Laboratory Analysts Section

Minimum Qualification Requirements for Certified Laboratory Analysts

Required Education and Experience

Level A
PhD/Master’s Degree + 4 Years
Bachelor’s Degree + 5 Years
Associate’s Degree + 7 Years
High School Diploma/GED + 8 Years
And 160 hours of training

Level B
Bachelor’s Degree + 1 Year
Associate’s Degree + 3 Years
High School Diploma/GED + 5 Years
High School Diploma/GED + 5 Years
And 100 hours of training

Level C
Bachelor’s Degree + none
Associate’s Degree + 1 Year
High School Diploma/GED + 2 Years
And 60 hours of training

Level D
Bachelor’s Degree + none
Associate’s Degree + none
High School Diploma/GED + 6 Months
And 20 hours of training (no training required at Bachelor’s Degree level)

Exam

There are four levels of exams:  “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D”.  Each exam is allotted 2 hours and consists of 100 multiple choice questions with 70 percent correct being the minimum required to pass.  Computer-based exams are available through PSI at multiple testing centers across Texas (see below).  Exams are scored immediately upon conclusion of the exam.  Candidates leave the testing center with a printed report which includes the total number of items answered correctly, the number required to pass, the pass/fail status, and a diagnostic report on their strengths and weaknesses.

Should you not pass, there is a two month waiting period before the exam can be retaken.  You are allowed one retest at the same level las the original exam and at the cost of the testing center fee.  The retest must be completed within six months of the original test date.  Upon successful completion of an exam, a certificate will be issued by TWUA.

Exam Fees/Validity Period/Renewal - All Levels

Exam Application Fee (paid to TWUA)
   $38/TWUA Members   $138/Non-Members
PSI Testing Center Fee = $87 (paid to Testing Center at Time of Scheduling)
Validity Period - 3 Years
Training Credits Required for Renewal - 30 Hours
Renewal Fee (paid to TWUA)  $25/TWUA Member   $50.00 Non-Member

The certification is renewable without retesting upon completion of 30 hours of approved training credits within the validity period of the certification.