CaliforniaClinical Laboratory Scientist License Requirements

Clinical laboratory science education programs must be accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Programs are available at the bachelor's degree level and include coursework in clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis, and body fluids. Most programs require extensive clinical rotations in hospital and reference laboratories covering all major testing disciplines.

ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Board of Certification is the gold standard national credential for clinical laboratory scientists. The MLS(ASCP) credential demonstrates competency across all major laboratory disciplines. AMT (American Medical Technologists) also provides the MT(AMT) certification, which is accepted by many states and employers. California issues its own CLS license through CDPH, and New York issues the Clinical Laboratory Technologist license through NYSED.

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) examination is the gold standard national certification for clinical laboratory scientists. The MLS(ASCP) exam covers clinical chemistry, hematology and hemostasis, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis and body fluids, and laboratory operations. The exam uses a scaled scoring system. California and New York administer their own state-specific licensing examinations in addition to or in lieu of the ASCP BOC exam.

Additional Notes

California requires a state CLS license administered by CDPH Laboratory Field Services.

Approximately 12 states and the District of Columbia require licensure for clinical laboratory scientists. States that do not require licensure still expect ASCP Board of Certification, which serves as the de facto standard for practice. All clinical laboratories in the United States must comply with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) federal regulations regardless of state licensure requirements.

Clinical laboratory scientists perform high-complexity testing across all major laboratory disciplines including clinical chemistry, hematology and hemostasis, microbiology, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, molecular diagnostics, urinalysis, and body fluids. They analyze patient specimens, operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation, perform quality control and quality assurance activities, and may supervise laboratory technicians and assistants. All testing is performed under the general supervision of a laboratory director as defined by CLIA regulations.

CE Details

24 CE hours (12 continuing education units) required per 2-year renewal cycle. Starting January 2026, renewal shifts to annual with 12 CEU per year. Must include courses approved by CDPH LFS in clinical laboratory science topics.

Regulatory Board

Clinical laboratory scientist licenses must be renewed on schedule with the state licensing authority. ASCP BOC requires continuing education for certification maintenance. CE topics must include clinical laboratory science disciplines such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunohematology, molecular diagnostics, laboratory management, quality assurance, and safety.

Reciprocity Requirements

• •Hold current, active national certification (ASCP BOC, AMT, or equivalent)
• •Provide verification of licensure from the originating state (if applicable)
• •Submit official transcripts demonstrating required education
• •Pass a criminal background check
• •Pay the application and endorsement fees
• •May need to complete additional California-specific training requirements and pass the CDPH CLS examination

For states that require licensure, most offer reciprocity or endorsement for clinical laboratory scientists licensed in other states. ASCP Board of Certification is nationally recognized and significantly simplifies the reciprocity process. For states without licensure requirements, the ASCP BOC credential is portable across all states. California and New York have additional state-specific requirements that may require supplemental coursework or examination for out-of-state applicants.