Application Fee for MLT licensure only (CMLT): $165
Application Fee for MLT licensure and ASCP certification (MLT): $175

The ASCP Board of Registry examination for Medical Laboratory Technician has been approved for licensure purposes by the state of California effective June 1, 2007. Applicants for California licensure must first apply to California Laboratory Field Services and follow the state application process. Information on the requirements and application process may be obtained at the CDHS Laboratory Field Service web site.

Note: There is a four-year “look back” period, meaning that any individual already certified as a Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP) after June 1, 2003 will not need to retake the examination for California state licensure.

CA Licensure only

You must meet the licensure requirements established by the state of California and successfully pass the ASCP Board of Registry Medical Laboratory Technician (CMLT) licensure examination. This licensure examination does not include any questions on microscopy or immunohematology since the scope of practice in California restricts this testing to Medical Technologists.

Contact the CDHS Laboratory Field Services web site for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California.

Upon submission of the CA licensure application you will receive a letter from the state with a unique identification number. When you have been determined eligible, you will receive a qualification letter from CDHS.

After you receive the qualification letter, complete the ASCP State Licensure Application (PDF) from the ASCP Board of Registry and include your CA unique identification number with a non-refundable application fee to the ASCP Board of Registry office. You may apply online for state licensure using a credit card as the form of payment.

Study for Exam. View study materials.

You will receive an admission letter with a phone number for scheduling your appointment to take the CMLT examination. Examinations are administered year-round on computer by appointment at 13 test sites located in California. You may schedule an appointment to take the examination at your convenience within the assigned 3 month examination period.

Upon completion of the examination, your results (pass or fail) will appear briefly on the computer screen. A written copy of your examinee performance report will be mailed to you that you will receive within ten (10) business days. A copy of your results will also be sent to California.

CA Licensure and MLT(ASCP) Certification

You must meet the eligibility requirements established by the ASCP Board of Registry and the licensure requirements established by the state of California. You must also successfully complete the ASCP Board of Registry MLT certification examination administered after June 1, 2003. This examination covers the full scope of practice including microscopy and immunohematology.

Contact the CDHS Laboratory Field Services web site for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California.

Review the eligibility requirements for Medical Laboratory Technician to be sure you have met these requirements.

To apply for ASCP certification, complete the general Application for ASCP Board of Registry Certification (DO NOT COMPLETE THE STATE LICENSURE APPLICATION) and submit this form with a non-refundable application fee to the ASCP Board of Registry office. An official transcript verifying the degree and science requirements must be submitted and reference forms (depending on the examination route under which you are applying) may be required. Please refer to the Procedures for Examination and Certification for detailed eligibility requirements. Sign and submit a release form (PDF) authorizing our office to submit your examination scores to California Laboratory Field Services. This form must contain the unique California identification number provided by the state.

Study for Exam. View study materials.

Upon determination of your eligibility for examination, you will receive an admission letter with a phone number for scheduling your appointment to take the MLT examination. Examinations are administered year-round on computer by appointment at 13 test sites located in California. You may schedule an appointment to take the examination at your convenience within the assigned 3 month examination period.

Upon completion of the examination, your results (pass or fail) will appear briefly on the computer screen. A written copy of your examinee performance report will be mailed to you and a copy of your results will be forwarded to California within ten (10) business days after we have received your final transcript verifying completion of the academic requirements. Upon passing the examination, you will receive a certification number on your examinee performance report and a certificate verifying your certification within 6-8 weeks.

MLT(ASCP) Certification before June 1, 2003

It will be necessary for you to retake and successfully complete the Medical Laboratory Technician (CMLT) licensure examination. This licensure examination does not include any questions on microscopy or immunohematology since the scope of practice in California restricts this testing to Medical Technologists. If you do not pass the examination, it will not affect your certification status.

Contact the CDHS Laboratory Field Services web site for information on completing the licensure process.

Upon submission of the CA licensure application, you will receive a letter from the state with a unique identification number. When you have been determined eligible, you will receive a qualification letter from CDHS.

After you receive the qualification letter, complete the ASCP State Licensure Application (PDF) from the ASCP Board of Registry and include your CA unique identification number with a non-refundable application fee to the ASCP Board of Registry office. You may apply online for state licensure using a credit card as the form of payment.

Study for Exam. View study materials.

Upon verification of approval by California, you will receive an admission letter with a phone number for scheduling your appointment to take the CMLT examination. Examinations are administered year-round on computer by appointment at 13 test sites located in California. You may schedule an appointment to take the examination at your convenience within the assigned 3 month examination period.

Upon completion of the examination, your results (pass or fail) will appear briefly on the computer screen. A written copy of your examinee performance report will be mailed to you that you will receive within ten (10) business days. A copy of your results will also be sent to California.

MLT(ASCP) Certification after June 1, 2003

You do not need to reapply or retake the ASCP Board of Registry certification examination.

You will need to follow the instructions under Verification of Certification to have your examination results sent to CDHS Laboratory Field Services to verify successful completion of the ASCP Board of Registry certification examination.

Enter your unique California identification number in the space for “ID number”.

Choose the option to send your examination results to a third party and indicate the email address of the CDHS office provided in the letter sent to you from the California LFS Personnel Licensing Section.