How To Become A Certifying Scientist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a certifying scientist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.

A certifying scientist reviews and analyzes laboratory reports to ensure the accuracy and completeness of test results. They ensure that the lab standard operating procedures, quality control practices, analytical procedures, and reporting practices are followed to the latter. They also take corrective actions ensuring that they follow all regulations regarding testing. A certifying scientist is a crucial technical resource for any laboratory.

A Certifying scientist reports to a certifying scientist supervisor. They work closely with both internal and external stakeholders to efficiently carry out their duties. They can work in private laboratories, hospitals, research centers, and clinics. A successful certifying scientist should have technical skills and experience in the field, analytical skills, attention to detail, reporting skills, communication skills, and attention to detail.

A certifying scientist works in a laboratory setting. They work an average of 40 hours a week in 12-hour shifts. They are expected to be on call throughout to assist with any emergencies that may arise.

What general advice would you give to a certifying scientist?

Lisa Cuchara Ph.D.

Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University

Practice both public speaking (presentations, journal clubs, research meetings) as much as possible and also practice "elevator speeches".

Do more than the minimum. Is there a conference you can present at, a journal club you can be involved in, an ASM branch or student chapter to participate in.

ScoreCertifying ScientistUS Average

Salary

7.2

Avg. Salary $92,486

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

6.3

Growth rate 17%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.0

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 25.26%

Black or African American 6.56%

Hispanic or Latino 9.84%

Unknown 4.16%

White 54.04%

Gender

female 62.08%

male 37.92%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

6.3

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.8

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.7

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a certifying scientist

Explore certifying scientist education requirements

Most common certifying scientist degrees

Bachelor's

75.6 %

Master's

13.3 %

Associate

4.8 %

Start to develop specific certifying scientist skills

Skills	Percentages
Ms	22.49%
Test Results	13.03%
LC	7.70%
GC	7.26%
CLIA	5.20%

Complete relevant certifying scientist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New certifying scientists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a certifying scientist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real certifying scientist resumes.

Research certifying scientist duties and responsibilities

Manage study protocols and study conduct, intimately involve in the toxicology and pharmacokinetic study protocol development process.
Review and report screening and confirmation data from GC/MS, and ELISA instruments in AlereApp (LIMS).
Back up extractions department when need, completing all procedures for SPE extractions and ELISA.
Maintain information input in to the ALERE App (LIMS) system and maintain instrument reports.

Prepare your certifying scientist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your certifying scientist resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a certifying scientist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable certifying scientist resume templates

Build a professional certifying scientist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your certifying scientist resume.