Certification Pathways
in the Clinical Laboratory

Certification is more than a credential—it’s a commitment to the quality, accuracy, & integrity that define laboratory medicine. Whether you’re preparing for your first exam or pursuing advanced credentials, The Clinical Lab Edit curates trusted pathways & resources to guide your professional growth.

Exam Preparation Tools

Obtaining credentials.

Frameworks for professional recognition.

Certification establishes professional credibility and validates competence across the laboratory disciplines.

Explore the primary certifying agencies recognized throughout the United States and abroad.

Click to explore each organization’s homepage for certification details, accreditation standards, and professional resources that support every stage of your laboratory career.

American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certifies medical laboratory professionals across multiple disciplines and is widely recognized by employers, academic programs, and healthcare institutions throughout the United States.

Visit ASCP

American Medical Technologists (AMT)

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) organization provides national certification for medical laboratory professionals through eligibility pathways based on education, training, and professional experience.

Visit AMT

American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) offers certification for laboratory professionals through its Board of Registry and is commonly utilized in physician office laboratories, smaller clinical settings, and select state-regulated environments.

Visit AAB

Before certification, there’s preparation—and quality education is the foundation.

Accreditation ensures programs meet national standards of curriculum, faculty, and laboratory experience.

Accredited Education

NAACLS

National Accrediting Agency

for Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Sets and upholds rigorous academic and clinical standards for laboratory science programs across the United States.

NAACLS Program Search

ABHES

Accrediting Bureau

of Health Education Schools

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ABHES promotes quality in postsecondary allied health education and laboratory training.

ABHES Program Search

Flexible Pathways for
the Working Professional

Remote and hybrid programs now make it possible for practicing laboratory professionals to advance their credentials while maintaining their careers.

Several NAACLS-accredited universities offer MLT-to-MLS bridge programs and online bachelor’s or master’s pathways, providing flexible, high-quality routes to certification advancement.

Find Hybrid Programs

American Society
for Clinical Laboratory Science

The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) advances the clinical laboratory profession through continuing education, advocacy, and professional leadership—supporting laboratorians at every stage of their careers.

Visit the ASCLS Homepage

Explore Labucate by ASCLS

Through ASCLS Labucate, members and nonmembers can access high-quality, affordable continuing education designed specifically for laboratory professionals, including on-demand courses, webinars, and certificate programs.

Continuing Education Hub

Continuing education sustains the quality and credibility of the clinical laboratory profession. This hub highlights trusted platforms that support lifelong learning, certification maintenance, and professional advancement.

ASCP

CE Center

Official continuing education platform for certified laboratory professionals, offering CMP maintenance, webinars, and discipline-specific courses through the ASCP.

LabCE

for Individuals

Self-paced online CE for laboratory professionals, featuring interactive case studies, simulations, and exam-aligned modules across all major disciplines.

Vastain

for Organizations

Enterprise-level education and competency management for laboratories and universities, providing CE, document control, and compliance tools.

CDC OneLab

REACH

Free, evidence-based courses and biosafety training developed by the CDC Laboratory Training Branch to advance global laboratory practice.

Click on an organization's description to navigate to the webpage.

Professional Leadership & Advocacy

A connected network of societies, associations, and academies advancing every discipline within the clinical laboratory sciences—each supporting professional growth through specialty education, certification, and community.