Top 11 Lab Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a lab coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the individual has met certain standards of knowledge and skills in their field. Certifications provide an assurance to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable about safety protocols and up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications can also open up opportunities for career advancement, as many companies look for employees with specialized training or certifications who can take on more responsibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Lab Coordinators and explains how they can help advance a lab coordinator's career.

What are Lab Coordinator Certifications?

Lab Coordinator Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge they need to coordinate, manage and monitor laboratory operations. This certification provides an in-depth understanding of the key responsibilities of a lab coordinator, including safety procedures, laboratory management, inventory control, quality assurance and record keeping. It also covers topics such as personnel management and communication with other departments.

Having this certification can be beneficial for those looking to become lab coordinators or take on more responsibility in their current positions. With this certification, individuals are better prepared to lead their team in meeting goals and ensuring that lab operations run smoothly. They will have a greater understanding of the day-to-day tasks required to keep a lab running efficiently, which can help them make better decisions when it comes to purchasing supplies or maintaining equipment. Additionally, having this certification may open up new career opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in the field of laboratory science.

Pro Tip: When considering lab coordinator certification, make sure to research the various certifications available and select one that is tailored to your industry. In addition, ensure that the certification you choose meets all of the necessary requirements for your lab coordinator role and provides continuing education opportunities to keep your skills up-to-date.

Related: What does a Lab Coordinator do?

Top 11 Lab Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)

A Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC) is a professional who has been certified by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CCRC certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in clinical research. The certification is based on a rigorous exam that tests an individual's understanding of the principles, practices, and regulations of clinical research.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the CCRC exam. During this time, individuals should review the ACRP Certification Handbook and take practice exams to become familiar with the material. Additionally, individuals may choose to enroll in an ACRP-approved training program or take courses from an accredited institution to further their knowledge of clinical research.

To become a CCRC, individuals must first submit an application through the ACRP website. They must then pass the CCRC exam with a score of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the exam, they will receive their certification and be listed as a Certified Clinical Research Coordinator on the ACRP website.

The cost of becoming a CCRC varies depending on whether you are already a member of ACRP or not. If you are already an ACRP member, then it costs $450 USD to apply for certification and take the exam; if you are not yet a member, then it costs $550 USD to apply for certification and take the exam.

2. Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP)

Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of clinical research professionals. The CCTP credential demonstrates that an individual has the experience and expertise necessary to effectively manage all aspects of clinical trials.

It typically takes up to six months to complete the CCTP certification process, depending on an individual’s background and experience. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of full-time clinical research experience or its equivalent in part-time hours. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as Good Clinical Practices, regulatory affairs, project management, data management, and ethics.

The cost for the CCTP certification exam is $400 for SOCRA members and $500 for non-members. Additional fees may apply if an applicant needs to retake the exam or if they require special testing accommodations due to a disability. After passing the exam, individuals are required to pay an annual maintenance fee of $50 in order to maintain their certification status.

3. Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)

Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of quality auditing principles, practices, and methods. The CQA certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to quality assurance and improvement.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to prepare for the CQA exam. Preparation includes studying the ASQ body of knowledge which covers topics such as quality concepts, auditing techniques, and tools. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals attend a training course or review seminar to gain additional knowledge in preparation for the exam.

To obtain the CQA certification, individuals must pass an examination administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of four hours. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in quality auditing or related fields within the past 10 years.

The cost of obtaining the CQA certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For non-members, the fee is $735 while members pay $570. In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with courses or seminars taken in preparation for the exam.

4. Certified Project Manager (CPM)

Certified Project Manager (CPM) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in project management. The CPM designation is based on the PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), which outlines the knowledge and skills needed to manage projects effectively.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for the CPM certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam administered by PMI, meet certain educational and experience requirements, and adhere to the PMI Code of Ethics. Additionally, applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge of project management principles through a project portfolio review.

The cost for CPM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 for the exam fee and $150 for application processing fee; while non-members pay $555 for the exam fee and $300 for application processing fee.

5. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to help individuals understand and apply quality principles in the workplace. The CQIA certification provides recognition of knowledge and skills in the areas of quality management, quality tools and techniques, process improvement, and customer satisfaction.

To become certified as a CQIA, applicants must have a minimum of two years of work experience in a quality-related field or have completed an approved course of study. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management, process improvement, and customer satisfaction.

The cost for taking the CQIA exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the cost is $299; for non-members, it is $399. Additionally, there are other costs associated with preparing for and taking the exam, such as study materials and practice tests.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes between three to six months to prepare for and take the CQIA exam. This includes studying for the exam using resources such as books and online courses, as well as taking practice tests to ensure readiness before taking the actual exam.

6. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE credential is highly sought-after by employers, as it indicates that an individual has a deep understanding of quality engineering principles and practices.

It typically takes between three to six months to complete the requirements for the CQE certification. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam, have at least eight years of quality engineering experience, and meet other requirements set forth by ASQ.

To get the CQE certification, individuals must first apply for it through ASQ’s website. Once approved, they can then register for the exam and pay the associated fee ($550). After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from ASQ.

The cost of obtaining the CQE certification varies depending on several factors such as location and study materials used. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $600-$700 in total to become certified. This includes application fees, exam fees, and any additional materials needed to prepare for the exam.

7. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is a professional certification that recognizes a person's knowledge and skills in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification focuses on the principles of Lean Six Sigma, which is a set of strategies used to improve business processes and reduce costs.

The CSSGB program typically takes three to four months to complete. During this time, students learn about the basic concepts of Six Sigma, such as process improvement, data analysis, and project management. They also learn how to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

To become certified as a CSSGB, you must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process improvement techniques, problem solving methods, and project management tools. To prepare for the exam, you can take online courses or attend classes offered by ASQ or other organizations.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSSGB depends on the provider offering the course or exam preparation materials. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on what type of program you choose.

8. Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate proficiency in quality inspection. The CQI certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), an international organization dedicated to advancing quality and excellence in all aspects of life.

The CQI certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in quality inspection and pass an exam administered by ASQ. The exam covers topics such as statistical process control, inspection methods, sampling techniques, and problem solving. It takes approximately two hours to complete the exam.

To get the CQI certification, applicants must first register with ASQ and pay a fee of $399 USD. After registering, applicants can download study materials from ASQ's website or purchase them from other sources. Once they have studied the material, they can schedule their exam date with ASQ and take the exam at an authorized testing center. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their CQI certificate within four weeks of their completion date.

The cost of obtaining the CQI certification includes registration fees ($399 USD), study materials (if purchased separately), and any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

9. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to audit and assess organizations for compliance with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) standard. The certification is issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is recognized worldwide.

In order to become certified as an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor, individuals must complete a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of auditing and assessing QMS systems. The course typically takes five days to complete and includes both lectures and practical exercises. Upon successful completion of the course, participants must take an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification varies depending on the provider, but can range from $1,500 to $3,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel and lodging if the training is held at a location away from the participant’s home or office.

Once certified, ISO 9001 Lead Auditors are required to maintain their certification through continued education and experience in order to remain current on changes in QMS standards and best practices.

10. Good Clinical Practice Certification

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification is an internationally recognized quality standard for conducting clinical research. It is a set of ethical and scientific quality requirements that must be followed when designing, conducting, recording, and reporting clinical trials involving human subjects. The purpose of GCP certification is to ensure the safety and rights of participants in clinical trials and to promote good clinical practice.

GCP Certification typically takes 3-4 weeks to complete depending on the provider. To obtain GCP Certification, you must first complete a GCP course or training program from an accredited provider. These courses are offered both online and in person. After completing the course, you will need to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge of GCP principles. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your GCP Certificate from the provider.

The cost of GCP Certification varies depending on the provider and type of course chosen. Online courses typically range from $150-$450 USD while in-person courses can cost up to $1,000 USD or more.

Overall, obtaining a GCP Certificate is an important step for any researcher who wishes to conduct clinical trials involving human subjects. It ensures that all ethical and scientific standards are met during the trial process so that participants’ rights are protected and data collected is reliable and valid.

11. Regulatory Affairs Certification

Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) is a professional certification program offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society (RAPS). It is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of regulatory affairs and compliance in the healthcare industry. The certification is based on a comprehensive body of knowledge that covers topics such as global regulation, clinical trials, product registration, and post-marketing surveillance.

It typically takes between two and three years to complete the RAC program. During this time, individuals must complete an approved course of study, pass a written exam, and submit evidence of their professional experience in regulatory affairs.

To get certified as a Regulatory Affairs Professional (RAC), you must first meet the eligibility requirements set out by RAPS. These include having at least three years of experience in regulatory affairs or related fields and completing an approved course of study. Once these requirements are met, you can apply for the RAC exam online through the RAPS website.

The cost for the RAC exam varies depending on your country of residence and whether or not you are a member of RAPS. For non-members in North America, the cost is $1,250 USD; for members it is $950 USD. The cost includes all materials needed to take the exam as well as access to an online practice test before taking the actual exam.

Do You Really Need a Lab Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. Some people may need a Lab Coordinator Certificate in order to work in certain labs or research facilities, while others may have the necessary skills and knowledge without needing certification.

For those who do need certification, it is important to understand what the certificate entails. A Lab Coordinator Certificate shows that an individual has been trained and certified to be responsible for lab operations and safety. This includes overseeing the setup of new experiments, maintaining supplies and equipment, managing lab personnel, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. It also demonstrates that an individual has a basic understanding of laboratory techniques and protocols.

In most cases, obtaining a Lab Coordinator Certificate requires completing an online course or attending an in-person class at an accredited institution. The courses typically cover topics such as laboratory safety procedures, quality control measures, data management systems, documentation methods, laboratory instrumentation use and maintenance, hazardous materials management, emergency response planning, and communication strategies. Once the course is completed successfully, individuals must pass a written exam before they can receive their certificate.

Whether or not someone needs a Lab Coordinator Certificate will depend on their specific job requirements. For those working in laboratories or research facilities where safety protocols are strictly enforced and monitored by law enforcement agencies or regulatory bodies like OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), having certification can be essential for career advancement opportunities. In other cases where there is less risk involved with lab operations, individuals may be able to get away with having just general knowledge about lab operations instead of specific certifications.

In summary, whether or not someone needs a Lab Coordinator Certificate will depend on their specific situation and job requirements. Those who do require certification should take the time to understand what is entailed in obtaining it so that they can make an informed decision about their career path.

Related: Lab Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Lab Coordinator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Lab Coordinator?

Answer: Generally, lab coordinators must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering and must have at least two years of experience working in a laboratory setting. Some employers may also require certification.

2. How do I obtain Lab Coordinator Certification?

Answer: To obtain lab coordinator certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The exam covers topics such as laboratory safety, lab operations, quality assurance/quality control, and specimen processing.

3. How long is Lab Coordinator Certification valid for?

Answer: Most lab coordinator certifications are valid for three years from the date of completion. However, some certifications may require additional continuing education credits to remain valid.

4. What are the benefits of having Lab Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Having lab coordinator certification can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired for a job in the field. Additionally, it can provide you with professional recognition and credibility within the industry.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining Lab Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes, there is typically a fee associated with taking the exam and obtaining certification from an accredited organization like ASCP. This fee varies depending on how long you need to study for the exam and any materials you may need to purchase in order to prepare adequately for it.