American Board of Clinical Chemistry

The American Board of Clinical Chemistry (ABCC) is a not-for-profit organization, incorporated in 1950, devoted to certification of individuals with doctoral level degrees in the practice of clinical chemistry, toxicological chemistry, and other clinical laboratory medicine disciplines. In purpose, function, and organization the ABCC is analogous to the certifying boards in various medical specialties. The aim of the Board is to serve the public interest and advance the science by establishing standards of competence for those who practice clinical laboratory medicine, and to certify as Diplomates those qualified specialists who comply with the requirements of the Board.

Applications for the August 2026 exam cycle are now open from March 9 through May 7, 2026. Visit "Application Guidelines" for details on educational and professional requirements. As a reminder, ABCC is delivering all exams in-person at a Kryterion Testing Center.

Why Should You Be Certified By The American Board of Clinical Chemistry?

Certification by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry satisfies the personnel requirements of CLIA ’88 regulations to serve as the director of a high complexity clinical laboratory and clinical consultant in laboratory medicine. Certifications are available in Clinical Chemistry, Toxicological Chemistry, and Molecular Diagnostics.

Clinical Chemistry

The examination in Clinical Chemistry tests the candidate’s Recall and Applied skills and is comprised of two parts: A) Calculations & Problem Solving, and B) Analytical & Clinical Issues.

Molecular Diagnostics

The examination in Molecular Diagnostics tests the candidate’s Recall and Applied skills and is comprised of one part.

Toxicological Chemistry

The examination in Toxicological Chemistry tests the candidate’s Recall and Applied skills and is comprised of two parts: A) Calculations & Problem Solving, and B) Analytical, Toxicological and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Issues.

Testimonials

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The ABCC credential speaks for itself—it indicates a level of knowledge, training, and expertise in our field. People with a variety of educational backgrounds may serve as clinical consultants, and board certification provides a common baseline. In my current position, I provide consultation to clients from across the United States, and board certification helps define my role.

Joely Straseski, PhD

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My main area of practice is postmortem forensic toxicology. Being board certified in toxicological chemistry shows my colleagues, regulatory agencies, and the courts that I also have competence in the interpretation of test results pertaining to living individuals. Also, due to the continuing education requirements associated with this certification, I can better evaluate different case types with confidence that my skill set remains current with the latest clinical laboratory developments.

Laura Labay, PhD

Being ABCC certified allows me to be confident that I can compete for clinical chemistry/toxicology positions across the country. From a clinical licensing perspective, having ABCC certification was essential to obtaining a Clinical Chemist director license in the State of California. To me, someone with ABCC certification signifies that they are commitment to our profession and have achieved a high level of success.

Robert Fitzgerald, PhD