Top 11 Laboratory Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a laboratory analyst are important in the job market because they demonstrate that the analyst has met certain standards of knowledge and proficiency in their field. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the analyst is qualified to perform the duties of their job, and can also be used to differentiate one candidate from another. Furthermore, certifications may be required by certain employers or clients in order to work in a particular industry or region. Finally, certifications can open up additional opportunities for career growth and advancement.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Laboratory Analysts and how they can help advance a laboratory analyst's career.

What are Laboratory Analyst Certifications?

Laboratory analyst certification is a professional credential that shows the holder has achieved a certain level of proficiency in laboratory analysis techniques. It is awarded by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other industry groups. The certification is an indication that the individual has acquired a certain set of skills and knowledge related to laboratory analysis, which can help them in their work.

Certified laboratory analysts are expected to have a solid understanding of laboratory safety protocols, good analytical technique, data interpretation skills, and other important aspects of the job. This certification can help individuals demonstrate their competency to potential employers or customers, making them more attractive candidates for employment or contract work. Furthermore, it may provide access to higher paying jobs or positions with more responsibility. Finally, it can be used as evidence of continuing education or professional development in laboratory analysis.

Pro Tip: Make sure to keep your laboratory analyst certification up to date by taking continuing education courses, attending conferences, and staying abreast of new developments in the field. This will help ensure that you are providing accurate results for your clients.

Related: What does a Laboratory Analyst do?

Top 11 Laboratory Analyst Certifications

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

1. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Certification

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) is a professional organization that promotes the highest standards of clinical laboratory practice. ASCLS Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge and expertise in their field. It serves as an assurance to employers, patients, and colleagues that the individual has met the rigorous requirements set by ASCLS.

To obtain ASCLS Certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Board of Certification in Medical Laboratory Science (ABCMLS). This exam tests knowledge in areas such as medical laboratory science, clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the ABCMLS examination, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or related field from an accredited institution. They must also have at least one year of full-time experience working in a clinical laboratory setting within the past five years prior to taking the exam.

The cost for taking the ABCMLS examination is $595 for ASCLS members and $795 for non-members. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification within four weeks after passing. Your certification will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits or retaking the ABCMLS examination.

2. American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) Certification

The American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) is a professional certification organization that provides voluntary certification to individuals in the field of bioanalysis. The ABB offers three levels of certification: Certified Bioanalytical Scientist (CBS), Certified Senior Bioanalytical Scientist (CSBS), and Certified Master Bioanalytical Scientist (CMBS).

The CBS is the entry-level credential for those who are new to the field. It requires two years of experience in bioanalysis, as well as passing an exam. The CSBS is an intermediate level credential for those with five or more years of experience in bioanalysis. It also requires passing an exam. The CMBS is the highest level credential, requiring ten or more years of experience and passing an exam.

It typically takes up to six months to receive ABB certification after completing all requirements and submitting the necessary paperwork. To get certified, applicants must submit an application form, provide proof of their educational qualifications and work experience, pass a written examination, and pay a fee. The fees vary depending on the level of certification being sought but generally range from $100 - $500 USD.

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

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for laboratory personnel in the United States. This certification is based on a set of standards and criteria that are established by the NCA to ensure that laboratory personnel have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform their duties safely and accurately.

NCA certification is available in several different areas, including medical laboratory science, clinical laboratory science, and cytotechnology. The requirements for each area vary, but all applicants must have completed an accredited program in their chosen field and have at least one year of professional experience.

In order to receive NCA certification, applicants must first pass an exam administered by the NCA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, laboratory safety procedures, quality assurance practices, and instrumentation. Applicants who pass the exam will then be eligible to receive their certification.

The process of obtaining NCA certification can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or more depending on how quickly you complete the required steps. To get started, you will need to submit an application form along with any supporting documents such as transcripts or proof of experience. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to register for the exam.

The cost of obtaining NCA certification varies depending on which type of credential you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 USD for each type of credential. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registration or taking the exam itself.

4. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification is a voluntary credential for laboratory professionals who work in the field of bioanalysis. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of those working in this field, as well as demonstrate their commitment to professional development and quality assurance.

To become AAB certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including a minimum of two years of experience in the field, completion of an approved bioanalysis program or equivalent education, and passing the AAB certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sample processing, instrumentation, data analysis, laboratory safety, and regulatory compliance.

The process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the applicant’s experience level and preparation. To get started, applicants should review the AAB Certification Handbook which outlines all requirements for certification. They should also create an online account with AAB to register for the exam and pay the applicable fees. The cost of certification varies depending on whether you are a new or returning applicant; it ranges from $150-$450 USD.

5. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional organization for medical laboratory professionals. The ASCP certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of laboratory professionals in the field of clinical pathology. It is one of the most respected credentials in the field and is recognized by employers, healthcare organizations, and regulatory bodies around the world.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASCP. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of topics related to clinical pathology, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, and molecular biology.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how much preparation an individual puts into studying for the exam. Most people take between six months and one year to prepare for the exam. During this time they should review course materials from their training program or take additional courses if necessary.

In order to be eligible to take the ASCP certification exam, individuals must have completed an accredited training program in medical technology or clinical laboratory science and have at least one year of experience working as a medical technologist or equivalent position in a laboratory setting.

The cost of taking the ASCP certification exam varies depending on where you live. In general, it costs about $200-$300 per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

6. National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC) Certification

The National Registry of Certified Chemists (NRCC) is a voluntary certification program for chemists in the United States. It is administered by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The NRCC certification is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional competence among chemists. The NRCC certification provides assurance that certified chemists have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills in their field of practice.

In order to be eligible for NRCC certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements as outlined by the ACS. Generally, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field from an accredited college or university and two years of relevant work experience.

The process of becoming certified typically takes three to four months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience. Once the application is approved, applicants must then take and pass the NRCC exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry.

The cost to apply for NRCC certification varies depending on factors such as exam fees and other associated costs. Generally speaking, it can cost up to $500 USD to become certified through the NRCC program.

7. International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025 Accreditation

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 17025 Accreditation is an international standard that defines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It is based on ISO/IEC 17011, which provides guidance for accreditation bodies to assess and accredit laboratories.

ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation is a process by which a laboratory demonstrates its technical competence and ability to produce valid results. The accreditation process involves the laboratory demonstrating its capability to meet specific criteria set out in ISO/IEC 17025. This includes having qualified personnel, appropriate equipment, quality management systems, documented procedures, and other requirements as specified in the standard.

It typically takes between six months to two years for a laboratory to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation depending on the complexity of their operations. The first step in obtaining this accreditation is for the laboratory to submit an application form to an accredited body or certification body. The accredited body will then review the application and determine if it meets all of the requirements outlined in ISO/IEC 17025. If it does, then they will conduct an audit of the laboratory's operations and processes to ensure that they are compliant with all of the standards set out by ISO/IEC 17025.

The cost of obtaining ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation varies depending on several factors such as size of the organization, scope of activities, number of personnel involved, etc., but generally ranges from a few thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.

8. 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 expertise and knowledge of clinical laboratory professionals. This certification is offered through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). It is intended to demonstrate that individuals have achieved a level of competency in their field and are capable of providing quality laboratory services.

To obtain ISCLT Certification, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as laboratory safety, quality assurance, laboratory operations, and clinical laboratory procedures. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of at least two years of experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting prior to taking the exam.

The cost for ISCLT Certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASCP member. Non-members pay $350 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee, while members pay only $200 for the application fee plus $150 for the exam fee.

Once you have successfully completed your exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive your ISCLT Certificate within 8-10 weeks. This certificate is valid for five years after which time it must be renewed by taking a recertification examination every five years.

9. College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Accreditation is a voluntary program offered to laboratories that perform clinical testing. It is designed to ensure the highest standards of laboratory practice and patient safety. The CAP accreditation process evaluates a laboratory’s performance in areas such as personnel qualifications, quality control, proficiency testing, and safety practices. This helps to ensure that laboratories are providing accurate results and meeting the highest standards of quality.

The CAP accreditation process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. During this time, the laboratory must demonstrate compliance with the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program requirements. This includes completing an application form, submitting documentation for review, undergoing an on-site inspection by a CAP inspector, and participating in an exit interview with the inspector. The cost of accreditation varies depending on the size of the laboratory and other factors; however, it typically ranges from $3,000 - $5,000 USD.

To get started with CAP accreditation, laboratories must first apply online at www.cap.org/accredit or contact their local Regional Office for more information about the process. Once approved for accreditation, laboratories will receive a Certificate of Accreditation valid for two years and will be listed in the public directory on the CAP website.

10. International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use Good Laboratory Practice Accreditation

The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Accreditation is an internationally recognized standard of quality assurance. It ensures that laboratories conducting non-clinical safety studies on pharmaceutical products are following the same rigorous standards and procedures. The accreditation process involves a comprehensive review of a laboratory’s quality management system, personnel qualifications, equipment, facilities, test methods and data handling procedures.

The accreditation process typically takes approximately six months to complete. During this time, the laboratory must demonstrate its compliance with ICH GLP requirements through a series of audits conducted by an independent certification body. The certification body will assess the laboratory against ICH GLP criteria and make recommendations for improvement if needed. Once all criteria have been met and the laboratory has completed any necessary corrective actions, it will be issued an accreditation certificate valid for three years.

To obtain ICH GLP accreditation, laboratories must first contact an independent certification body accredited by ICH to conduct their assessment. Laboratories should expect to pay fees associated with the assessment which vary depending on the size and complexity of the laboratory’s operations.

11. National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Accreditation

The National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) is a voluntary program that provides accreditation to laboratories that analyze environmental samples for regulatory compliance purposes. NELAP accreditation is based on the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and covers all aspects of laboratory operation, including personnel qualifications, sample handling, instrument calibration and maintenance, quality assurance and control, data management, and reporting.

The process of obtaining NELAP accreditation typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish. The first step in the process is to submit an application to the appropriate state or federal agency that administers the NELAP program. This application includes detailed information about the laboratory’s operations and procedures as well as a fee for processing the application. Once the application is approved, an on-site assessment will be conducted by an independent assessor who verifies that the laboratory meets all applicable standards and requirements outlined in the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard. If successful, a certificate of accreditation will be issued.

The cost of obtaining NELAP accreditation varies depending on factors such as the size of the laboratory and number of tests performed. On average, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 USD to obtain NELAP accreditation. This cost includes fees for processing applications, conducting assessments, issuing certificates of accreditation, and any additional services required during the process.

Do You Really Need a Laboratory Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of laboratory analyst position you are seeking. In some industries, such as the medical field, a laboratory analyst certificate is required in order to work in a laboratory. However, for many other fields, such as research and development, a certificate may not be necessary.

In the medical field, laboratory analysts often handle hazardous materials and must be knowledgeable about safety protocols and regulations. For this reason, many employers require an accredited certification program or degree in order to ensure that their employees have the necessary knowledge to safely perform their duties. Additionally, these certifications or degrees provide evidence that an individual has met certain standards of competency and has been trained properly in the areas of safety procedures and regulations.

For those who are seeking employment in research and development laboratories, a certificate may not be necessary depending on the specific job description. However, it can still be beneficial for those looking for more advanced positions within the field. A certification can show potential employers that you have taken additional steps to gain knowledge about your chosen topic and have received formal training from an accredited institution. Additionally, having a certificate can demonstrate your commitment to furthering your skills and knowledge base within your chosen profession.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a laboratory analyst certificate depends on the type of position you are looking for and what industry you wish to enter into. While it may not always be required for all positions within the field of research and development laboratories, having a certification can give potential employers assurance that you possess specialized knowledge regarding safety protocols and regulations as well as demonstrate your commitment to furthering your professional development.

Related: Laboratory Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Laboratory Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Laboratory Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Laboratory Analyst Certification is a certification that demonstrates a professional's expertise in laboratory analysis, safety, and quality assurance. It is typically awarded by an organization or association that specializes in laboratory analysis.

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

Answer: In order to become certified as a Laboratory Analyst, you must meet the educational and experience requirements of the certifying body. This may include completing specific courses or classes related to laboratory analysis and passing a written exam.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Laboratory Analyst?

Answer: Becoming a certified Laboratory Analyst provides numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salary potential, and greater credibility within the industry. Additionally, it can provide additional confidence in your ability to perform laboratory analysis safely and accurately.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Laboratory Analyst Certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain a Laboratory Analyst Certification varies depending on the certifying body and individual circumstances; however, most certifications can be completed within 1-2 years with appropriate preparation and dedication to coursework/studying for the exam(s).

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits (CECs) in order to maintain your certification status. CECs may be obtained through attending conferences, workshops, seminars or other events related to laboratory analysis or safety/quality assurance topics.