaluates and verifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of qualified microbiologists. It provides assurance to employers, colleagues, and the public that certified individuals possess the necessary qualifications for professional practice in the field of microbiology.

To become certified as a NRCM-Certified Microbiologist, applicants must meet certain criteria such as having a doctoral degree in microbiology or related field from an accredited institution; having at least five years of experience in the field; passing an examination administered by AAM; and demonstrating continuing education in the field. The application process typically takes several months to complete.

The cost for certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and other factors such as whether you are applying as an individual or through your employer. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to apply for certification with AAM.

Do You Really Need a Biochemist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are looking to pursue a career in biochemistry, then it is likely that you will need some kind of certification or degree in order to gain employment. A certificate program can provide you with the basic knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. However, depending on your career goals, a bachelor’s degree may be more beneficial.

Having a certificate in biochemistry can give you an edge when applying for jobs because it shows potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in this field and that you have taken the time to learn the basics. Additionally, most certificate programs include hands-on laboratory experience which can help to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

In summary, whether or not you need a biochemist certificate depends on your individual career goals and on the requirements of potential employers. If your goal is to enter into entry-level positions within biochemistry, then a certificate program may be enough for now; however, if you aspire to higher-level positions within the field or wish to pursue research opportunities, then obtaining a bachelor’s degree may be more beneficial.

Related: Biochemist Resume Examples

FAQs About Biochemist Certifications

FAQ #1: What type of certification is available for biochemists?

A: Depending on the particular field of biochemistry you are interested in, there are a variety of certifications that can be obtained. These include the Certified Biochemist (C.B.) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology or the National Certification Commission for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (NCC-CCLM).

FAQ #2: How do I become certified as a biochemist?

A: Generally, to become certified as a biochemist, you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in biochemistry or related field and have completed additional training or education in the specialty area you wish to pursue. After completion of the educational requirements, you will need to pass an examination administered by the certifying organization.

FAQ #3: What types of jobs can I get with a biochemist certification?

A: With a biochemist certification you may be qualified to work in research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, clinical laboratories, hospitals, universities and other settings where biochemical testing is necessary. Depending on your specific certification and qualifications, potential job titles may include laboratory technologist/technician, research assistant or scientist.

FAQ #4: How long does it take to get certified as a biochemist?

A: The amount of time it takes to receive certification as a biochemist will vary depending on your individual qualifications and experience level. Generally speaking, it could take several years to complete all of the necessary educational requirements before taking the exam required for certification.

FAQ #5: Is recertification necessary for biochemists?

A: Yes, most certifying organizations require that certified biochemists maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits each year or every two years. Additionally, some organizations may require that re-testing be completed at periodic intervals in order to maintain certification status.