Top 10 Chemical Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for chemical technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge to employers. They also show that the individual has taken the initiative to further their education and skills, which can make them more attractive to employers. Certifications provide evidence that an individual is qualified to perform specific tasks in a laboratory setting and can help demonstrate their commitment to safety protocols. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations in order to work in certain areas of chemistry, such as hazardous materials handling or working with special equipment.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain how top certifications for Chemical Technicians can help to advance a chemical technician's career.

What are Chemical Technician Certifications?

Chemical technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and abilities in the chemical laboratory field. This certification can be obtained through organizations such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

The chemical technician certification exam tests an individual's knowledge of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and chemical analysis. It also covers topics such as data analysis, instrumentation, and quality control. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the field of chemistry and show employers that they have the skills necessary to perform their duties safely and accurately.

Having a chemical technician certification can give individuals an edge when applying for jobs or promotions. It provides employers with assurance that applicants are knowledgeable about laboratory processes and current best practices. Employers may even offer higher salaries to those who have achieved this level of expertise. In addition, having a certified technician on staff can help laboratories maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Overall, obtaining a chemical technician certification can provide many benefits to those working in the chemistry field. The credential shows employers that individuals possess the necessary skills to perform their job effectively and safely while allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to their profession.

Pro Tip: Make sure to thoroughly research the requirements for chemical technician certification in your state or province before beginning the process. Different jurisdictions have different regulations and requirements, so it's important to know what you need to do in order to be eligible for certification.

Related: What does a Chemical Technician do?

Top 10 Chemical Technician Certifications

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

1. American Chemical Society Certified Professional Chemist (CPC)

The American Chemical Society Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) is a certification program that recognizes the professional excellence of chemists who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The CPC designation is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to practice chemistry at a professional level.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, as well as pass an examination. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or a related field, have at least five years of relevant work experience, and complete 30 hours of continuing education within the past five years.

The application process typically takes two to three months to complete, and there is no set timeline for when applicants will receive their results. Once approved, the certification is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years by completing additional continuing education credits.

The cost to apply for the CPC certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with the American Chemical Society (ACS). Non-members pay $250 to apply for certification, while members pay $200. Renewal fees are $100 for non-members and $75 for members.

2. American Institute of Chemical Engineers Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE)

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers Certified Chemical Engineer (CCE) is a professional certification program for chemical engineers. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, experience and professionalism of qualified chemical engineers.

The CCE program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of chemical engineering through a comprehensive application process. This includes completing an application form, providing evidence of professional work experience, submitting letters of recommendation from peers in the industry, and passing a written examination.

The CCE exam is administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and an essay section. The multiple-choice section covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, process design, safety engineering, and environmental engineering. The essay portion requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of chemical engineering principles by responding to questions related to specific case studies or scenarios.

To become certified as a CCE typically takes between six months to one year from start to finish. The cost for the certification program varies depending on the applicant's level of education and experience; however it generally ranges between $400-$600 USD.

3. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or III Technician Certification in Chemical Process Technology

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level II or III Technician Certification in Chemical Process Technology is a certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of chemical process technology. This certification is offered by NICET, a non-profit organization that provides certifications and assessments for engineering technicians.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as safety principles, instrumentation, process control systems, and process operations. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also demonstrate two years of relevant work experience in order to qualify for the certification.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the level of certification being sought; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, applicants may be required to pay an application fee which can range from $50-$100 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will receive their Level II or III Technician Certification in Chemical Process Technology from NICET. This certificate can be used as proof of expertise when applying for jobs or promotions within the chemical process technology industry.

4. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of industrial hygienists. The CIH credential is the highest level of recognition in the field and demonstrates expertise in the practice of industrial hygiene.

To become a CIH, applicants must meet specific educational, experience, and examination requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in safety, industrial hygiene, or a closely related field; at least four years of full-time work experience as an industrial hygienist; and must pass the ABIH Comprehensive Practice Examination for Industrial Hygiene.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all the requirements for CIH certification. The cost of obtaining the CIH credential varies depending on the number of exams taken and other fees associated with applying for certification. Generally, it costs between $1,000-$2,000 to become certified.

5. American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Certified Laboratory Technician

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Certified Laboratory Technician is a certification program that provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in laboratory practices, procedures, and techniques. This certification is designed to help laboratories meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, the international standard for laboratory accreditation.

It typically takes about four months to complete the A2LA Certified Laboratory Technician program. The program consists of three parts: a written exam, an online course, and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as laboratory safety and quality assurance. The online course focuses on topics such as laboratory operations, data analysis, and instrumentation calibration. The practical exam evaluates the technician’s ability to apply knowledge learned in the written and online courses in a lab setting.

To get certified as an A2LA Certified Laboratory Technician, you must first submit an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts or work experience documentation. Once your application is approved, you will be assigned an A2LA-approved instructor who will provide guidance throughout the program. After successfully completing all three parts of the program, you will receive your certificate from A2LA and be recognized as an A2LA Certified Laboratory Technician.

The cost of becoming an A2LA Certified Laboratory Technician varies depending on the specific requirements of each individual applicant but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

6. International Society for Measurement and Control (ISM&C) Certified Automation Professional (CAP)

The International Society for Measurement and Control (ISM&C) Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is a certification program that recognizes professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of automation. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and to the industry as a whole.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as system design, programming, networking, safety, and troubleshooting. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CAP certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the automation field or hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Applicants must also submit documentation that verifies their experience or education.

The cost of the CAP exam varies depending on where it is taken. In the United States, it typically costs between $400 and $600 USD. Additional fees may apply for international testing locations.

Once an individual has passed the exam, they will receive their official ISM&C Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certificate within two weeks of completion. The certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed upon successful completion of continuing education requirements.

7. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality assurance, inspection, testing, and auditing. The CQT credential is highly regarded by employers as an indication of a technician's commitment to quality and their ability to apply quality principles in the workplace.

To become an ASQ Certified Quality Technician, you must pass the CQT exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as quality concepts, control methods, inspection techniques, and problem solving. The exam can be taken at any ASQ-approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

It typically takes between four and six months to prepare for the CQT exam. During this time, you should review the materials provided by ASQ, attend training courses or seminars if available, and practice with sample exams.

The cost of the CQT exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD. You will also need to pay a fee for the application process which is usually around $50 USD. If you are already an ASQ member then you may be eligible for discounts on both the application fee and exam fee.

Once you have passed the CQT exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your certificate within four weeks of completing your application process.

8. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Measurement Science and Engineering Technologist Certification Program

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Measurement Science and Engineering Technologist Certification Program is a voluntary program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of measurement science and engineering. The program provides certification for those who are knowledgeable in the principles, concepts, and techniques of measurement science and engineering.

To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of measurement science or engineering. This experience can include working as an engineer, scientist, technician, or other related position. Applicants must also complete a written exam that covers topics such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, metrology (the study of measurement), instrumentation calibration/troubleshooting, data analysis/statistics/modeling/simulation/visualization techniques, computer programming/software development methods and tools.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the examination; however this time can vary depending on individual circumstances. Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam they will receive their certification from NIST.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member of NIST or not. For non-members it costs $200 USD to take the exam while members only pay $100 USD.

9. International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automation Professional Program

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automation Professional Program is a certification program designed to recognize professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, install, and maintain automated systems. The program is based on the ISA's Automation Competency Model, which outlines the core competencies needed for successful automation professionals.

To become an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), you must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as process control, instrumentation and measurement, safety systems, networking and communications, system integration and programming. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The CAP exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world or online from your home or office. The cost of the exam is $395 USD for members of ISA and $495 USD for non-members. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have a minimum of four years of experience in automation engineering or related fields. Applicants must also submit references from three professional contacts who can attest to their expertise in automation technology.

Once you have passed the CAP exam and met all other requirements, you will receive your certificate as an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP). This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the CAP exam every three years.

10. Hazardous Materials Management Association Certified Hazardous Materials Manager

The Hazardous Materials Management Association (HMMA) Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) is a professional credential for those who work in the hazardous materials management field. The CHMM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in hazardous materials management, and who are committed to maintaining their expertise through continuing education.

To become certified as a CHMM, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a comprehensive exam. The eligibility requirements include having a minimum of four years of full-time experience in hazardous materials management, or two years of full-time experience with a degree in science or engineering related to hazardous materials management.

The CHMM exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as regulations, safety, environmental compliance, risk assessment, and emergency response. The exam is administered by the International Board of Environmental Health & Safety Certification (IBEC). To prepare for the exam, HMMA offers study guides and practice tests.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the process of becoming a CHMM. This includes studying for the exam and submitting all necessary paperwork for certification.

The cost for taking the CHMM exam is $450 USD for members of HMMA ($550 USD for non-members). Additionally, there may be fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documents needed to verify your eligibility for certification.

Do You Really Need a Chemical Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your career goals. If you are looking for a job as a chemical technician, then having a certificate would be beneficial and may even be necessary in some cases. A certificate can demonstrate your knowledge of the field and give you an edge over other applicants. It can also help you stand out to potential employers, as it shows that you have taken the initiative to gain extra knowledge and experience in the field.

However, if you are looking to enter another field or move up within the same one, then a certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the field, employers may value experience more than certification. In addition, many positions do not require any type of degree or certification. Therefore, it is important to research each role before applying and determine what qualifications are needed in order to increase your chances of getting hired.

Overall, if you are looking for a job as a chemical technician then having a certificate could be beneficial and may even be necessary in some cases. However, it is important to research each position thoroughly before deciding whether or not obtaining a certificate is necessary for success in that particular role.

Related: Chemical Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Chemical Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Chemical Technician?

Answer: To become a Chemical Technician, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, plus an associate's degree in chemistry, biology, or engineering technology. Some employers may require additional certifications as well.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Chemical Technician?

Answer: The length of time required to complete the certification process can vary depending on the type of program and institution you choose. Generally speaking, most programs take between one and two years to complete.

3. What is the cost of becoming a certified Chemical Technician?

Answer: The cost of obtaining your certification will depend on the institution and program you choose. Generally speaking, costs can range from $500 to $3000 or more for tuition, fees, supplies and other expenses related to completing the program.

4. Are there any special requirements for becoming certified as a Chemical Technician?

Answer: Yes, certain programs may require applicants to have completed certain courses prior to applying for the certification exam. Additionally, some states may require that applicants pass a criminal background check before being allowed to take the exam.

5. What are some common job duties of a Certified Chemical Technician?

Answer: Common job duties for Certified Chemical Technicians include performing laboratory tests and experiments; maintaining laboratory equipment; analyzing data; preparing reports; and providing technical support in areas such as safety regulations and environmental compliance.