CLS (California DPH) - Clinical Laboratory Scientist

A Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CLS) certification through the California DPH plays a key role in ensuring that Californians have access to accurate and reliable clinical and public health lab testing and safe sources of blood and tissue for transfusion and transplantation. Laboratory Field Services in California ensure this by licensing individuals to work in these labs.

A CLS license from the California DPH allows you to work in specialty areas of clinical laboratories in the state. There is no single exam required to become a CLS in California. The state has phased out its official exam, and has started to recognize other national examinations for certification. These exams include: 

• CLS generalist certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• CLS generalist scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology International (ASCPi)

• CLS generalist certification from the American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB)

• CLS generalist scientist certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT)

Note that specific dates apply for each of these exams and only later versions are accepted. If you took these exams before the accepted date, you will have to retake the exam to certify.

To get CLS certification in California, you have two attempts to take your chosen certification exam. If you do not pass after the second attempt, there is a one-year waiting period. If you fail your third attempt, there is a two-year waiting period to take the test a fourth time. After that, you may not take the exam more frequently than once every two years.

You also have to complete the online California quiz on state regulations and laboratory laws.

In addition to the cost for your certification exam, you will also pay a $230 application fee.

In addition to passing one of the aforementioned certification exams, there are additional academic and training requirements to obtain a CLS credential in California. They include: 

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program with 16 semesters of chemistry (must include analytical and biochemistry OR clinical chemistry), 18 semesters of biology (must include immunology, hematology, and medical microbiology), and 3 semesters of physics (must include the study of electricity and light)

• Minimum of one year of clinical training as a CLS after completing a bachelor’s program OR one year of work experience in high complexity testing in microbiology, blood bank, hematology, or chemistry in a clinical laboratory

Note that college work from military applicants is also accepted, and exceptions may apply for those without a degree.

To apply, you will need to submit work verification with an official letterhead written and signed by a laboratory director or training coordinator.

You must pay your application fee and submit your application online. 

You must renew your CLS license every two years. To do so, you will have to pay a $179 renewal fee and complete 24 hours of continuing education. You must submit your fee and documentation of your continuing education to the state through the online portal.

The state of California offers other certifications in the area of clinical laboratory sciences. 

If you do not have the required training or work experience for a CLS certification, consider applying as a CLS trainee. Depending on your qualifications, you may also be eligible for a Medical Laboratory Technician License.

If you have a lot of experience or you want to take your career to the next level, consider applying for a Clinical Laboratory Director License or Cytotechnologist License. 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the following certifications:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Pathology Assistant (PA)

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)

• Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)

• Specialist in Chemistry (SC)

• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)

• Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)

• Specialist in Hematology (SH)

• Specialist in Microbiology (SM)

• Specialist in Microbiology (SMB)

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)