Montana Clinical Laboratory Science Practitioners

Clinical Laboratory Science Practitioners

On this website, you can find information about the requirements to become licensed in Montana, verify who is already licensed via the Department's free, public, Licensee Lookup service and access statutory and regulatory requirements regarding clinical lab science practice, as well as information about board meetings (including agendas and minutes from past meetings), etc.

Help is available online through our licensing portal here: https://aca-prod.accela.com/POL/Default.aspx.

You can contact us at dlibsdhelp@mt.gov or by phone at (406) 444-6880 for additional information, or to provide comments on how we can improve our website.
    • Applicants are encouraged to begin their application for licensure and to complete as much of the required information as possible.
    • Applications remain valid for one year under normal circumstances. If you submit your application and an item is missing, our licensing specialist will work with you to complete the application. We do not deny applicants for submitting an incomplete application. By completing the application’s remaining parts, exempting exams, etc., you can get ahead on the licensure process.
    • Online applications are the most efficient application method and allow you to upload your own supplemental forms directly into your application at any time.  Click here to go to our online system to create an account and begin your application.
    • Paying the fee triggers the beginning of the staff review process. Be aware that to verify authenticity, some documents such as exam results, and transcripts must be sent to the department directly from the source and cannot be uploaded by the applicant.
    • Make sure your address and e-mail information are up-to-date. You can update your information at any time by logging into your online account.
    • E-mail is the board's primary form of communication so a current e-mail helps ensure you stay current on board information.

  • Substantial Equivalency Standardized

    House Bill 246 -Establishes the definition of “Substantial Equivalency” or “Substantially Equivalent” as meaning that the “education, examination, and experience requirements contained in the statutes and rules of another jurisdiction are comparable to or exceed the education, examination, and experience requirements contained in the licensing provisions of a profession or occupation under Title 37. When ascertaining substantial equivalency, the respective board or the department, as applicable, shall consider the qualifications without regard to the sequence in which the experience, education, and examination requirements were attained.”

  • During the 2025 Legislative Session, the Montana Legislature passed HB 276, impacting how the Department of Labor & Industry serves legal notices.

    What’s Changing: All licensees and applicants are required to provide the department with their current mailing address and any change of address within 30 days. Individuals may consent to electronic service of legal notices by providing a current email address and updating within 30 days of any change.

    All applications and renewals with the department will include the following:

    1. Three additional attestations covering the individual’s responsibility to provide a current mailing address and participate in the complaint and contested case processes.
    2. One question asking the individual if they wish to consent to receive service of Notice of disciplinary matters by email. Once the individual has consented to electronic service, they will not be asked to consent again in future transactions with the department.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at (406) 444-6880 or dlibsdhelp@mt.gov.

License Information:

  • All fees are non-refundable
    Original Application - $100.00
    Temporary License - $25.00
    License by Endorsement - $100.00

  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree with at least 36 semester or 54 quarter hours in the physical and biological sciences.

    Clinical Laboratory Specialist - Must have graduated from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree with at least 36 semester or 54 quarter hours in the physical and biological sciences.

    Clinical Laboratory Technician - Must have graduated with an associate degree or possess 60 semester or 90 quarter hours in a science-related discipline or completed a military medical laboratory training program of at least 12 months in duration.

    Licensure of Out-of-State Applicants - Other state's current licensing standards must be substantially equivalent to, or greater than, Montana's current licensing standards.

  • None for the Scientist, Specialist or Technician.
    Licensure of out-of-state applicants - Must hold an active license(s) in another state(s) where the license has had no disciplinary action taken against it.

  • Examinations administered by National Certification Agencies are approved by the Board.


    Clinical Laboratory Scientist - The applicant must pass a generalist examination offered by a national certifying body for clinical laboratory scientists.

    Clinical Laboratory Specialist - The applicant must pass a specialist examination offered by a national certifying body for clinical laboratory specialists.

    Clinical Laboratory Technician - The applicant must pass a technician examination offered by a national certifying body for clinical laboratory technicians.

    Licensure of out-of-state applicants – Endorsement - Proof of passing a generalist examination offered by a national certifying body for clinical laboratory scientists.

  • All applicants for renewal of licenses shall have completed continuing education as a condition to establish eligibility for renewal. The continuing education requirement will not apply until the licensee's first full year of licensure.

    • 14 hours of continuing education will be required annually for renewal of a license.
    • All continuing education credits must be germane to the profession and must contribute to the professional competence of a Clinical Laboratory Science Practitioner.
  • March 1 - May 1
    Late Renew Online for 45 days until June 15
  • Active $100 / Inactive $50

Additional Information:

  • A temporary practice permit will be issued for 120 days only. Only one temporary permit will be issued to an individual. An applicant must identify the licensed individual(s) who shall be responsible for providing direct, onsite supervision.  If the applicant does not register for the first available examination, for any reason, or fails the examination, the temporary practice permit will be void and must be returned to the board office immediately.
  • A licensee may place their license on inactive status by submitting a written request and paying the required fee. A licensee on inactive status has sole responsibility for providing the board information regarding changes in residency or mailing address. Failure to renew an inactive status license or reactivate will result in termination of the license. The holder of a terminated license will be required to re-apply for licensure.
  • For a licensee to reactivate a license, the licensee must file an updated application form, pay the required fee and submit proof of obtaining the required continuing education for the two-year period immediately preceding the submission of a reactivation application.

Continuing Education:

Exam Information

Related Internet Links:

Frequently Asked Questions:

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