Top 10 Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certifications

Certifications are an important way for clinical laboratory technologists to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the job market. They show that a person has met certain standards for their profession, which gives employers confidence that they can perform their duties effectively and safely. Certifications also provide a way to differentiate between candidates with similar qualifications, helping potential employers make informed hiring decisions. Additionally, certifications can help clinical laboratory technologists qualify for higher salaries and more advanced roles in the field.

This article reviews the top certifications for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and explains how they can help to advance a technologist's career.

What are Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certifications?

Clinical laboratory technologist certification is a credential that is awarded to laboratory technicians who have met the educational, experience and examination requirements necessary for professional practice. It signifies a commitment to the highest standards of professional practice in clinical laboratory science. The certification demonstrates a level of knowledge and skill that employers can use to evaluate job applicants and current employees.

Certification also provides an opportunity for lab technologists to demonstrate their skills and qualifications in both clinical practice and research. It serves as a testament to their proficiency in the field, helping them stand out among their peers. In addition, it can be used as a tool for networking with other certified professionals, providing access to resources, information, and career opportunities.

By having this certification, technologists are able to provide quality care by accurately interpreting test results and making appropriate recommendations based on those results. Furthermore, they are able to ensure patient safety by following established protocols and procedures when performing tests or handling specimens. Lastly, having this certification helps technologists stay abreast of advances in technology, new testing methods, and evidence-based practices related to their field of work.

Pro Tip: Clinical laboratory technologist certification is a great way to demonstrate your professional qualifications and expertise in the field. Make sure to research the requirements and fees associated with certification in your area, and be sure to stay up-to-date on any changes or updates that may affect your certification status.

Related: What does a Clinical Laboratory Technologist do?

Top 10 Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certifications

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

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional organization that provides certification in the field of clinical pathology. ASCP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the practice of laboratory medicine.

To become certified by the ASCP, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and competency in laboratory medicine. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, laboratory safety, quality assurance, and other related topics.

The length of time it takes to get certified by the ASCP varies depending on the individual's background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete all of the requirements for certification.

In order to become certified by the ASCP, individuals must first register with the organization and pay a fee. After registration is complete, individuals will be able to access study materials and take practice exams before taking the actual certification exam.

The cost of becoming certified by the ASCP varies depending on which type of certification an individual is pursuing. For example, generalists seeking board certification will be required to pay a $475 application fee plus a $200 examination fee. Specialists seeking board certification will be required to pay a $575 application fee plus a $250 examination fee.

2. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical laboratory professionals. The program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory technology, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least one year of experience in the field or have completed an approved educational program.

The cost of the certification exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether or not it is taken online or in person. In general, the cost ranges from $125 to $250 USD.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their AMT certification within six weeks after passing the exam. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

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

National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes laboratory personnel who demonstrate competency in their field. This certification is intended to promote quality laboratory services and patient safety.

The NCA offers two types of certification: the Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and the Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT). Both certifications require applicants to have at least an associate degree in medical laboratory science or a related field, as well as passing scores on an exam administered by the NCA.

It typically takes about 6-8 weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. To get certified, you must first fill out an application form and submit it along with all required documents such as transcripts, proof of education, and proof of work experience. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent instructions on how to register for the exam. After registering for the exam, you will be given a date and time to take it.

The cost of getting certified through the NCA varies depending on what type of certification you are seeking. The MLS certification costs $350 plus a $50 processing fee; while the CLT certification costs $250 plus a $50 processing fee.

4. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification is a voluntary certification program that verifies an individual's qualifications and experience in the field of bioanalysis. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the practice of bioanalysis. The AAB certification is based on a set of standards and criteria developed by the AAB, which are reviewed and updated periodically.

To become certified, an individual must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a minimum of five years' experience in bioanalysis;

2. Submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and expertise;

3. Pass an exam administered by the AAB;

4. Maintain continuing education credits; and

5. Meet any other requirements as specified by the AAB.

The process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete, depending on how quickly you can submit all required documents and pass the exam. The cost for certification depends on your level of experience, but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Certification

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a laboratory scientist’s knowledge and skills in the field of clinical laboratory science. It is an important credential for those who want to work in the field of laboratory medicine, as it shows employers that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency.

To become certified as a CLS, individuals must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The educational requirements vary depending on the state, but typically include completing an accredited program in medical technology or clinical laboratory science and passing either a national certification exam or a state-specific certification exam.

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Exam is offered twice per year and consists of two parts: the written portion and the practical portion. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions related to clinical laboratory science topics such as hematology, immunology, microbiology, chemistry, blood banking/transfusion medicine, immunohematology/blood banking, urinalysis/body fluids and molecular diagnostics. The practical portion consists of hands-on activities related to performing various tests in each topic area.

The cost to take the BOC Exam varies depending on whether you are taking it for initial certification or recertification. For initial certification, it costs $395 for members of ASCP and $495 for non-members; for recertification, it costs $195 for members and $295 for non-members.

It typically takes about 3 months to receive your results from taking the BOC Exam. If you pass both portions of the exam, you will receive your official certificate within 2 weeks after receiving your results.

6. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certification

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is a non-profit organization that provides accreditation of educational programs in the clinical laboratory sciences. NAACLS accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and is necessary for many professional certifications and licensures in the field.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the process of obtaining NAACLS accreditation. The first step is to submit an application, which includes a self-study document that outlines the program's objectives and curriculum, as well as other information about faculty and resources available. Once this has been submitted, an on-site visit will be conducted by a team of NAACLS representatives who will evaluate the program based on their standards and criteria. If approved, a letter of accreditation is issued and must be maintained every seven years through reaccreditation processes.

In order to get NAACLS certification, applicants must have completed an accredited program in clinical laboratory science or related field, have at least one year of full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting within five years prior to applying, pass all required examinations (if applicable), and meet any other requirements set by the agency.

The cost for NAACLS certification varies depending on the type of program being accredited (e.g., undergraduate or graduate). Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000-$2,000 per year for initial accreditation or reaccreditation fees.

7. American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certification

The American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certification is a voluntary credential for laboratory professionals who demonstrate expertise in the field of clinical chemistry. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and competence in the practice of clinical chemistry.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and agree to abide by AACC's Code of Ethics. The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

In order to be eligible for certification, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution in a science-related field such as medical technology, biochemistry, or biology; have at least two years of full-time work experience in clinical chemistry; and pass the AACC Clinical Chemistry Certification Exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory management, instrumentation, quality assurance/quality control, statistics/mathematics, clinical chemistry theory and principles, toxicology/drug testing, immunoassay techniques, endocrinology/metabolism/nutrition testing methods and interpretation of results.

The cost for taking the exam is $500 for AACC members or $700 for nonmembers. Additionally there may be fees associated with submitting applications and other materials required during the certification process.

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

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of laboratory science and technology. The ISCLT offers certification programs that recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of laboratory professionals.

To become certified by the ISCLT, individuals must pass a written examination that covers topics such as laboratory safety, quality assurance, specimen collection and handling, instrumentation and automation, hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and immunology. The exam is administered in English language only.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the certification process. Individuals must first submit an application form along with the required fees before they can sit for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit additional documentation to demonstrate their experience in a clinical laboratory setting before they can receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining ISCLT certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. For example, a Certified Medical Laboratory Technician (CMLT) will cost $275 USD while a Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (CMLS) will cost $400 USD.

9. American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Certification

The American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes professional excellence in the field of cytopathology. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in their practice.

The ASC Certification process typically takes six to twelve months to complete, depending on the individual's experience and educational background. To become certified, applicants must submit an application, complete an online assessment, and pass a written exam. The cost of the certification process is $400 for members of the ASC and $500 for non-members.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years. The cost for recertification is $200 for members and $250 for non-members.

Overall, obtaining an ASC Certification demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and can help individuals advance their careers in cytopathology.

10. National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) Certification

The National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the field of microbiology. The NRCM certification is designed to promote excellence and professionalism in the practice of microbiology, and to provide employers with assurance that their employees possess the requisite knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an examination developed by the NRCM. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field from an accredited college or university, as well as two years of professional experience in the field. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as microbial physiology, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, epidemiology, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols.

The process of obtaining NRCM certification typically takes several months. After submitting an application and paying the required fee (currently $350 USD), applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants can begin studying for the exam using study materials provided by the NRCM. Upon successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from the NRCM.

In addition to demonstrating mastery in microbiology, having an NRCM certification can give individuals a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within their field. It also serves as a marker of professional achievement that is recognized by employers worldwide.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of job you are looking for. If you want to work as a clinical laboratory technologist, then yes, you do need a certificate. Clinical laboratory technologists are responsible for performing a variety of tests and procedures in order to diagnose and treat diseases. These tests include analyzing blood, body fluids, tissue samples and other substances. This requires specialized training and knowledge that can only be obtained through an accredited program or certification.

Having a certificate also shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job safely and accurately. It also demonstrates that you understand the principles of laboratory safety, quality control and assurance as well as ethical practices within the field. Clinical laboratory technologists must adhere to specific regulations set by their state or province's laws in order to remain certified.

In addition, having a clinical laboratory technologist certificate may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within the field. Employers may view this as evidence that you are qualified for the position and take your application more seriously than someone without one.

Overall, if you are interested in becoming a clinical laboratory technologist, obtaining a certificate is highly recommended if not required depending on where you live. It will demonstrate your commitment to learning and provide employers with assurance that you have the necessary skills for the job.

Related: Clinical Laboratory Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Laboratory Technologist Certifications

1. What is a Clinical Laboratory Technologist certification?

Answer: A Clinical Laboratory Technologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the holder has met the highest standards of practice within the clinical laboratory setting, including knowledge and skills in areas such as laboratory management, laboratory safety, specimen collection and testing, and data analysis.

2. What are the requirements to become certified?

Answer: To become certified, applicants must meet educational requirements (usually an associate degree or higher in medical technology), pass a written exam administered by a certifying body such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT), and have documented work experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

3. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to become certified depending on education level, experience, and other factors.

4. How much does it cost to get certified?

Answer: Costs vary depending on which certifying body you choose; typically fees range from $200-$500 USD for application fees, exam fees, and/or renewal fees.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements to maintain certification?

Answer: Yes – most certifying bodies require continuing education credits every few years in order to maintain certification status.