Top 11 Clinical Laboratory Technician Certifications

Having certifications as a clinical laboratory technician is important in the job market because it signals to employers that you have the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the job successfully. It also shows that you are dedicated to continuing your education and staying up-to-date on current trends in the field. Certifications demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety, which can be attractive qualities to employers. Additionally, many states require certification for lab technicians working in clinical settings.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Clinical Laboratory Technicians and explain how they can enhance a Clinical Laboratory Technician's career.

What are Clinical Laboratory Technician Certifications?

Clinical laboratory technician certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a specific level of competency in the field of clinical laboratory technology. This certification is designed to demonstrate that the individual has acquired the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform clinical laboratory tests accurately and efficiently.

Having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when seeking employment in the medical field. It also allows them to demonstrate their commitment to excellence and dedication to their chosen profession. Additionally, it can provide employers with greater confidence in hiring an individual with the necessary qualifications for a given position.

Certification can also open up additional opportunities for advancement within the healthcare industry, as well as enhance one's earning potential. Furthermore, it serves as recognition of one's expertise in this field and can serve as a valuable asset when networking or interviewing for new positions. Finally, obtaining certification may be required in certain states or regions in order to practice clinical laboratory technology professionally.

Pro Tip: Clinical laboratory technician certification can be obtained through an accredited program. It is important to do your research when selecting a program and make sure the coursework covers all of the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful clinical lab technician. Additionally, most programs require you to complete both a written and practical exam in order to receive your certification, so be sure to adequately prepare for these exams prior to enrolling in a program.

Related: What does a Clinical Laboratory Technician do?

Top 11 Clinical Laboratory Technician Certifications

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

1. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT)

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT) is a certification that is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of laboratory technicians who are working in clinical laboratory settings. The CCLT certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform laboratory testing procedures safely and accurately, as well as to interpret results.

The CCLT certification requires applicants to have a minimum of an associate degree or equivalent education in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or related field. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting within the past five years.

The process for obtaining the CCLT certification includes completing an application form, submitting official transcripts from your educational institution, providing proof of work experience in a clinical laboratory setting, and passing an examination. The examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety and quality control; specimen collection; instrumentation; hematology; urinalysis; chemistry; immunology/serology/virology; microbiology; molecular diagnostics; and blood banking/transfusion medicine.

The cost for the CCLT certification is $195 for AMT members and $245 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the application form, examination fees, and any applicable taxes.

It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you pass the exam and meet all other requirements, you will be awarded your CCLT certification by AMT.

2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the medical laboratory field. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified, competent personnel for employment in the medical laboratory. It also serves as a means of professional recognition for individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their chosen field.

In order to become ASCP certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam. Applicants must have either completed an accredited MLT program or hold a bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related science from an accredited college or university. They must also have completed at least one year of full-time clinical laboratory experience within the past five years, or two years of part-time experience within the past ten years.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hematology, immunohematology, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, and blood banking. The cost of registration for the exam is $195 USD and it typically takes three hours to complete.

Once applicants have passed the exam they will receive their ASCP certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires that applicants demonstrate continuing education credits earned during their certification period as well as payment of a renewal fee ($95 USD).

3. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA-LP) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT)

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA-LP) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize qualified laboratory technicians who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. The CCLT credential demonstrates that an individual has met the standards set forth by NCA-LP and is qualified to perform clinical laboratory tests and procedures.

It typically takes about four months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's experience and education level. To become certified, individuals must meet eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of two years of full-time clinical laboratory experience or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years. They must also pass a written exam administered by NCA-LP.

To get started, individuals must first apply for certification online through the NCA-LP website. Once they have been approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fees. The fees vary depending on whether an individual is applying as an experienced technician or as a new applicant; however, they generally range from $200-$400 USD.

Once applicants have passed their exams, they will receive their official CCLT certificate from NCA-LP and be recognized as certified clinical laboratory technicians.

4. International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT)

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of laboratory technicians in clinical laboratories. The CCLT certification is a voluntary program that provides recognition of the technical competency of laboratory personnel who have successfully completed the requirements for certification.

In order to receive the CCLT certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must hold either an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least one year of full-time work experience as a laboratory technician in a clinical setting within the past five years.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply to take the CCLT exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as specimen collection and processing, quality assurance/quality control, instrumentation and automation, safety and infection control, data analysis and interpretation, and professional practice issues. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and costs $200 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be awarded their CCLT certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

5. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT)

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of clinical laboratory technicians. It is designed to validate the competency and proficiency of individuals who perform tests on specimens in a clinical laboratory setting. The CCLT certification is available to individuals who have completed at least an associate degree in a bioanalytical-related field, such as medical technology or clinical laboratory science.

It typically takes about six months to complete the application process for the CCLT certification. To begin, applicants must submit an application form, along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Applicants must also pass an online examination which covers topics such as specimen collection and processing, quality control and assurance, safety practices, and instrumentation.

The cost for the CCLT certification varies depending on the applicant's educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 - $400 to apply for the CCLT exam. This fee includes the cost of materials needed for the exam, including study guides and practice tests. Additionally, applicants may need to pay additional fees if they require extra help with studying or taking the exam itself.

Once applicants have successfully passed their exams, they will receive their AAB Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician certificate in approximately four weeks after passing their exam. This certificate is valid for five years before needing to be renewed by taking continuing education courses or re-taking the exam itself.

6. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Certified Phlebotomist

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Certified Phlebotomist is a certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform phlebotomy procedures in a safe and effective manner. It is designed for those seeking to enter or advance in the field of phlebotomy.

To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers a variety of topics related to phlebotomy, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, specimen collection techniques, infection control procedures, quality assurance practices, and customer service. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours.

The NHA offers several options for taking the exam: online proctored exams at Pearson VUE testing centers or at home with a webcam; paper-based exams at Pearson VUE testing centers; or onsite exams administered by an approved NHA proctor. The cost of the exam varies depending on the option chosen but typically ranges from $90-$120.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician/Certified Phlebotomist certificate and wallet card. This certification is valid for two years from the date it was issued. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits as well as payment of a renewal fee.

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

The National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA-MLP) Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (CMLT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have met the standards of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice as a medical laboratory technician. This certification is designed for professionals who are currently working in the field of medical laboratory technology or those who wish to pursue a career in this field.

The NCA-MLP CMLT certification process consists of two parts: an online application and an exam. The online application requires applicants to provide information about their educational background, work experience, and professional references. Once the application is approved, applicants must complete and pass the NCA-MLP CMLT exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to clinical laboratory science such as hematology, immunology, chemistry, microbiology, and other related subjects.

The NCA-MLP CMLT certification typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on the individual’s level of preparation and commitment to studying for the exam. To get started with the process, applicants should first review all requirements listed on the NCA-MLP website before submitting their completed application.

The cost for the NCA-MLP CMLT certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam at a testing center or online. If you choose to take it at a testing center, you will need to pay a fee of $395 plus applicable taxes; if you choose to take it online through ProctorU, you will need to pay a fee of $125 plus applicable taxes.

8. American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification(ASCP-BOC):Medical Lab Scientist

The American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) is a voluntary certification program for medical laboratory scientists. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in their field and have met the standards set by the ASCP-BOC. The certification process involves passing a comprehensive examination and meeting the educational requirements for the specialty.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the certification process, depending on how quickly you can study and prepare for the exam. To get started, you must first meet all of the eligibility requirements, which include having a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, as well as at least one year of clinical experience in a laboratory setting. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the exam and pay the associated fee.

The cost of obtaining an ASCP-BOC certification varies depending on your location and whether or not you are an ASCP member. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 to take the exam, plus additional fees for any required materials or courses that may be necessary to complete your application.

9. The American Association of Bioanalysts:Clinical Chemistry Technologist

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Clinical Chemistry Technologist (CCT) certification is a professional credential for individuals who perform laboratory tests in the clinical chemistry field. CCTs are responsible for the accurate and timely analysis of laboratory specimens, including blood, urine, and other body fluids. The CCT certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform clinical chemistry tests accurately and safely.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete the requirements necessary to become certified as a CCT. To qualify, individuals must have at least a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field, have completed an accredited clinical chemistry program, have at least one year of full-time experience in the field, and pass an exam administered by the AAB.

The cost of obtaining CCT certification varies depending on how long it takes to complete all of the required steps. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level.

10. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel:Medical Lab Technician

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification and continuing education to laboratory personnel. The NCA offers certifications in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (CLS/MT), and Histotechnician (HT).

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the certification process, depending on the individual's background and experience. To become certified as an MLT, individuals must have a minimum of an Associate's degree in medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and must pass the NCA's MLT examination.

The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the type of credential being sought, but generally ranges from $250-$400. This fee covers the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with becoming certified.

11. International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology:Clinical Microbiology Technologist

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of clinical laboratory technology. It is comprised of members from around the world who are committed to providing quality patient care through the use of accurate and reliable laboratory tests. ISCLT provides resources for clinical laboratory technologists, including educational opportunities, certification programs, and networking events.

To become a certified Clinical Microbiology Technologist (CMT), one must have a minimum of an associate’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a related field. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass the CMT examination administered by ISCLT. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as microbiology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics while the practical portion requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge through hands-on activities.

The cost of taking the CMT exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration and other materials needed for the exam.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks to receive your results after taking the CMT exam; however, this can vary depending on when you take it and how quickly you complete all necessary paperwork. Once you have passed both portions of the exam, you will become an official Certified Clinical Microbiology Technologist (CCMT).

Do You Really Need a Clinical Laboratory Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. A Clinical Laboratory Technician Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter the field of laboratory science and technology. Those with a certificate will have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform accurate tests, analyze data, and interpret results in a clinical setting.

A Clinical Laboratory Technician Certificate may also be beneficial for those who wish to advance their career in laboratory science and technology. With a certificate, individuals can demonstrate that they have received specialized training in the field, which can help them stand out from other job applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Additionally, having a certificate may open up opportunities for higher pay or promotions within the field.

However, it is important to note that some employers may not require a Clinical Laboratory Technician Certificate before hiring an individual for a position in laboratory science and technology. Therefore, it is important to research each employer's requirements prior to applying for any position. Additionally, having additional educational credentials such as an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in laboratory science or related fields can further increase one’s chances of landing a job in the field.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a Clinical Laboratory Technician Certificate depends largely on their career goals and the requirements of potential employers. However, having such certification can be beneficial as it demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills that are needed for success in this field.

Related: Clinical Laboratory Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Laboratory Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a Clinical Laboratory Technician Certification?

A1. A Clinical Laboratory Technician Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills to perform laboratory tests and procedures in a clinical setting.

Q2. How do I get certified as a Clinical Laboratory Technician?

A2. To become certified, you must complete an accredited program in medical laboratory science or related field, pass the national certification exam (offered by various organizations), and meet any state or local requirements for licensure or registration.

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician?

A3. Benefits of being certified include increased job opportunities, higher pay, greater respect from employers and peers, and more career options.

Q4. What are some of the duties of a Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician?

A4. Duties typically include collecting specimens from patients, running samples in the lab, analyzing test results using specialized equipment, recording data accurately, performing quality control checks on instruments and reagents, following safety protocols, and communicating results to healthcare providers in a timely manner.

Q5. What types of organizations offer certifications for Clinical Laboratory Technicians?

A5: Organizations that offer certifications for Clinical Laboratory Technicians include American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency for Medical Lab Professionals (NCA), International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), and National Healthcareer Association (NHA).