Top 10 Laboratory Assistant Certifications

Certifications for laboratory assistants are important in the job market because they provide evidence of the applicant’s knowledge and skills. Certifications show that the individual has completed a program or training course related to laboratory work, which demonstrates their commitment to learning and understanding complex scientific procedures. Additionally, certifications may be required by employers and can help applicants stand out from other applicants without them. They also offer proof of proficiency in specialized areas such as laboratory safety, medical terminology, instrumentation and techniques. Therefore, certification is an important way for laboratory assistants to demonstrate their qualifications and further their career prospects.

This article reviews the top certifications for Laboratory Assistants and explains how they can help to further a laboratory assistant's career.

What are Laboratory Assistant Certifications?

Laboratory assistant certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as an assistant in a laboratory. This type of certification is offered by many organizations, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the National Credentialing Agency (NCA).

The benefits of having laboratory assistant certification include increased job opportunities, recognition from employers, and improved professional standing. By obtaining certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession and gain credibility within the field. Additionally, certified lab assistants are more likely to be hired for positions due to their increased skill set. Certification also allows individuals to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and procedures used in laboratories.

Having laboratory assistant certification can also open up new career paths within the field. For example, a certified lab assistant may be qualified to move into a supervisory position or research role. Certification can also increase earning potential since employers tend to favor those with certifications over those without them. Finally, certification gives individuals an advantage when competing for promotions or jobs at other organizations since they can show evidence of their qualifications through their credentials.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements and certifications needed for your desired laboratory assistant position. Many laboratories have different standards and certifications, so it's important to make sure you are familiar with what is necessary for the job before applying.

Related: What does a Laboratory Assistant do?

Top 10 Laboratory Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA)

A Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in laboratory techniques and procedures. The certification is awarded by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), which is the leading professional organization for laboratory professionals.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and complete a minimum number of hours of work experience in a laboratory setting. The educational requirements vary depending on the type of certification sought; however, most certifications require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety protocols, specimen collection and processing, lab equipment operation and maintenance, quality assurance/quality control measures, and data analysis. The exam also includes practical skills assessments that evaluate the applicant’s ability to perform specific laboratory tasks.

The cost to take the CLA exam varies depending on the type of certification sought; however, it typically costs around $200 USD. It usually takes between four to six weeks to receive results from the exam. Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will be awarded their Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification.

2. Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA)

Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to perform laboratory testing in a medical setting. This certification is offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The CMLA certification requires a minimum of two years of experience as a medical laboratory assistant, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as specimen collection, processing, and preparation; safety and quality assurance; laboratory mathematics; and medical terminology.

To obtain the CMLA certification, candidates must submit an application to ASCP along with proof of their experience or education. Once approved, they will be required to take the CMLA exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

The cost for taking the CMLA exam is $200 for ASCP members and $250 for non-members. The fee includes access to study materials and practice tests. Upon passing the exam, candidates will receive their official CMLA certificate from ASCP.

3. Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT)

A Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician (CCLT) is a healthcare professional who performs laboratory tests and procedures in order to diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. CCLTs are responsible for collecting samples from patients, performing tests on the samples, and recording results. They must also be able to interpret the results of their tests accurately.

It typically takes two years to become a CCLT. The first year consists of completing an accredited program in clinical laboratory science or medical technology. The second year involves gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship in a clinical laboratory setting.

In order to become a CCLT, you must complete an accredited program in clinical laboratory science or medical technology and pass the national certification exam offered by either the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). You must also have at least one year of experience working as a clinical laboratory technician before taking the certification exam.

The cost of becoming a CCLT varies depending on the program you choose and any additional fees associated with taking the certification exam. Generally, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$4,000 for tuition and fees related to obtaining your degree or certificate in clinical laboratory science or medical technology. Additionally, there may be fees associated with taking the certification exam which can range from $100-$300 depending on which organization you take it through.

4. Certified Histology Technician (CHT)

A Certified Histology Technician (CHT) is a professional who specializes in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. The CHT performs a variety of laboratory procedures including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining and mounting slides for microscopic examination. The CHT also assists pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

In order to become a Certified Histology Technician (CHT), an individual must have completed an accredited histology program and have at least one year of full-time experience as a histotechnologist or histotechnician. To become certified, applicants must pass the certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

The certification process typically takes six to nine months to complete. It involves completing an application form, submitting transcripts from your educational program, providing proof of work experience, and taking the ASCP certification exam. The cost of the certification exam varies depending on which type of certification you are applying for but typically ranges between $200-$400 USD.

5. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) is a certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in phlebotomy. It is a nationally recognized certification that is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

To become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, you must have at least one year of experience as a phlebotomist and pass an exam administered by the NHA. The exam consists of 125 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To prepare for the exam, you can take an accredited training program or study independently with materials from the NHA. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $125-$175.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of their work experience as a phlebotomist and pay an application fee of $90. Once approved, CPTs are required to renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education requirements and paying an additional fee.

6. American Society for Clinical Pathology Certification (ASCP)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a professional membership organization that certifies medical laboratory professionals. ASCP certification is a voluntary process and demonstrates a commitment to the profession and the highest standards of practice.

ASCP offers several different types of certification, including Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Histotechnician (HT), Histotechnologist (HTL), Cytotechnologist (CT) and Phlebotomy Technician (PBT). Each type of certification requires that applicants meet specific educational and/or work experience requirements, as well as pass an exam.

The time it takes to obtain ASCP certification depends on the type of certification you are seeking. For example, if you are applying for MLS or MLT certification, you will need to complete an accredited program in medical laboratory science or technology, followed by passing the appropriate exam. This process can take anywhere from one to four years depending on your educational background. For other certifications such as HT, HTL, CT, or PBT, you may be able to obtain certification without completing an accredited program if you have sufficient work experience in the field. In this case, it may take only a few months to become certified after passing the exam.

To get ASCP certification, applicants must first meet all eligibility requirements for the type of certification they are seeking. Once these requirements are met, applicants must register for and pass the appropriate exam. Exams can be taken at designated testing centers throughout the United States; however some exams can also be taken online depending on your location.

The cost of obtaining ASCP certification varies depending on the type of exam taken and whether or not additional materials such as study guides or review courses are purchased. Generally speaking, fees range from $100-$400 per exam plus any additional materials purchased separately.

7. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel Certification (NCALP)

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP) is a non-profit organization that provides national certification for laboratory personnel. NCALP offers certification in several areas, including Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), and Medical Technologist (MT).

The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must submit an application and fee, provide documentation of their education and experience, pass a written exam, and complete the required clinical practicum. The cost of the application fee varies depending on the type of certification sought.

Once an applicant has completed all the requirements, they will be issued a certificate from NCALP which is valid for three years. During this time, they must maintain their certification by completing continuing education hours each year.

8. National Healthcareer Association Certification (NHA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a professional organization that provides certification and credentials to healthcare professionals. NHA offers a variety of certifications, including Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS), and Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS).

In order to obtain an NHA certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for the specific certification. These requirements may include having a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an approved exam, completing a certain number of hours of clinical experience, or meeting other criteria. Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can then register for the exam.

The amount of time it takes to get an NHA certification depends on the individual candidate’s preparation and readiness for the exam. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to one year from start to finish.

To get an NHA certification, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for the specific credential and register for an approved exam. You will need to pay a fee in order to register for the exam; fees vary depending on which credential you are applying for. After registering for the exam, you will need to study and prepare in order to pass it successfully.

The cost of obtaining an NHA certification varies depending on which credential you are applying for; however, most exams range from $100-$200 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for and taking the exam such as purchasing study materials or enrolling in review courses.

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

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional expertise of clinical laboratory technologists. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to continuing education and professional development in their field. The certification is awarded after successful completion of a written examination, which covers topics such as safety, quality assurance, laboratory operations, and clinical laboratory techniques.

The process of obtaining ISCLT Certification typically takes three to six months, depending on the individual’s preparation and availability for the written exam. To get certified, applicants must first obtain an application form from the ISCLT website or contact their local chapter. Once completed, applicants must submit the application along with all required documents and fees to be considered for certification.

The cost of obtaining ISCLT Certification varies depending on whether you are an existing member or non-member of the society. For existing members, there is a one-time fee of $100 USD; for non-members there is a one-time fee of $150 USD plus an annual membership fee of $50 USD. Additional fees may apply if applicants need to retake any portion of the exam or have their credentials reevaluated after five years.

10. American Medical Technologists Certification (AMT).

American Medical Technologists Certification (AMT) is a certification program that recognizes the professional achievements of medical technologists and other health care professionals. It is designed to help employers identify qualified individuals in the field and to ensure that those individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain educational and experience requirements. After meeting these requirements, applicants then take an exam administered by AMT. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering general laboratory science topics, including hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it takes about two months for most people to obtain their certification. However, some individuals may take longer depending on their individual circumstances.

In order to get certified by AMT, applicants must first register with the organization and pay a fee. The current fee for registration is $100 USD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, applicants will receive instructions on how to prepare for the exam as well as information about available study materials.

After passing the exam, applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or certifications from previous employers or educational institutions in order to be officially certified by AMT. The cost of this process varies depending on what type of certification is being applied for; however, most certifications cost between $150 USD and $200 USD plus applicable taxes.

Do You Really Need a Laboratory Assistant Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a laboratory assistant certificate in order to work in a lab. However, depending on the specific laboratory and job duties, having a laboratory assistant certificate may be beneficial or even required.

Having a laboratory assistant certificate indicates that you have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively in a lab setting. The certificate will provide evidence that you have received instruction on proper safety protocols and techniques for working with various types of lab equipment and materials. Depending on the lab, having this certification may make you more desirable as a candidate for employment.

Additionally, some employers may require applicants to have a laboratory assistant certificate before they can be hired. This is especially true if the job requires specific skills or knowledge related to working in a lab environment such as handling hazardous materials or operating complex machinery. Having the certification shows potential employers that you are properly trained and qualified for the position.

In conclusion, there are times when having a laboratory assistant certificate is beneficial or even required for certain types of jobs in laboratories. But generally speaking, if you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job safely and effectively, then having a certificate is not necessarily necessary.

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FAQs About Laboratory Assistant Certifications

1. What are the requirements for a Laboratory Assistant Certification?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the certifying body, but generally speaking they include completion of an accredited program, passing an exam, and/or having a certain amount of work experience.

2. How long does it take to get certified as a Laboratory Assistant?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the certifying body and the individual’s background and experience. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

3. Is there an age requirement for Laboratory Assistant Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for certification as a laboratory assistant.

4. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my Laboratory Assistant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require that you participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain your certification status.

5. Are there any online courses available to help me prepare for my Laboratory Assistant Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, many online courses are available which can help you prepare for your certification exam.