Top 11 Lab Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a lab analyst in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the analyst has the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to perform the duties of the position. Certifications also show that the analyst is committed to their profession and has taken steps to stay up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. In addition, certifications can open doors to higher positions or even new job opportunities, since many employers prefer candidates with certifications over those without. Finally, certifications provide recognition for a lab analyst's hard work and dedication to their field, helping them stand out from other applicants.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Lab Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a lab analyst's career.

What are Lab Analyst Certifications?

Lab analyst certification is a type of professional certification that is designed to demonstrate an individual's proficiency in laboratory practices and procedures. This certification can be obtained by completing a training program or passing a series of exams. The main purpose of this certification is to provide employers with a way to identify qualified lab analysts who are proficient in their field and can be relied upon to produce accurate results in the laboratory setting.

Having lab analyst certification can help individuals gain credibility and recognition within the field, as well as provide them with job opportunities that may require this type of certification. It also provides employers with assurance that the person they hire has received the necessary training and meets industry standards for laboratory work. Lab analyst certification can also serve as a form of professional development, allowing individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies used in the laboratory setting. Finally, it can help individuals increase their salary potential, since many employers are willing to pay more for certified employees than those without any certifications.

Pro Tip: When considering lab analyst certification, make sure to research the specific requirements for each certification you are interested in. Many certifications require a certain amount of experience or education, as well as passing an exam. Certification can help open up new career opportunities and demonstrate your expertise in the field.

Related: What does a Lab Analyst do?

Top 11 Lab Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Lab Analysts today.

1. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Analyst

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Analyst (CQA) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in quality analysis, management and assurance. The CQA credential is designed to provide quality professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to assess, analyze, and improve the quality of products and services.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CQA program. To get certified as a CQA, you must pass an examination that covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, sampling techniques, problem solving and corrective action. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to four hours to complete.

To prepare for the CQA certification exam, ASQ offers a variety of resources including study materials, practice exams and online courses. Additionally, there are several books available that cover the topics included in the exam.

The cost of becoming a CQA varies depending on your chosen preparation method. For example, if you choose to purchase study materials or take an online course from ASQ, you will need to pay a fee for those services. Additionally, there is a fee associated with taking the actual certification exam which is currently $399 USD for members of ASQ and $499 USD for non-members.

2. American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist

The American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH) Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) credential is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in industrial hygiene. It is awarded to individuals who have met the rigorous requirements set forth by ABIH, including passing a comprehensive exam. The CIH credential is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for industrial hygiene professionals.

To become a CIH, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial hygiene or a related field, have at least four years of full-time experience in the practice of industrial hygiene, and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral examination. Both portions must be passed before the applicant can receive their CIH credential.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the number of years of experience you have. For those with four or more years of experience, it costs $425 to apply for the certification and $575 to take the exam. For those with less than four years of experience, it costs $425 to apply for certification and $825 to take the exam.

In total, it takes about six months from start to finish to become certified as an ABIH Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH). This includes submitting your application materials, studying for and taking the exam, and waiting for results from ABIH.

3. International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Certified Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) Certified Pharmaceutical Laboratory Analyst (CPLA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a pharmaceutical laboratory. This certification is intended for professionals who are actively involved in the development, validation, and operation of laboratory systems and processes related to pharmaceuticals.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CPLA certification process. The first step is to complete an application form which requires information such as educational background, current job responsibilities, and professional experience. Once the application is approved, applicants must take an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory safety, regulatory compliance, data management, and quality assurance. After passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CPLA certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPLA certification varies depending on whether you are an ISPE member or non-member. For ISPE members, the cost is $250 USD; for non-members it is $450 USD. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with taking the online exam such as proctoring fees and/or travel expenses if you need to take it at a testing center.

4. International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Certified Food Safety Professional

The International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) Certified Food Safety Professional (CFP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of food safety principles, practices, and procedures. The CFP certification is awarded to those who have successfully completed the IAFP's comprehensive examination and met other requirements.

The IAFP CFP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as food safety regulations, HACCP principles, food microbiology, sanitation and personal hygiene, pest control, product recall procedures, and more. The exam typically takes three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CFP certification, applicants must meet certain educational and work experience criteria. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a food safety related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. They must also have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a food science related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The cost for the IAFP Certified Food Safety Professional exam is $400 USD for members ($500 USD for non-members). In addition to the exam fee, there is also an application fee of $50 USD.

Once certified, CFPs are required to renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education courses that are approved by the IAFP.

5. American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Laboratory Analyst

American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Chemistry Laboratory Analyst is a certification program that recognizes the professional qualifications of individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in laboratory analysis. It is designed to provide employers with assurance that personnel hired for laboratory positions possess the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties.

The program consists of a written examination, which tests the individual’s knowledge of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, quality control procedures, and instrumentation. The exam is offered twice a year at designated locations throughout the United States.

To become certified as an ACS Certified Chemistry Laboratory Analyst, an individual must pass the written examination with a score of 70% or higher. In addition, applicants must have at least two years of experience in chemical laboratory analysis or related field.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the written exam and complete all necessary paperwork for certification. Preparation materials are available from ACS for purchase online or through bookstores.

The cost of becoming an ACS Certified Chemistry Laboratory Analyst is approximately $500 USD (including application fees). This fee covers the cost of taking the exam, obtaining study materials, and processing your application.

6. National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Registered Environmental Health Specialist

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of environmental health. The REHS certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to the highest standards of practice and ethical conduct.

It typically takes three years to become eligible for the REHS certification. To be eligible, one must have at least two years of full-time work experience in environmental health, or a bachelor’s degree in environmental health or a related field and one year of full-time work experience in environmental health. In addition, applicants must pass an exam administered by NEHA.

To get the REHS certification, applicants must complete an application form available on the NEHA website and submit it along with their credentials (e.g., transcripts, letters of reference, etc.) and payment for the application fee ($175). Once all materials are received and reviewed by NEHA staff, applicants will be notified if they are approved for the exam. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from NEHA.

The cost for taking the exam is $250 plus any applicable taxes or fees.

7. American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) Accredited Laboratory Technician

The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) is a non-profit, internationally recognized accreditation body that provides third-party assessment and accreditation services to testing and calibration laboratories. A2LA Accredited Laboratory Technician certification is a program that recognizes the competency of laboratory technicians in the areas of laboratory operations, quality assurance, safety, and other related topics.

To become an A2LA Accredited Laboratory Technician, one must have a minimum of two years of experience working in a laboratory setting. Additionally, applicants must complete an A2LA approved training program or pass an examination administered by A2LA. The training program typically takes three to six months to complete and can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 depending on the program chosen.

Once the training or examination is completed successfully, applicants are required to submit an application to A2LA for review and approval. Upon approval, applicants will receive their official A2LA Accredited Laboratory Technician certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

Overall, becoming an A2LA Accredited Laboratory Technician requires dedication and commitment as it can take up to six months of study time before even applying for certification. However, this certification is highly sought after in many industries as it demonstrates expertise in laboratory operations and quality assurance practices.

8. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Certified Measurement and Calibration Technician

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Certified Measurement and Calibration Technician (CMCT) certification is a program that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of measurement and calibration. The certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to perform accurate measurements, calibrations, and assessments of measuring instruments.

The CMCT certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field, as well as completion of an approved training course. This training course can be taken at any accredited institution or through NIST’s own online learning platform. After completing the training course, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CMCT certification varies depending on the institution offering the course and the type of training received. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the length and type of training required.

Once certified, CMCT professionals are expected to maintain their credentials by taking continuing education courses every three years in order to stay up-to-date with advances in measurement technology. This ensures that they remain competent and knowledgeable about current industry standards and practices.

9. American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certified Clinical Lab Scientist

The American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Certified Clinical Lab Scientist (CCLS) is a certification program for laboratory professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of clinical laboratory science.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by AACC. The exam covers topics such as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and other related areas. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting within the past five years.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the process of obtaining CCLS certification. The first step is to submit an application with supporting documentation that demonstrates eligibility requirements are met. Once approved, applicants will be sent information about registering for the exam and paying the associated fee. The fee for taking the exam is $200 USD for members of AACC or $250 USD for non-members.

After completing the exam successfully, applicants will receive their CCLS certificate from AACC. This certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by submitting continuing education credits or retaking the exam if necessary.

10. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification in Medical Technology

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification in Medical Technology is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and experience required to practice as a medical technologist. This certification is designed to ensure that medical technologists have the necessary qualifications to provide quality patient care through accurate and timely laboratory testing.

To become certified, applicants must meet educational and experience requirements, complete an approved training program, and pass the ASCP Board of Certification exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology/serology, microbiology, blood banking/transfusion medicine, molecular diagnostics, and general lab management.

The time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the educational and experience requirements as well as prepare for the exam. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to become certified.

In order to get certified by the ASCP Board of Certification in Medical Technology, you must:

• Meet minimum education requirements (e.g., associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution)
• Complete an approved training program
• Pass the ASCP Board of Certification Exam
• Submit an application for certification with all required documents and fees
• Maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every three years

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your educational background and experience level. The cost includes a one-time application fee ($200), an examination fee ($250), and any additional fees associated with continuing education courses or other services offered by the ASCP Board of Certification.

11. Council on Certification of Medical Technologists (CCMT) Certifying Body

The Council on Certification of Medical Technologists (CCMT) is a certifying body that provides certification for medical technologists. CCMT certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies of a medical technologist. It is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an accredited program and have met the standards established by the CCMT.

To obtain CCMT certification, applicants must first complete an accredited medical technology program or equivalent training. After completing their program, they must then pass the CCMT exam and meet all other requirements set forth by the council. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and patient care. Applicants must also submit proof of continuing education credits to maintain their certification status.

The cost for CCMT certification varies depending on the type of program completed and whether or not additional exams are required. Generally speaking, it costs around $200 to take the initial exam and $100 for each additional exam. Additionally, there may be fees associated with submitting application materials and maintaining certification status.

The process of obtaining CCMT certification typically takes about six months from start to finish but can vary depending on individual circumstances. Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will receive their official certificate in the mail within two weeks.

Do You Really Need a Lab Analyst Certificate?

Whether or not you need a lab analyst certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to become a professional laboratory analyst, then having the certificate will be essential. The certificate is proof that you have the knowledge and experience needed to work in a laboratory setting, and it can help make you stand out when competing for jobs.

However, if you are looking to pursue something else, such as a career in research or teaching, then the lab analyst certificate may not be necessary. In this case, other qualifications such as a degree in science or an advanced certification may be more beneficial to your career prospects.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not the lab analyst certificate is something that will help advance your career goals. It may be worth obtaining if it will give you an edge over other applicants for positions in the field of laboratory analysis. However, if it is not necessary for your desired profession then there may be more cost-effective ways of achieving your goals without spending time and money on the certification.

Related: Lab Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Lab Analyst Certifications

1. What are Lab Analyst Certifications?

Answer: Lab Analyst Certifications are certifications that demonstrate a professional's knowledge and experience in the field of laboratory analysis. These certifications can be earned by completing a series of courses, examinations, and/or practical demonstrations of skills.

2. How do I become certified as a Lab Analyst?

Answer: To become certified as a Lab Analyst, you must complete the appropriate courses, examinations, and/or practical demonstrations of skills required for the certification you wish to obtain. You may also need to submit proof of relevant work experience in the field.

3. What is the cost to obtain a Lab Analyst Certification?

Answer: The cost to obtain a Lab Analyst Certification will vary depending on which certification you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the level of certification desired.

4. How long does it take to earn a Lab Analyst Certification?

Answer: The time it takes to earn a Lab Analyst Certification will depend on which certification you are pursuing and how much time you are able to devote to studying for the necessary exams and completing any other requirements for your chosen certification(s). Generally speaking, it could take anywhere from six months up to several years depending on your individual situation.

5. What types of jobs require or prefer someone with a Lab Analyst Certification?

Answer: Jobs that require or prefer someone with a Lab Analyst Certification include positions in research laboratories, medical facilities, government agencies, industrial settings and more. Depending on the type of certification achieved, job responsibilities may include performing laboratory tests and experiments; analyzing data; maintaining lab equipment; and providing technical support or advice regarding lab operations.