Top 10 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certifications

Certifications for a clinical laboratory scientist are important for the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has obtained a certain level of expertise and knowledge required to perform laboratory tests. Certifications also show employers that the individual is committed to their profession and has gone through an accredited program in order to gain the necessary skills and experience. Additionally, certifications can help clinical laboratory scientists stand out from other candidates by showing employers that they have a higher level of qualifications than their peers. Finally, certifications can provide an edge when it comes to salary negotiations as employers may be willing to pay more for someone with recognized credentials.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Clinical Laboratory Scientists and explains how they can help to advance a clinical laboratory scientist's career.

What are Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certifications?

Clinical laboratory scientist certification is a process by which laboratory scientists demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of clinical laboratory science. This certification process is designed to ensure that individuals working in the field have the necessary qualifications to practice safely and effectively. Certification is usually obtained through a professional organization or association that provides education and training for laboratory scientists.

The certification process typically involves taking an exam that tests knowledge of relevant topics such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics. After passing the exam, candidates must also complete a supervised practicum in a clinical setting to demonstrate their ability to perform various laboratory procedures. Once certified, clinical laboratory scientists are able to work in a variety of medical settings including hospitals, doctor’s offices, research facilities, and diagnostic laboratories.

Having a certification can help individuals stand out when applying for jobs as it demonstrates their commitment to excellence in the field of clinical laboratory science. It also shows employers that they have met specific standards of knowledge and skill set required to practice safely and effectively. In addition to being beneficial when seeking employment opportunities, having this certification may also entitle individuals to higher salaries or better benefits packages than those without it. Additionally, many employers require certification for certain positions such as supervisors or lab directors so having this credential can be very beneficial for career advancement.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements for clinical laboratory scientist certification. Different states may have different requirements, so it is important to research the specific regulations in your area to ensure you are compliant. Additionally, make sure to keep track of any continuing education or other requirements that may be necessary to maintain your certification.

Related: What does a Clinical Laboratory Scientist do?

Top 10 Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Laboratory Scientists today.

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional organization that provides certification to laboratory professionals. ASCP certification is an important credential for those working in the clinical laboratory field and serves as recognition of their expertise and knowledge.

ASCP certification is available in several specialties, including medical laboratory science, cytotechnology, histotechnology, molecular biology, and phlebotomy. The process of obtaining ASCP certification typically takes between 4-6 months and requires passing an exam administered by the ASCP Board of Certification.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a degree from an accredited college or university program in the relevant specialty, completing a specified number of clinical hours in the same specialty, and meeting other requirements specific to each specialty.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the specialty but generally ranges from $200-$400. In addition to this fee, applicants may also have to pay additional fees for materials such as study guides or practice exams.

2. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification is a voluntary certification program for individuals who work in the field of laboratory testing and analysis. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of knowledge and experience in the field, as well as to provide employers with an assurance that their employees are qualified to perform the duties they are assigned.

In order to become certified by AAB, individuals must demonstrate that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform laboratory testing and analysis. This includes passing an exam administered by AAB which covers topics such as safety, laboratory techniques, instrumentation, data analysis, quality control, and more. The exam can be taken online or at one of AAB's testing centers located throughout the United States.

The process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certificate within two weeks. You will also be required to renew your certification every two years in order to maintain it.

The cost for taking the AAB Certification Exam varies depending on where you take it and how much preparation you do beforehand. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$500 USD depending on location and other factors.

3. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes laboratory personnel who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties. The NCA offers three levels of certification: Certified Laboratory Technician (CLT), Certified Medical Technologist (CMT), and Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).

To be eligible for certification, applicants must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. Applicants must also submit an application form and pay the applicable fees. The application process typically takes four to six weeks to complete.

To obtain CLT certification, applicants must have completed an accredited laboratory technician program or equivalent training; have at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience; and pass the NCA CLT exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as safety, quality control, instrumentation, specimen collection and processing, clinical chemistry, hematology/coagulation/urinalysis, immunohematology/immunology/serology/microbiology, molecular diagnostics/cytogenetics/flow cytometry, and medical laboratory management.

To obtain CMT certification, applicants must have completed an accredited medical technologist program or equivalent training; have at least two years of full-time clinical laboratory experience; and pass the NCA CMT exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as safety, quality control, instrumentation, specimen collection and processing, clinical chemistry/hematology/urinalysis/immunohematology/immunology/serology/microbiology/molecular diagnostics/cytogenetics /flow cytometry ,and medical laboratory management.

To obtain MLS certification applicants must have completed an accredited medical laboratory scientist program or equivalent training; have at least two years of full-time clinical laboratory experience; and pass the NCA MLS exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as safety, quality control instrumentation specimen collection and processing clinical chemistry hematology urinalysis immunohematology immunology serology microbiology molecular diagnostics cytogenetics flow cytometry ,and medical laboratory management.

The cost for each level of certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the NCA. For members it costs $150 for CLT certification; $200 for CMT certification; and $250 for MLS certification. For non-members it costs $250 for CLT certification; $300 for CMT certification; and $350 for MLS certification.

4. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification

American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a non-profit certification agency that provides professional credentials to medical laboratory professionals. The AMT certification program is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical technologists, clinical laboratory technicians, and phlebotomists.

The AMT certification process typically takes six to eight weeks to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an accredited program in the medical field, and passing an examination. Applicants must also submit an application with appropriate fees and documentation.

The cost of the AMT certification varies depending on the type of credential being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $150 for a single exam or $200 for two exams. Additional fees may apply for late registration or re-examination fees.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education credits every three years in order to remain certified. This ensures that they stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in the medical field.

5. National Registry of Certified Medical Technologists (NRCMT) Certification

The National Registry of Certified Medical Technologists (NRCMT) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes medical technologists for their knowledge, experience and expertise in the field. The NRCMT certification is designed to ensure that medical technologists have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care.

The process of becoming certified through the NRCMT involves completing an application, passing a written exam, and meeting certain educational requirements. The application process typically takes two to four weeks to complete and includes submitting proof of education, work experience, and other relevant documents. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as laboratory safety, clinical chemistry, hematology/coagulation, immunology/serology, microbiology/virology, histotechnology/cytotechnology and molecular diagnostics.

The cost of obtaining an NRCMT certification varies depending on the type of certification sought (e.g., generalist or specialist). Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$500 to apply for a generalist certification and between $400-$800 for a specialist certification. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50-$100 depending on the type of certification held.

Overall, obtaining an NRCMT certification can be beneficial for medical technologists who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the field and gain recognition from employers or patients. It also provides assurance that they are knowledgeable in their area of practice and have met certain standards set by the registry.

6. International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certification

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in clinical laboratory technology. The ISCLT certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in their field by passing a comprehensive exam.

How long does it take to get it? It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the ISCLT certification. This includes completing an approved educational program, gaining relevant experience in the field, and passing the certification exam.

How to get it? To be eligible for the ISCLT certification, you must meet certain criteria including completion of an accredited educational program and at least two years of relevant experience in clinical laboratory technology. Once these criteria are met, you can apply for the ISCLT certification exam. The application process involves submitting your transcripts, references, and other supporting documents as well as paying an application fee. After your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to register for the exam.

How much does it cost? The cost of taking the ISCLT certification exam varies depending on your location and whether or not you are a member of ISCLT. Generally speaking, non-members pay $375 while members pay $275. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other required documents.

7. College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certification

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides an independent assessment of laboratory services. The CAP Certification Program is designed to ensure the highest quality of laboratory services and patient care. It is the most widely accepted accreditation program for laboratories in the United States.

To obtain CAP Certification, laboratories must demonstrate compliance with standards established by the College of American Pathologists. These standards are based on best practices and are regularly updated to reflect advances in laboratory medicine. The process typically takes six months or more to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the laboratory.

In order to get CAP Certification, laboratories must first apply for accreditation through the CAP website. After submitting their application, they will be assigned an accreditation specialist who will guide them through the process. Once approved, a surveyor from CAP will visit their facility to evaluate their performance against established standards. If all requirements are met, they will receive their certificate of accreditation.

The cost for CAP Certification varies depending on factors such as laboratory size and complexity, but typically ranges between $2,000 and $5,000 USD per year.

8. Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (CLS/MT) Certification

Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (CLS/MT) Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person's knowledge, skill and experience in the field of laboratory medicine. This certification is offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification and is recognized as the gold standard in laboratory medicine.

To become certified, applicants must meet educational requirements, pass an exam and have at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience or equivalent part-time experience. The educational requirements vary depending on the certification level sought.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics and transfusion medicine. Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of safety procedures and quality control practices.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete all the requirements for certification. The cost varies depending on the type of certification sought but generally ranges from $300 to $500 for initial certification fees plus any applicable application fees.

9. Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certification

The Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise, knowledge and experience of clinical scientists. The ACS Certification is open to all individuals who have at least three years of experience in clinical science, including those in the fields of medical technology, laboratory medicine, pathology, and radiology.

The ACS Certification process involves a rigorous examination that covers topics such as laboratory management, laboratory safety protocols, quality assurance practices, and clinical laboratory techniques. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the ethical principles and legal regulations that govern the practice of clinical science. The exam is administered by a third-party testing agency and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete.

In order to apply for the ACS Certification, candidates must first submit an application form along with a fee. The fee for the ACS Certification exam varies depending on the candidate’s geographic location but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD. Once approved, candidates will receive an authorization letter which they can use to register for the exam within 6 months of receipt.

Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification status by completing continuing education activities every two years. Additionally, recertification exams may be required every five years in order to maintain certification status.

10. American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Certification

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) is a professional organization that provides certification for medical professionals who specialize in the field of genetics and genomics. The ACMG Certification Program is designed to recognize those who have achieved a level of expertise and experience in the field. The program is open to medical geneticists, clinical laboratory geneticists, and other healthcare professionals with appropriate training.

To become certified by the ACMG, an individual must meet certain qualifications, including completing a minimum of five years of postdoctoral training or equivalent experience in genetics or genomics, passing an examination administered by the ACMG, and submitting evidence of continuing education credits. It typically takes between one and two years to complete all the requirements for certification.

The cost for certification varies based on the type of certification sought. For example, the cost to become certified as a Clinical Geneticist is $1,500; whereas the cost to become certified as a Laboratory Geneticist is $1,000. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exam ($400), submitting continuing education credits ($50), and renewing your certification every five years ($250).

Overall, obtaining ACMG Certification requires significant effort and dedication; however it can be very rewarding for those who successfully complete all requirements. The certification provides recognition from peers in the field as well as potential employers that you have met rigorous standards set forth by one of the leading organizations in medical genetics and genomics.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of career you are interested in pursuing. If you are interested in becoming a clinical laboratory scientist, then it is likely that you will need to obtain a certificate in order to be qualified for the job. This certificate is typically offered through accredited colleges and universities, and it will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform laboratory tests and analysis.

In addition to obtaining a certificate in clinical laboratory science, there are other credentials you may need in order to work as a lab tech or scientist. Depending on the state or country where you plan to work, different requirements may apply. For example, some states require that lab technicians obtain licensure before they can practice. Other states may require certification from an accredited program or organization such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). Additionally, some employers may require additional qualifications such as experience working with certain types of lab equipment or specific certifications related to their field of specialty.

Ultimately, if you want to become a clinical laboratory scientist and work in this field, then obtaining a certificate is essential for success. It will not only give you the necessary education and training for the job but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development and improvement. With proper preparation and dedication, earning your clinical laboratory science certificate can help open up many opportunities within this exciting field of medicine!

Related: Clinical Laboratory Scientist Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certifications

1. What is the process of becoming a Clinical Laboratory Scientist?

Answer: The process of becoming a Clinical Laboratory Scientist involves completing an accredited program in medical laboratory science, which typically includes a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing the program, candidates must then pass a certification exam administered by either the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Credentialing Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA).

2. How often do I need to renew my Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification?

Answer: Generally, Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certifications must be renewed every three years. Renewal requirements vary by state and organization but typically include completion of continuing education credits, professional development activities, or retaking the certification exam.

3. What type of job opportunities are available with a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification?

Answer: With a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification, individuals can pursue career opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, research facilities, clinics and other healthcare settings. Job duties may include collecting and analyzing samples from patients to diagnose diseases; performing tests on blood and other bodily fluids; evaluating results; and maintaining laboratory equipment.

4. Are there any prerequisites for earning a Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification?

Answer: Yes, most organizations require applicants to hold at least an associate degree in medical laboratory science before taking the certification exam. Additionally, some organizations may require completion of specific courses or supervised training hours prior to eligibility for certification.

5. Is it possible to transfer my existing Clinical Laboratory Scientist Certification to another state?

Answer: Yes, many states recognize certifications from other states as long as they are valid and current at the time of application for licensure in the new state. However, some states may require additional steps such as submitting additional paperwork or taking an additional exam prior to transferring your existing certification.