Top 10 Research Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for research technicians in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They are seen as a sign of credibility and competence, and can set applicants apart from other applicants who do not have certifications. Additionally, certification programs may provide access to additional resources or training opportunities that can help research technicians stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in their field. Finally, employers may view certified research technicians as more reliable hires since they have proven their knowledge by passing an exam or completing a course of study.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Research Technicians and explain how they can help advance a research technician's career.

What are Research Technician Certifications?

Research Technician Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities of an individual who works in a research laboratory. This certification is offered through various organizations, such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) and the International Association for Medical Laboratory Technicians (IAMLT). It is designed to provide employers with assurance that their research technicians are well-trained and knowledgeable in the areas of laboratory safety, scientific principles, laboratory procedures and techniques.

By earning Research Technician Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and can prove their competency in research settings. This certification allows employers to identify qualified candidates from among a pool of applicants. Additionally, it can help individuals advance their career by providing them with recognition in the field as well as increased job opportunities. Having this certification may also qualify individuals for higher salaries or promotions within their current positions. Furthermore, having this credential may make individuals more attractive candidates to graduate programs or new job opportunities outside of their current organization. In summary, Research Technician Certification can help professionals gain recognition in the field and open up new career possibilities through demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in laboratory settings.

Pro Tip: Research technician certification can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the field and set yourself apart from other applicants. Make sure to research all of the requirements for certification in your area and look into any available online courses or training programs that can help you meet those requirements.

Related: What does a Research Technician do?

Top 10 Research Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Clinical Research Technician (CCRT)

A Certified Clinical Research Technician (CCRT) is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical research. It is an internationally recognized certification for those who have completed specialized training in the conduct of clinical trials.

The CCRT certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). This certification program is designed to validate the knowledge and skills of clinical research technicians who are responsible for performing essential tasks within a clinical trial. The CCRT exam covers topics such as Good Clinical Practices, regulatory requirements, data management, safety monitoring, and more.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the required coursework and prepare for the CCRT exam. The ACRP offers online courses and webinars that cover all aspects of clinical research technician roles and responsibilities. Additionally, many universities offer certificate programs specifically tailored to preparing students for the CCRT exam.

The cost of obtaining a CCRT certification varies depending on which route you choose to take. If you decide to take a university certificate program, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 depending on your institution’s tuition rates. If you decide to take online courses or webinars through the ACRP website, these range from $200-$600 per course or webinar session. Finally, there is also an application fee associated with taking the actual CCRT exam which costs $350 USD.

2. Certified Research Coordinator (CRC)

A Certified Research Coordinator (CRC) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in research coordination. The certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and is designed to ensure that research coordinators have the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities to effectively manage clinical research projects.

To become certified, individuals must complete a comprehensive application process that includes submitting educational transcripts, work experience information, references, and passing a written exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as ethics, regulatory requirements, project management, data management, and communication. Applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research or equivalent part-time experience within the past five years.

The entire process from start to finish typically takes about three months to complete. The cost for the application fee is $200 USD for ACRP members and $400 USD for non-members. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $350 USD for ACRP members and $450 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

A Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is an individual who has been certified by a professional organization to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of research administration. The CRA certification is designed to recognize individuals with the highest standards of professionalism, competency, and ethical conduct in research administration.

The CRA certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. It requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in research administration or related fields and pass an examination administered by the National Council on Research Administration (NCRA). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as project management, budgeting, compliance, regulations, data analysis, and other related areas.

To obtain the CRA certification, applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts from post-secondary institutions and letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues. Applicants must also pay a fee for the application and examination process. The fee varies depending on the type of certification sought but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

Once an applicant passes the examination, they will receive their official CRA certificate from NCRA. This certificate is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or retaking the exam every five years.

4. Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP)

Certified Clinical Trials Professional (CCTP) is a certification program offered by the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA). The CCTP certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills and abilities of clinical research professionals who are working in the field. It is intended to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of clinical research principles, processes and regulations.

The CCTP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical research, or its equivalent in part-time experience. Applicants must also complete the SOCRA CCTP Exam Preparation Course prior to taking the exam. The course consists of four modules covering topics such as Good Clinical Practices, Regulatory Affairs, Data Management, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control.

The CCTP exam is administered twice per year: once in May and once in November. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70% on each section and 80% overall.

The cost for the CCTP certification program varies depending on whether you are a SOCRA member or non-member. For SOCRA members, it costs $400 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee; for non-members, it costs $600 for the application fee plus $350 for the exam fee.

In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking preparatory courses or purchasing study materials.

5. Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP)

Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively manage and lead quality assurance initiatives. The CQAP program is designed to provide professionals with the necessary tools to ensure that their organization’s products and services are of the highest quality.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP). To get certified, applicants must complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as quality management systems, process improvement, customer service, risk assessment, and auditing.

To prepare for the exam, applicants can take an online course or attend a training seminar from an accredited provider. These courses often cover topics such as quality management systems, process improvement methods, customer service standards, risk assessment techniques, and auditing best practices.

The cost of becoming a Certified Quality Assurance Professional (CQAP) varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$2,000 for the exam fee alone. Additional costs may include registration fees for seminars or online courses.

6. Laboratory Animal Technologist Certification (LATG)

Laboratory Animal Technologist Certification (LATG) is a certification program offered through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The LATG certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in laboratory animal science.

The LATG certification process takes approximately six months to complete. It begins with an application and fee payment, followed by a written exam, an oral exam, and finally, a practical exam. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions on topics such as animal husbandry, veterinary care, research methods, regulatory compliance, and safety practices. The oral exam includes questions about the applicant's knowledge of laboratory animal science and their experience working with animals. Finally, the practical exam requires applicants to demonstrate their skills in handling animals and performing various laboratory procedures.

The cost of obtaining the LATG certification varies depending on where you take the exams. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1,000 for all three exams combined.

Overall, obtaining the LATG certification is an important step for those looking to pursue a career in laboratory animal science or related fields. It is also beneficial for current professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in this field.

7. Certified Medical Research Technician (CMRT)

Certified Medical Research Technician (CMRT) is a professional certification offered by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The CMRT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and proficiency in laboratory animal science and research.

The CMRT certification is obtained through a series of examinations, which test the individual’s knowledge of laboratory animal science and research. The exams are administered by AALAS and cover topics such as anatomy, physiology, husbandry, health care, nutrition, behavior, toxicology, pharmacology, laboratory safety and regulatory compliance.

In order to become certified as a CMRT, an individual must first complete an approved educational program or have at least two years of experience in laboratory animal science or research. After completing the educational program or having the necessary experience, the individual must pass three separate examinations: the Basic Laboratory Animal Science Exam (BLASE), the Advanced Laboratory Animal Science Exam (ALASE), and one of four specialty exams: Companion Animal Care & Use Exam (CACUE), Rodent Care & Use Exam (RCUE), Nonhuman Primate Care & Use Exam (NPCUE), or Aquatic Animal Care & Use Exam (AACUE).

The cost for taking each exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AALAS or not. For non-members the cost for each exam is $200 USD; for members it is $150 USD per exam. In addition to this fee there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or attending workshops related to laboratory animal science and research that may be required prior to taking any of the exams.

Once all three exams have been passed successfully, an individual will be awarded their Certified Medical Research Technician certification from AALAS. This certification is valid for five years after which time it must be renewed by retaking all three exams again.

8. American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science – Medical Laboratory Technician Certification (ASCLS-MLT)

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) Medical Laboratory Technician Certification (ASCLS-MLT) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of medical laboratory technicians. This certification is offered through the ASCLS, an organization that promotes professional development and advancement in the clinical laboratory sciences.

In order to become certified as an ASCLS-MLT, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. The educational requirement includes completion of an accredited MLT program or equivalent coursework. Experience requirements vary depending on the type of certification being sought, but generally include a minimum of one year of full-time experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

Once all eligibility criteria have been met, applicants can apply for certification by submitting an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation from employers. After submitting their application, candidates must pass a written examination administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The exam covers topics such as hematology, immunology, microbiology, serology, chemistry, and safety procedures.

The cost of obtaining ASCLS-MLT certification varies depending on the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 to take the exam plus additional fees for processing applications and other administrative costs. It typically takes about two months to receive results from the ASCP after taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining ASCLS-MLT certification is a great way to demonstrate mastery in medical laboratory technology and enhance career opportunities in this field.

9. National Institute for Animal Agriculture – Animal Health Technician Certification (NIAA-AHT)

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s Animal Health Technician Certification (NIAA-AHT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of animal health technicians. It is a voluntary certification that provides recognition to those who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of animal health care. The NIAA-AHT certification is valid for three years and requires renewal every three years.

To become certified, applicants must complete an approved education program in animal health technology or veterinary technology, pass an exam administered by the NIAA, and meet other requirements as outlined by the NIAA. The exam consists of both written and practical components, covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, disease diagnosis and treatment, nutrition, facility management and safety.

The cost for the NIAA-AHT certification varies depending on the applicant's educational background. For those who have completed an approved education program in animal health technology or veterinary technology, the cost is $250. For those without an approved education program in either field, the cost is $450. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam itself or renewing your certification every three years.

Overall, it typically takes between four to six months to complete all of the requirements necessary to obtain this certification.

10. American Society of Clinical Pathology – Histotechnician Certification (ASCP-HT).

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of histotechnology. This certification is granted to individuals who have successfully completed a program of study in histotechnology and passed the ASCP-HT exam.

The program of study for the ASCP-HT certification typically takes two years to complete, depending on the individual’s academic background. During this time, students must complete courses in anatomy, physiology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and other related topics. After completing the program, students must pass an examination administered by the ASCP to receive their certification.

In order to be eligible for the ASCP-HT exam, applicants must have a minimum of an associate degree or equivalent coursework in histotechnology from an accredited institution. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least one year of clinical experience in a laboratory setting under the supervision of a certified histotechnologist or pathologist.

The cost of taking the ASCP-HT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $250 to register for the exam and another $100 for any additional materials needed for preparation. The cost may also vary based on whether you are taking it online or at a physical testing center.

Overall, obtaining your ASCP-HT certification is an important step towards becoming a successful histotechnologist and demonstrating your knowledge and skillset in this field.

Do You Really Need a Research Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals. If you are a research technician looking to further your career or gain more knowledge and experience in the field, then a research technician certificate is likely beneficial for you. A certificate program can provide you with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the profession, as well as increase your chances of obtaining higher paying positions.

Certificate programs also provide an opportunity for self-improvement and professional development. The courses included in a certificate program may help improve your problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, communication techniques, and other essential skills that are crucial for success in any research role. Additionally, completing a certificate program can demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken initiative to stay up-to-date on trends and best practices in the industry.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a research technician certificate depends on the individual goals of each person. If you believe that it would be beneficial for your career growth and advancement, then it is worth considering pursuing one.

Related: Research Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Research Technician Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become a certified research technician?

Answer: The exact requirements vary depending on the certification program, but generally speaking you will need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry, and some experience working in a laboratory setting. You may also need to pass an exam or complete additional training courses in order to become certified.

2. How long do research technician certifications last?

Answer: Generally speaking, research technician certifications last for three years before they must be renewed. Some organizations may require more frequent renewals, so it is important to check with the specific certification program you plan to pursue.

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

Answer: Yes, most certification programs require that research technicians take continuing education courses or workshops in order to keep their credentials up-to-date and valid. It is important to check with your specific certification program for details about their continuing education requirements.

4. Are there any online courses available for becoming a certified research technician?

Answer: Yes, many organizations offer online courses and workshops geared towards individuals who are seeking certification as a research technician. It is important to verify that the course or workshop you choose is accredited through the organization offering your desired certification program before enrolling.

5. What type of job opportunities can I expect with a research technician certification?

Answer: With a research technician certification, you can expect job opportunities in laboratories and other scientific settings where data collection and analysis are needed. Potential jobs include laboratory technologists, lab assistants, data analysts, clinical researchers and more!