How to get a biotech certification

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo

Published: July 17, 2025

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a strong need for biological technicians between 2023 and 2033. With experience, these professionals can qualify for other in-demand biotechnology jobs, including microbiologist or biochemist. Earning a biotech certification is a great way to break into this dynamic field or advance your career.

What is a biotechnology certification?

Private organizations award biotechnology certifications to professionals who meet certain experience, examination, and education requirements. Certifications, like college certificates, show mastery of specific knowledge and skills. However, unlike certificates, certifications do not award undergraduate or graduate college credit.

You may need more than one biotechnology certification to reach your career goals, as certifications focus on a narrow set of skills, such as laboratory techniques or molecular biology. Academic advisors can help you determine which certifications are best suited to your career goals.

What are the most common biotech certifications?

1. Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) - Biotility awards the BACE credential to candidates who pass a computerized exam. The certification shows employers that you offer career-ready knowledge and skills.
2. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)- The Association of Clinical Research Professionals awards the CCRA to clinical researchers with at least 3,000 hours of work experience. Earn this certification if you want to prove your leadership and supervision skills.
3. Certified Medical Device Auditor (CMDA)- Pursue ASQ's CMDA if you work with medical device systems. Requirements include 1-5 years of experience and an examination.
4. Medical Technologist (MT) - The AAB Board of Registry's MT certification appeals to medical technologists with an associate or bachelor's degree. Candidates may pursue a generalist or discipline-specific certification.
5. Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) - American Medical Technologists offers the MLS to professionals with a bachelor's degree. Other requirements include passing an exam covering nine content areas.
6. Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) - The RAC appeals to biotech professionals working in pharmaceuticals or medical devices. The Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society requires 1-3 years of work experience and an exam for this certification.

Steps to get a biotech certification

Before starting your biotech certification journey, review these steps.

Step 1: Research the certification programs

Your first step involves researching certification providers' credibility and reputation. Compare their advertised outcomes with what certification holders are saying. Also, focus on certifications promoting the latest industry trends in biotechnology.

Step 2: Review prerequisites

The biotech certification you need for career success likely has prerequisites, such as work experience and a bachelor's degree in biotechnology or a related field. Some certifications let you substitute graduate education for part of the experience requirement.

Certification candidate guides break down prerequisites in detail. Contact the certification provider if you have questions or believe you qualify for an exemption.

Step 3: Complete the required coursework

Although some certifications require only an exam, others also require coursework. Topics vary by certification but may include:

• Laboratory practice
• Regulatory compliance
• Bioinformatics

Check whether the certification program may let you skip coursework if you have professional experience. Even if you enroll in an asynchronous program, a completion timeline may still exist. Make sure to complete all coursework by the deadline so you can take the final exam.

Step 4: Pass the final evaluation

The final evaluation assesses your new knowledge and skills. Depending on the certification provider's policies, you may take it at an authorized testing center or at home.

Review all course materials and check the certification provider's website for study material in the days leading up to exam day. Exam content outlines are a great way to make sure you know everything to pass the exam on the first try.

Step 5: Maintain your certification

You can typically maintain your certification by taking professional development (PD) courses. Your certification provider may list approved PD courses on its website. Completing each course awards points toward recertification.

Keep all PD course certificates of completion on hand if your certification provider audits your recertification application. You may also pay a lower recertification fee if the provider offers a discount to members.

Why get a biotechnology certification?

Earning a biotech certification can offer many benefits, regardless of the stage of your career.

• Career advancement opportunities: Laboratory technicians with the CCRA certification report that earning the certification improved their career pathway.
• Increased job prospects in a competitive field: In a competitive job market, certifications show employers that your work exceeds industry standards.
• Specialized knowledge: Certifications show employers you offer specialized knowledge and skills, such as biomedical engineering.
• Higher earning potential: Certifications may qualify you for a raise or promotion to a management-level position.
• Industry recognition: Industry-recognized biotech certifications, such as those focusing on executive education, can raise your standing in the field.