Top 10 Microbiology Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a microbiology technician in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and skills that employers value. Certifications provide proof that technicians have been trained in specific areas of microbiology and can perform their tasks safely and effectively. They also help to differentiate technicians from other job candidates and give them an edge in the competitive job market. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions, such as those involving hazardous materials or research. Having certifications also makes it easier for employers to assess a technician’s qualifications quickly and accurately.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Microbiology Technicians and explain how they can enhance a microbiology technician's career.

What are Microbiology Technician Certifications?

Microbiology technician certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of microbiology. It is typically awarded by organizations such as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and certifies that the individual has met certain educational and experience requirements.

Having a microbiology technician certification can help an individual stand out from other job applicants when seeking positions in the field and may lead to higher salaries. It also shows potential employers that an individual is knowledgeable about current trends, developments, and challenges in the field, as well as up-to-date on best practices for laboratory safety and quality assurance. Additionally, having a certification can give individuals greater confidence that their work is meeting industry standards, thereby increasing their job satisfaction. Finally, having a certification may also enable individuals to advance their careers to higher levels within their organization or take on more complex roles within the field of microbiology.

Pro Tip: When considering microbiology technician certification, be sure to research the different types of certifications available and their requirements. Different certifications may require different levels of education and experience, so it is important to make sure you choose the right one for your career goals.

Related: What does a Microbiology Technician do?

Top 10 Microbiology Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Microbiology Technicians today.

1. Certified Microbiology Technician (CMT)

A Certified Microbiology Technician (CMT) is a professional who has been certified by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). CMTs are trained to perform laboratory tests and procedures related to the identification, isolation, and characterization of microorganisms. These tests include culturing, staining, and microscopy. CMTs are also responsible for maintaining the quality control of laboratory equipment and supplies.

To become a Certified Microbiology Technician, individuals must have at least an associate’s degree in microbiology or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also have two years of experience working in a laboratory setting under the supervision of a qualified microbiologist. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by ASM in order to receive their certification.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ASM. The fee for members is $175 while non-members pay $225. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CMT certification which is valid for five years. After five years, you will need to take the recertification exam in order to maintain your certification status.

2. Certified Clinical Microbiology Technician (CCMT)

A Certified Clinical Microbiology Technician (CCMT) is a professional certification for individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of clinical microbiology. CCMTs are responsible for performing laboratory tests to identify and monitor microorganisms that cause diseases. They also provide technical advice to physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.

To become a CCMT, an individual must complete a minimum of two years of post-secondary education in a related field such as clinical laboratory science or medical technology. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The exam consists of both written and practical components and covers topics such as safety practices, specimen collection, laboratory techniques, quality assurance, instrumentation, and data analysis.

The cost of becoming a CCMT varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 to $2,500 for tuition and fees. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with books and supplies needed for the program.

Once certified, CCMTs must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with new developments in the field of clinical microbiology.

3. American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CCLT)

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Clinical Laboratory Technologist (CCLT) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical laboratory technology. The CCLT certification is awarded to individuals who have met the requirements established by ASM, including passing an exam and meeting certain educational and experience criteria.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Have at least two years of full-time clinical laboratory experience within the past five years
• Pass the ASM CCLT examination
• Be current on all applicable continuing education requirements
• Have no felony convictions
• Meet any other requirements as specified by ASM.

The cost to take the ASM CCLT exam is $250 for members of ASM and $400 for non-members. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as microbiology, immunology, hematology, chemistry, molecular diagnostics, quality assurance/quality control, safety/infection control, and instrumentation. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit verification of their educational credentials and work experience to receive their certification.

4. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered Microbiologist (RMB)

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered Microbiologist (RMB) is a certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills of an individual in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and laboratory science. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in the areas of clinical laboratory testing and research.

In order to become an AMT Registered Microbiologist, one must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field, being certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and having at least two years of experience working in the field. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination administered by AMT.

The exam consists of three parts: general microbiology, immunology/serology, and clinical laboratory science. The cost for taking the exam is $200.00 USD plus any applicable taxes. The exam can be taken at any authorized testing center throughout the United States and Canada.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their official AMT Registered Microbiologist certificate from AMT. This certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued and must be renewed every five years in order to remain current with changes in technology and best practices within the profession.

The cost for renewing this certification is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits as well as passing an online refresher course on topics such as safety protocols and new technologies used in clinical laboratories today.

5. National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM)

The National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) is a voluntary program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of microbiology. The NRCM was established by the American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) in 1996 to promote excellence and professionalism among microbiologists.

To become certified, applicants must demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of microbiology by passing an exam administered by AAM. The exam covers topics such as microbial physiology, genetics, ecology, immunology, biochemistry, and other related areas. It consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of AAM. For non-members, it costs $200; for members it costs $150. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive a certificate from AAM recognizing them as a Certified Microbiologist.

In order to maintain certification status, individuals must participate in continuing education activities every three years to ensure they stay up to date with advances in the field. They must also renew their membership with AAM annually.

6. International Certification Board for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (ICBCLP)

The International Certification Board for Clinical Laboratory Personnel (ICBCLP) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification and credentialing services to laboratory professionals worldwide. The ICBCLP offers certification in the areas of laboratory management, clinical laboratory science, and medical technology.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the application process and receive your certification from ICBCLP. To get certified, you must meet certain eligibility requirements such as having a minimum of two years of experience in the field, completing a specified number of continuing education hours, passing an examination, and submitting a completed application form with all required supporting documentation.

The cost of getting certified through ICBCLP varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD to become certified through this organization.

7. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP)

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCALP) is a non-profit organization that provides certification and recertification of laboratory personnel in the United States. NCALP certifies individuals who have met established standards of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to laboratory practice. This certification is recognized by employers, regulatory agencies, and other organizations as evidence of competence in laboratory practice.

To become certified by NCALP, an individual must pass an examination that covers topics such as safety, quality assurance, laboratory procedures, and instrumentation. The exam can be taken at a testing center or online. It typically takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of the exam varies depending on the type of certification sought (e.g., medical technologist or phlebotomist). Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 to take the exam. Recertification is required every three years and involves completing continuing education activities related to laboratory practice.

8. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)-Certified in Public Health Microbiology

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)-Certified in Public Health Microbiology is a certification program that recognizes laboratory professionals who demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the field of public health microbiology. This certification is designed to promote professional development and demonstrate competency in public health microbiology.

The certification process consists of two components: an online application and an examination. The online application requires applicants to submit information about their education, experience, and professional accomplishments. Applicants must also provide documentation of their current active license or certificate as a laboratory professional or technician.

Once the application is approved, applicants can proceed to take the examination. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as laboratory safety, quality assurance, laboratory management, and public health microbiology principles. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the APHL-Certified in Public Health Microbiology certification is $250 for members of APHL and $350 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with retaking the exam if necessary ($100 for members/$200 for non-members).

9. American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)-Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician is a certification program for individuals who work in the medical laboratory setting. The certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency and competence in the field of laboratory science. It is recognized as a standard of excellence and is highly valued by employers.

To become ASCP certified, applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution and have completed an approved clinical training program. Applicants must also pass the ASCP Board of Certification Examination which consists of both written and practical components. The examination typically takes between three to four hours to complete and covers topics such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and other related areas.

The cost for the ASCP Board of Certification Examination varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with applying for the exam or obtaining study materials such as textbooks or online resources.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements every three years to remain current on new developments in the field.

10. American Society for Quality-Certified Quality Technician

The American Society for Quality-Certified Quality Technician (ASQ-CQT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in quality assurance, quality control, and related areas. The CQT certification is the most widely recognized quality technician certification in the United States.

To become certified as an ASQ-CQT, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as quality principles, inspection and testing techniques, problem solving, process improvement methods, and statistical analysis. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple choice questions.

In order to be eligible for the CQT certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a quality-related field or have completed an approved college/university degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, applicants must be members of the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost of the ASQ-CQT exam varies depending on several factors including whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the cost is $399 USD; for members it is $299 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official CQT certificate within four weeks.

Do You Really Need a Microbiology Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career aspirations. For those looking to work in a laboratory setting, either in a research or clinical setting, a Microbiology Technician Certificate can be beneficial. This certificate provides an opportunity to gain knowledge of specialized techniques and equipment used in the field of microbiology. With this knowledge, individuals may be able to increase their chances of securing employment in the field, as well as increase their potential for advancement.

For those who are already working in a laboratory setting but want to further their skills, obtaining a Microbiology Technician Certificate can be beneficial as well. The certificate offers an introduction to more advanced topics related to the field such as clinical laboratory science, molecular biology, and immunology. This can give individuals the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest developments and technologies being used in the field.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual if they need or want a Microbiology Technician Certificate. It may provide them with an advantage when applying for jobs or seeking advancement within their current place of employment. Additionally, having a formal certification may demonstrate commitment and dedication to one’s chosen profession that employers value.

Related: Microbiology Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Microbiology Technician Certifications

1. How do I become a certified Microbiology Technician?

Answer: To become a certified Microbiology Technician, you must complete a program in microbiology or related field, such as biology or biotechnology, and pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam.

2. What is included in the ASCP certification exam?

Answer: The ASCP certification exam covers topics such as medical laboratory safety, quality control, specimen collection and processing, laboratory mathematics and calculations, instrumentation and automation, laboratory information systems, laboratory information management systems, molecular diagnostic techniques and clinical chemistry procedures.

3. What is the cost of the ASCP certification exam?

Answer: The cost of the ASCP certification exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 to $300.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete all of the requirements necessary to become certified as a Microbiology Technician via the ASCP program.

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

Answer: Yes! All holders of an active ASCP certification must complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certifications.