Learn more about preparing for and challenging the ABB examination
The American Board of Bioanalysis only recognizes examinations administered by the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB). ABB’s examinations cover general laboratory knowledge and a minimum of one (1) of the following clinical laboratory disciplines and specialties:
- Chemistry (including urinalysis, endocrinology and toxicology)
- Diagnostic Immunology
- Embryology
- Hematology (including flow cytometry)
- Microbiology (includes bacteriology, parasitology, virology, and mycology)
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Public Health Microbiology
BCLD applicants must pass ABB examinations covering general laboratory knowledge plus a minimum of three (3) of the five (5) following clinical laboratory disciplines:
- Chemistry;
- Diagnostic Immunology;
- Hematology;
- Microbiology or Public Health Microbiology;
- Molecular Diagnostics
HCLD applicants must pass an ABB examination covering general laboratory knowledge plus an ABB examination in a minimum of one (1) of the eight (8) clinical laboratory disciplines listed above.
PHLD applicants must pass ABB examinations covering general laboratory knowledge AND public health microbiology.
TS applicants must pass an ABB examination in the discipline(s) for which TS certification is sought. TS applicants do not take the General Knowledge examination that is required for director applicants.
ABB examinations are offered twice a year, in the spring and fall, except for the General Supervisor examination, which is offered throughout the year at college and university testing centers. Arrangements for the General Supervisor examination are made on a case-by-case basis.
ELD applicants must pass ABB’s examination covering general knowledge for the embryology laboratory plus ABB’s examination in the discipline of embryology.
(NOTE: General knowledge for the embryology examination differs from the general knowledge for BCLD and HCLD.)
