Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee License 

Thank you for your interest in the California Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist Trainee license. Laboratory Field Services (LFS) requires applicants to submit documentation of academic coursework to qualify for licensure. 

Work experience in California as an unlicensed laboratory staff person will not be accepted as qualification toward any clinical laboratory license.  Please note that biotech/pharmaceutical, forensic, academic, veterinary, research, and student laboratory experience cannot count as work experience or training for any clinical license.

Scope of practice

This license:

• Pertains to the diagnosis of human genetic disorders. It is not applicable for the molecular testing of infectious diseases, tissue typing, etc.

• Permits you only to train, not work, as a licensed Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist.

• Permits you to train in clinical genetic molecular biology in Department-approved CLS training programs (PDF).

Academic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (baccalaureate) or an equivalent higher degree in a biological or clinical laboratory science, or field related to genetics.

Non-US transcripts

All non-U.S. transcripts must be evaluated by "Current Members" of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or "Endorsed Members" of the Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE). This allows LFS to determine if your education is equivalent to a U.S. college or university education. Official transcript from the university  is required in addition to the evaluation. The evaluation service will send an evaluation of your educational institution and academic courses directly to LFS.

 

To obtain an application, instructions, and information, visit them on the web:

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)

• Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc. (AICE)

If you are an applicant whose education and training/experience is from a non-U.S. school, college, university, or clinical laboratory, please make sure that your name is printed in English on all your transcripts and supporting documents and that it matches your name on the application.

Resources

Helpful links

CLS Training Programs (PDF)*

LFS Approved Certification Examinations

*If you are having difficulty accessing this document, please contact LFS at LFSCLSTrainingProgram@cdph.ca.gov to request this information in an alternate format.

Statutes and regulations

California Business and Professions Code, Clinical Laboratory Technology, Licensing

California Code of Regulations, Title 17, Section 1031, Clinical Laboratory Specialists

The requirements listed may not be comprehensive.

How to Apply

Visit the LFS online application website to create an account and submit an application.

  
Note: Transcripts must be original documents bearing the school, college, or university registrar’s seal, and must be sent directly to LFS from the office of the college or university registrar. Request to have your transcripts mailed to:

Laboratory Field Services - CLS Trainee Program

850 Marina Bay Parkway, Bldg. P 1st Floor

Richmond, CA 94804

 
*Incomplete application packages may be abandoned. All applicants whose applications have been abandoned who wish to re-apply must pay a new non-refundable application fee.

Documents you may need for your application

• Official transcript showing your baccalaureate degree.

• NACES or AICE course-by-course evaluation.
  

For additional information you may contact LFSscientist@cdph.ca.gov.