Top 11 Chemistry Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a chemistry technician in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the technician has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties. Certifications provide evidence that a technician has gone through rigorous training and can be trusted to handle complex tasks accurately and safely. Additionally, certifications may also help technicians stand out from other applicants, as employers tend to prioritize candidates with certifications when making hiring decisions. Ultimately, obtaining certifications can help chemistry technicians land better jobs with higher pay and more career opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Chemistry Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a chemistry technician's career.

What are Chemistry Technician Certifications?

Chemistry technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise and knowledge in the field of chemistry. This certification is usually obtained by completing a rigorous exam that tests the applicant's knowledge of the various areas of chemistry, including organic, analytical and physical chemistry. By successfully passing this test, technicians demonstrate their technical proficiency in chemistry and can show employers that they are qualified for positions requiring specific knowledge in this field.

This certification can be beneficial to both employers and technicians alike. For employers, it provides assurance that their employees have the necessary skills to perform their job duties accurately and efficiently. For technicians, it serves as a way to demonstrate their qualifications when applying for new positions or promotions within a company. Having this certification can also open up new opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. In addition, many employers may require certain certifications as part of their hiring process; having this certification can help ensure that applicants meet these requirements.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the types of certifications that are available for chemistry technicians. Different certifications may require different levels of experience, education, and training, so it's important to understand which certification is the best fit for your career goals.

Related: What does a Chemistry Technician do?

Top 11 Chemistry Technician Certifications

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

1. American Chemical Society Certified Chemistry Technician (ACS-CCT)

The American Chemical Society Certified Chemistry Technician (ACS-CCT) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of chemistry. It is designed to give employers confidence in their ability to perform laboratory work and other technical tasks related to chemical analysis.

To become an ACS-CCT, applicants must have completed at least two years of college-level coursework in chemistry or a related field, and have at least one year of relevant work experience. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam administered by the American Chemical Society. The exam covers topics such as safety, instrumentation, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation.

The process typically takes about six months from start to finish, depending on the applicant's availability for testing and the processing time for applications. The cost of becoming an ACS-CCT varies depending on the applicant's location but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. American Board of Clinical Chemistry Certification in Clinical Chemistry Technology (ABCC-CCT)

The American Board of Clinical Chemistry Certification in Clinical Chemistry Technology (ABCC-CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of clinical chemistry technologists. It is a voluntary program that provides an opportunity for technologists to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of clinical chemistry technology.

To become certified, applicants must have completed at least two years of full-time employment as a clinical chemistry technologist or equivalent experience. The certification process includes passing an examination and meeting continuing education requirements.

The ABCC-CCT exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory safety, instrumentation, quality control, laboratory mathematics, and specimen collection and handling. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the ABCC-CCT exam is $350 plus applicable taxes. After passing the exam, applicants are required to renew their certification every five years by completing 40 hours of continuing education credits in relevant areas such as laboratory management or new technology development.

In addition to demonstrating professional competence in the field of clinical chemistry technology, becoming certified can open up opportunities for career advancement or higher pay scales within the profession.

3. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is a professional certification program that provides recognition to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in engineering technology. It is sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society for Engineering Education.

NICET certification is available in four levels: Level I, Level II, Level III, and Level IV. Each level requires a different level of knowledge and experience. To become certified at any level, an individual must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of engineering technology. The examinations are administered by NICET-approved testing centers throughout the United States.

The time it takes to get certified depends on the individual’s knowledge and experience in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all four levels of certification.

To get certified, individuals must first apply for certification with NICET by submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates from educational institutions or employers. After submitting their application, they will be required to take an exam at a NICET-approved testing center. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification card from NICET confirming their successful completion of the program.

The cost of getting certified through NICET varies depending on which level you are applying for and which state you live in. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $100-$500 per level plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

4. American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a non-profit, third-party accreditation body that provides laboratory accreditation services to testing and calibration laboratories in the United States and around the world. A2LA offers a wide range of accreditation programs, including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 15189, ISO/IEC 17043, and many others.

The process of obtaining A2LA accreditation can take anywhere from four months to one year depending on the complexity of the laboratory's operations and the scope of its accreditation. The first step is for the laboratory to submit an application package which includes information about its operations, personnel qualifications, quality management system documentation, and other relevant documents. After submitting the application package, A2LA will conduct an initial assessment of the laboratory's operations to determine if it meets their criteria for accreditation. If successful in this assessment, then a full audit will be conducted by an independent team of auditors who will review all aspects of the laboratory's operations. Once all requirements are met and any corrective actions have been taken as necessary, then A2LA will issue an accreditation certificate to the laboratory.

The cost of obtaining A2LA accreditation varies depending on several factors such as size and scope of operations but typically ranges from $4,000-$10,000 USD for a single site or up to $20,000 USD for multiple sites.

5. International Society for Biological and Environmental Reporters (ISBER)

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Reporters (ISBER) is a professional society that seeks to promote the use of science-based reporting on biological and environmental issues. ISBER was founded in 2002 and is based in Washington, D.C. The organization provides education, resources, and networking opportunities for science reporters around the world.

Membership to ISBER is open to anyone interested in reporting on biological and environmental topics. To become a member, one must submit an application form, which can be found on the ISBER website. There is no fee associated with membership; however, members are asked to make a voluntary contribution to support the organization's activities.

Once an application has been submitted, it takes approximately two weeks for it to be reviewed by the ISBER board of directors. If approved, new members will receive access to exclusive benefits such as discounts on conferences and workshops, access to online resources such as webinars and podcasts, and invitations to participate in special events hosted by ISBER.

6. American Society for Quality Certified Calibration Technician (ASQ-CCT)

The American Society for Quality Certified Calibration Technician (ASQ-CCT) certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who are responsible for calibrating, repairing, and maintaining measurement and test equipment. The ASQ-CCT certification program is designed to ensure that professionals have the necessary skills to properly calibrate instruments used in quality control operations.

To become certified as an ASQ-CCT, an individual must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as instrument calibration principles, metrology fundamentals, and quality management systems. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam in order to be certified.

The cost of taking the ASQ-CCT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs between $250-$400 USD. It typically takes around two hours to complete the exam.

In addition to taking the exam, candidates must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for certification. Applicants must have either a high school diploma or equivalent education; a minimum of three years of experience in instrument calibration; or a combination of both education and experience that totals at least five years.

Once certified, ASQ-CCTs are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every three years in order to remain certified.

7. National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC)

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) is an organization that works to ensure the quality of environmental laboratory data. It is a voluntary, non-governmental program that establishes standards for laboratories that analyze environmental samples. NELAC accreditation is based on the standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The process of obtaining NELAC accreditation typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the size and complexity of the laboratory. The first step in getting accredited is to submit a written application to NELAC. This application must include information about the laboratory's personnel, equipment, quality assurance/control procedures, and other relevant information. After submitting this application, the laboratory will be evaluated by a team of NELAC assessors who will visit the facility to verify its compliance with NELAC standards.

Once all requirements have been met, the laboratory will receive its official NELAC accreditation certificate. The cost of obtaining NELAC accreditation varies depending on factors such as size and complexity of the laboratory, but it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.

8. International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025:2005

International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025:2005 (ISO/IEC 17025:2005) is an internationally recognized standard that sets out the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods. The standard also applies to sampling.

The process of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification typically takes between 6–12 months depending on the size and complexity of the organization. To get certified, an organization must first develop a quality management system based on ISO/IEC 17025:2005 requirements. This includes developing policies, procedures, processes, and documentation related to laboratory operations. Once this is done, an external audit will be conducted by a third-party certification body to verify compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2005 requirements. If successful, certification will be granted.

The cost of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certification depends on various factors such as the size and complexity of the organization, scope of certification, geographical location, etc. Generally speaking it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on these factors.

9. Hazardous Materials Management Certification Program

Hazardous Materials Management Certification Program (HMMP) is a program designed to provide hazardous materials professionals with the knowledge and skills required to safely manage hazardous materials. The program is administered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The HMMP consists of two parts: an online course and a certification exam. The online course covers topics such as hazardous materials identification, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and emergency response. It also includes information about regulatory requirements for hazardous materials management. The online course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

The certification exam is administered by NEHA and requires a passing score of 80% or higher in order to receive certification. The exam can be taken at any of NEHA’s testing centers or online through their website. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.

The cost for the HMMP varies depending on whether you take the online course or the certification exam separately or together. For those taking both components together, the cost is $595 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. For those taking only one component, the cost is $395 USD plus applicable taxes and fees for either the online course or the certification exam.

In order to get certified through HMMP, you must meet certain eligibility requirements which include having at least two years of experience in hazardous materials management or related field, as well as being employed in a position related to hazardous materials management or related field at least part-time (20 hours per week).

10. Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

A Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a professional designation awarded by the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). The CSP credential is recognized worldwide as a symbol of safety excellence and is held by more than 20,000 safety professionals in over 70 countries.

The CSP credential requires a combination of education, experience, and passing an exam. To become certified, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in safety or related field from an accredited college or university and four years of professional safety experience. Applicants must also pass the BCSP's comprehensive CSP examination.

The CSP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as hazard recognition and control; occupational health; industrial hygiene; ergonomics; fire protection; accident investigation; environmental management; emergency planning and preparedness; risk assessment; and workplace safety programs. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CSP certification program varies depending on the applicant’s background. For those with a bachelor’s degree in safety or related field, the cost is $395 for members of BCSP and $495 for non-members. For those without a bachelor’s degree in safety or related field, the cost is $595 for members of BCSP and $695 for non-members.

Once certified, CSP professionals are required to maintain their certification through continuing education credits every three years to ensure they stay up to date on current industry standards and best practices.

11. Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Outreach Training Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program designed to provide workers with safety training in a variety of general industry settings. The program is intended to provide workers with the basic knowledge and understanding of safety and health principles, as well as the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in their workplace.

The 10-hour course is designed for entry level workers, while the 30-hour course is more comprehensive and suitable for supervisors or workers with some safety responsibility. Both courses cover topics such as hazard recognition, accident prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE), fire protection systems, materials handling, machine guarding, electrical safety, emergency action plans, hazardous materials/waste operations and emergency response plans.

The 10-hour course typically takes two days to complete while the 30-hour course can take up to five days to complete. To receive either certification you must attend an OSHA approved training provider or class. A list of approved providers can be found on OSHA’s website.

The cost for either the 10-hour or 30-hour courses vary depending on the provider you choose. Generally speaking they range from $100-$300 per person depending on location and other factors.

Do You Really Need a Chemistry Technician Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Chemistry Technician Certificate depends on your individual career goals. If you are interested in working in a laboratory setting with chemicals, then this type of certification might be beneficial for you. It will show employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to safely handle and use chemicals, as well as understand the protocols related to their use.

Having a Chemistry Technician Certificate can also help to open up new opportunities for job advancement. Many employers require at least some type of specialized training before they consider hiring someone for certain positions. A certificate in chemistry technician can demonstrate that you are capable of performing the necessary tasks associated with the job and that you have taken the initiative to further your education in this field.

However, it is important to note that there are other options available if you do not wish to pursue a certificate program. For example, many colleges offer courses in chemistry or related fields that may be sufficient enough for entry-level positions in laboratories or other science-related settings. Additionally, there are more general certifications available such as those offered by organizations like The American Chemical Society (ACS) which may fulfill some of the requirements for more advanced positions within the industry.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual person to decide if pursuing a Chemistry Technician Certificate is worth their time and effort. If it fits within your career goals and interests, then it could be an excellent way to demonstrate your skillset and gain access to better job opportunities in the future.

Related: Chemistry Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Chemistry Technician Certifications

1. What is a Chemistry Technician Certification?

Answer: A Chemistry Technician Certification is an official recognition that a person has been trained in the field of chemistry and has the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a technician in a laboratory setting.

2. Do I need any prior experience or qualifications to get certified?

Answer: No, you do not need any prior experience or qualifications to be certified as a Chemistry Technician. However, some certifying organizations may require that you have successfully completed certain courses or training before being eligible for certification.

3. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified as a Chemistry Technician, you must first find an accredited program or organization offering the certification. You will then need to complete their requirements, which typically include passing an exam and meeting any other stated prerequisites.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The time it takes to get certified depends on the specific certifying organization and requirements they have established for their program. Generally, most programs can be completed within one year of starting the process.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you keep your certification current by completing regular continuing education credits (CECs). These CECs are typically obtained through attending workshops or seminars related to your field of study and keeping up with new developments in the industry.