Top 10 Microbiology Technologist Certifications

Certifications are important for a microbiology technologist in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a technologist has the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the field. Certifications also indicate that the technologist is up-to-date on current practices, regulations, and safety protocols. Additionally, certifications can provide a competitive edge when applying for jobs, as employers often prefer to hire qualified professionals with proven skills.

This article reviews the top certifications for Microbiology Technologists and explains how they can help advance a technologist's career.

What are Microbiology Technologist Certifications?

Microbiology technologist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and competency in the field of microbiology. This certification is typically obtained by individuals who have successfully completed a program in microbiology technology or related science, which includes courses in laboratory techniques, theory, and practice.

Certification can help individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field to potential employers and advance their careers. By obtaining this certification, professionals can show that they are knowledgeable about the principles and practices of microbiology as well as its applications. This credential can also provide them with access to higher-level positions with increased salaries and responsibilities. Certification may also qualify individuals for certain job opportunities that may otherwise be unavailable without it.

Furthermore, earning the certification can give professionals an edge over those who don’t hold it when competing for jobs or promotions. It allows them to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen profession and prove that they are up-to-date on industry best practices. Additionally, having this credential may lead to broader recognition within the scientific community, allowing professionals to network more effectively with other experts in their field.

Pro Tip: When considering microbiology technologist certification, make sure to research the requirements for the particular certification program you are interested in. Many programs require a certain number of years of experience and/or specific courses or exams. Additionally, some certifications may require periodic renewal or continuing education credits.

Related: What does a Microbiology Technologist do?

Top 10 Microbiology Technologist Certifications

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

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician Certification

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician Certification is a certification program designed to recognize the professional qualifications of medical laboratory technicians. It is a voluntary certification and provides assurance that the certified individual has met established standards of knowledge and skills in the field.

In order to obtain this certification, an individual must first meet certain educational requirements, such as completing an accredited medical laboratory technician program or having equivalent experience. After meeting these requirements, individuals can then apply to take the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as hematology, urinalysis, clinical chemistry, immunology, serology, blood banking/transfusion medicine, and microbiology.

The cost for taking the BOC exam is $200 for ASCP members and $250 for non-members. The exam takes about three hours to complete and results are typically available within two weeks after taking the exam. Upon successful completion of the BOC exam, individuals will receive their Medical Laboratory Technician Certification from ASCP.

This certification is valid for five years from date of issue and must be renewed every five years by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the BOC exam.

2. American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Microbiologist Certification

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Certified Microbiologist Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of microbiologists. It is intended to provide assurance that those certified have demonstrated the necessary qualifications and experience to practice in the field of microbiology.

To become an ASM Certified Microbiologist, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum of five years of experience working in the field of microbiology, holding a doctoral degree in microbiology or a related field, and passing an examination administered by ASM. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component. The written portion covers topics such as general principles of microbial ecology, microbial physiology and genetics, microbial taxonomy, microbial identification techniques, laboratory safety practices, and quality control procedures. The oral portion involves answering questions from a panel of experts on topics related to microorganisms and their applications.

The process typically takes between six months to one year from application submission to receiving certification. Applicants are required to submit documentation verifying their educational background and work experience along with their application fee before taking the exam.

The cost for obtaining the ASM Certified Microbiologist Certification varies depending on whether you are already an ASM member or not. For non-members, the cost is $500 plus applicable taxes; for members it is $400 plus applicable taxes.

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

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Clinical Microbiology Technologist Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the expertise and proficiency of clinical laboratory technologists who work in the field of clinical microbiology. This certification is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in this specialty area.

To obtain the NCA Clinical Microbiology Technologist Certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of two years of full-time experience as a clinical laboratory technologist or equivalent experience within the past five years, completion of an accredited medical technology program or equivalent courses in clinical microbiology, and successful completion of a course in quality assurance/quality control.

The NCA Clinical Microbiology Technologist Certification Examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, immunology/serology, molecular diagnostics, specimen collection/preparation/processing, safety/infection control procedures, laboratory management/administration principles and practices. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States.

The cost to take the NCA Clinical Microbiology Technologist Certification Examination is $395 USD for members of NCA and $495 USD for non-members. Once certified by NCA, individuals must renew their certification every three years by submitting proof of continuing education credits in order to maintain their status as a Certified Clinical Microbiology Technologist (CCMT).

4. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Microbiology Technologist Certification

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certified Microbiology Technologist Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform microbiological testing in a laboratory setting. The certification is designed to help employers identify qualified professionals who are knowledgeable in the field of microbiology.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a clinical or research laboratory performing microbiological tests, as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by the AAB. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as general laboratory safety, quality control and assurance, and basic principles of microbial identification and characterization. The practical portion requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to perform various techniques used in the analysis of microorganisms.

The certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. Candidates must submit an application form, pay an application fee, provide proof of education and experience, and pass the examination with a minimum score of 70%. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing continuing education requirements set forth by the AAB.

The cost for obtaining AAB Certified Microbiology Technologist Certification varies depending on the specific requirements for each individual candidate; however, it generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

5. International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification

The International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is a professional certification program for medical laboratory technologists who specialize in microbiology. The certification is designed to demonstrate the holder’s knowledge and expertise in the field of microbiology.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience working as a medical technologist in a clinical laboratory setting, and must pass an examination administered by ISCLT. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as bacteriology, mycology, immunology, parasitology, virology, and molecular techniques.

It typically takes between six months and one year to prepare for the exam. Preparation involves studying textbooks and other resources related to microbiology, attending review courses or seminars offered by ISCLT or other organizations, and taking practice tests.

The cost of the certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Online exams cost $225 USD while in-person exams cost $325 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional fees for study materials or review courses.

Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements for certification, you will receive your certificate from ISCLT within four weeks of passing the exam. Your certification will remain valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, you must retake the exam to maintain your certification status.

6. National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification

The National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of microbiology. The NRCM is administered by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). The NRCM Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is designed to recognize medical technologists who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of clinical microbiology.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an associate degree or higher in medical technology or a related field from an accredited institution;
• Have at least two years of full-time experience as a medical technologist performing clinical laboratory tests in microbiology;
• Pass a written examination administered by ASM; and
• Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory safety, quality assurance, and infection control procedures.

The NRCM certification process typically takes three to six months to complete. Applicants must submit their application along with all required documentation to ASM for review and approval. Once approved, applicants will be notified when they can register for the written examination. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within four weeks.

The cost for the NRCM Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification varies depending on whether you are an ASM member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $250; for nonmembers, it is $350. This fee includes registration for the exam as well as access to study materials and other resources provided by ASM.

7. American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification

The American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of medical technologists in the field of microbiology. This certification is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of clinical laboratory testing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the necessary requirements for this certification. To get certified, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a related field and must have completed an accredited program in medical technology. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by ABB which covers topics such as laboratory safety, specimen collection and handling, laboratory tests, quality control, and regulations.

The cost for this certification varies depending on the applicant’s educational background and experience. The total cost typically ranges from $450-$750 USD. This includes registration fees, exam fees, and any additional materials needed for study preparation.

8. American College of Clinical Pathology (ACCP) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification

The American College of Clinical Pathology (ACCP) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical technologists who specialize in microbiology. This certification demonstrates expertise in areas such as laboratory safety, specimen processing, and instrumentation.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the ACCP Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification. The requirements include completing an accredited program in medical technology, passing a national certification exam, and completing at least one year of clinical experience in a microbiology laboratory.

To get this certification, applicants must first complete an accredited program in medical technology and then pass a national certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Applicants must also have completed at least one year of clinical experience in a microbiology laboratory before they can take the exam.

The cost to apply for the ACCP Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is $195. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam as well as any additional materials needed to prepare for it.

9. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certification is a professional credential that is designed to recognize the expertise of individuals who have completed an accredited program in medical technology and have demonstrated proficiency in the field of microbiology. This certification is awarded by NAACLS, which is an independent accrediting agency recognized by the US Department of Education.

In order to become certified, applicants must have completed an accredited medical technology program and have at least one year of clinical laboratory experience in microbiology. Applicants must also successfully pass a comprehensive written examination administered by NAACLS. The exam covers topics such as general laboratory safety; specimen collection and processing; identification and characterization of microorganisms; principles of immunology; and quality assurance.

It typically takes approximately three months from the time of application submission to receive results from the examination. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a formal application for certification along with proof of graduation from an approved program and verification of clinical laboratory experience. Once all requirements are met, applicants will be issued their Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology Certificate.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $200 to $400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with submitting applications for certification or renewing certifications every five years.

10. Professional Examination Service (PES) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology

Professional Examination Service (PES) Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology is a certification program that is offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This certification is designed for medical technologists who have achieved a high level of expertise and proficiency in the field of microbiology.

The PES Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, covering topics such as bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, and laboratory safety. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the PES Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology exam, applicants must meet certain educational requirements. Applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree or higher in medical technology or a related field from an accredited college or university; OR they must have completed an approved program of study in medical technology and hold a current ASCP certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT).

The cost of taking the PES Certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology exam varies depending on whether you are an ASCP member or non-member. For ASCP members, the cost is $235; for non-members, it is $335.

Do You Really Need a Microbiology Technologist Certificate?

The short answer to this question is "it depends". Whether or not you need a microbiology technologist certificate will depend on the type of job you are looking for and the requirements of the employer. In some cases, such as in clinical settings, employers may require a certification in order to be eligible for certain positions. In other cases, such as in research laboratories, a certification may not be necessary but could still be beneficial as it can demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in the field.

In general, having a certificate can be helpful if you want to increase your chances of getting hired or advancing in your position. It can also provide evidence that you have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to perform specific tasks related to microbiology. Additionally, certification can show potential employers that you are committed to continuing your education and staying up-to-date with developments in the field.

Ultimately, it is important to consider what type of job you are pursuing and any requirements associated with it before deciding whether or not to pursue a microbiology technologist certificate. If the job requires certification or if obtaining certification would give you an advantage over other candidates then it may be worth considering.

Related: Microbiology Technologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Microbiology Technologist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for a Microbiology Technologist?

Answer: There are several certifications available for Microbiology Technologists, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification, Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) certification, and the National Registry of Certified Microbiologists (NRCM).

2. How do I become certified in Microbiology Technology?

Answer: To become certified in Microbiology Technology, you must complete the required coursework and pass an exam administered by one of the certifying bodies listed above. The exact requirements vary depending on which certification you choose to pursue.

3. How long does it take to complete a Microbiology Technologist Certification program?

Answer: It typically takes between two and four years to complete a certification program in Microbiology Technology, depending on your chosen program and the amount of time you dedicate to completing it.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a Microbiology Technologist Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining a Microbiology Technologist Certification varies depending on the specific certification you are pursuing and where you obtain your training from. Generally speaking, costs range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

5. Does having a Microbiology Technologist Certification help me get hired?

Answer: Yes! Having a recognized certification in Microbiology Technology can help demonstrate your commitment to the field and give employers confidence in your skillset when considering hiring you for a position.