ABB's HCLD/BCLD Exams Approved for California's Director (Bioanalyst) License

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Certification Qualifications for BCLD

Certification Qualifications HCLD

The California Laboratory Field Services (LFS) announced on December 3, 2009, that ABB's HCLD and BCLD examinations are now approved to meet California's written examination requirement for licensure as a generalist laboratory director (bioanalyst).

The approval is effective as of October 1, 2009.  In addition, a four-year "look back" provision permits individuals who passed ABB's HCLD and BCLD examinations during the four years prior to the approval date (i.e., after October 1, 2005) to use ABB's HCLD and BCLD examinations to satisfy California's written examination requirement for a director's license.

California's LFS will continue to review and approve an applicant's education and experience for a generalist director's license.  Once approved, the applicant receives a "Letter of Qualification" from LFS and then must pass an approved written examination (e.g., ABB's HCLD or BCLD examinations). Applicants must also pass an oral examination, which will still be administered by the state of California.

Since California does not yet license embryology laboratory directors, this approval has no effect on California ELDs or HCLDs in embryology.