Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Healthcare
Clinical Lab Technologist Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for clinical lab technologist in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Clinical Lab Technologist in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 3
Refer to the LFS General Fee Information Page for a full list of fees associated with licensing.
- 4
Exams: Applicants must refer to the LFS Website for the list of approved certifying organization examinations for each license category.
- 5
Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate in biology, clinical laboratory science, or equivalent major with specific course requirements plus one year of post-baccalaureate training or one year of work experience in all areas of the specialty of immunohematology, including ABO/Rh Type or Group, unexpected antibody detection, compatibility testing and antibody identification in a clinical laboratory that possesses a certificate issued under Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for performing high complexity testing in the specialty of immunohematology.
- 6
Renewal Period: Every two years.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Continuing education and program notes
- certifying organization examinations for each license category
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al Period: Every two years
- Salary Position
$71,920 median (16% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#8 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Clinical Lab Technologist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate in biology, clinical laboratory science, or equivalent major with specifi...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Academic and Training or Experience Requirements: Baccalaureate in biology, clinical laboratory science, or equivalent major with specifi...).
- 6. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Laboratory Field Services~Personnel Licensing Section and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al Period: Every two years).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $71,920, Clinical Lab Technologists in California earn 16% above the national median of $61,890. California ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$71,920Hourly estimate
$34.5816% above national median
Difference: +$10,030
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationClinical Lab Technologist Salary Ranking
#8 of 50 statesfor Clinical Lab Technologist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $84,660 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $81,220 |
| #3 | New Hampshire | $80,220 |
| #4 | Oregon | $79,640 |
| #5 | Vermont | $76,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Clinical Lab Technologist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $71,920 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $79,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $50,720 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $62,480 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Laboratory Field Services • Personnel Licensing Section
850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 1st Floor, Richmond, CA, 94804-6403
Phone: 5106203800
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|---|---|---|---|
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Clinical Lab Technologist in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Clinical Lab Technologist salary in California?
The median annual salary for Clinical Lab Technologists in California is $71,920. Salaries range from $46,960 (10th percentile) to $125,640 (90th percentile).
How does the Clinical Lab Technologist salary in California compare to the national average?
Clinical Lab Technologists in California earn 16% above the national median of $61,890, with a state median of $71,920.
How many Clinical Lab Technologists work in California?
California employs approximately 29,460 Clinical Lab Technologists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Clinical Lab Technologist license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Clinical Lab Technologists in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Laboratory Field Services / Personnel Licensing Section. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Clinical Lab Technologist license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al Period: Every two years.