Renewal of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Licenses and Certificates

California law requires license and certificate holders to renew California licenses and certificates every two years. Renewal of national certification is optional, and can only be done by contacting the national certifying organization directly. 

Attention Renewal Applicants:

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Important Announcement

Coming fall 2024, there will be a 2.99% service fee
for each credit card transaction. ​​​​

NEW ​ Download and Print Personnel License

Effective June 18, 2019  you will be able to download and print your active license. Personnel Licensing will no longer mail your license or certificate. This means you will no longer need to wait for your license through the mail and you can easily print your license as many times as you need.

Instructions on how to download and print your license can be viewed here: How to Download & Print License (PDF)

Online Renewal Applications

On November 14, 2017, Laboratory Field Services (LFS) launched an update to PERL, the online application system for personnel licenses and certificates, which allows licensees and certificate holders to submit renewal applications online.

• LFS will not accept paper applications.
• All renewal applications submitted via the online system must include applicants' continuing education certificates and/or unofficial transcripts.
  
• The online application system works best using Internet Explorer and Google Chrome browsers. Additionally, while mobile devices, such as phones or tablets may be used , a desktop or laptop computer works best.
  

Continuing Education Requirements 

Phlebotomy Certificates

Limited Phlebotomy Technician (LPT) and Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPT I and CPT II ) must complete a total of 6 contact hours of continuing education provided by a Department-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution.

All Other Clinical Laboratory Personnel Licenses

All licensed clinical laboratory personnel (including cytotechnologists, medical laboratory technicians, scientists, and directors) must complete a total of 24 contact hours of continuing education provided by a Department-approved accrediting agency or an accredited academic institution. 

How to Renew Personnel Licenses and Certificates

Complete the required number of continuing education credits during the 24 months prior to submitting a renewal application (See the continuing education requirements above). Be sure to keep copies of your continuing education certificates and/or transcripts, as they will be required to be uploaded with your renewal application. Check your address and communication details in the system, so that your renewed license/certificate is sent to the correct address and to allow LFS to contact you if necessary.

• If you have an existing account for the online application system, PERL:

• Log in to the online application system, select your expiring license/certificate or the “Renew Licenses” button, and follow the prompts to complete and submit your renewal application.

• If you have never used the online application system, PERL:

• Create an account by visiting the online application system, and log in to your account. Follow the prompts to match your account to your license or certificate record in the system. Then, click the microscope icon on the homepage. Next, select your expiring license/certificate or click the “Renew Licenses” button, and follow the prompts to complete and submit your renewal application. If you have trouble in this area, please see the Frequently Asked Questions section below. Please send a request for assistance to our Cherwell help desk by using our Contact Us link.
  

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How will I know when it is time to renew my license or certificate?

Renewal notices are sent to license and certificate holders approximately 75 days prior to the expiration dates of their licenses or certificates. You can search for your license or certificate expiration dates on the LFS license and certificate verification page.

How soon should I complete my online renewal application?

You are eligible to renew your license or certificate up to 60 days before the expiration of your license or certificate. To ensure that your renewal is processed before the expiration of your license or certificate, a complete renewal(including copies of your continuing education certificates and/or unofficial transcripts) must be submitted through the online system at least 30 days prior to the license or certificate expiration date. An incomplete or incorrect application will delay the processing of the application.

What browsers can I use to complete my online renewal application?

The online application system works best using Internet Explorer and Google Chrome browsers. 

Can I use a mobile phone or a tablet to complete my online renewal application?

While mobile devices, such as phones or tablets may be used , a desktop or laptop computer works best when completing your online renewal application.

How will I know if my renewal request has been approved?

Approval notices are sent via email when renewal applications have been approved. Approvals are also posted on the LFS license and certificate verification page, which updates every two business days.

How do I update my mailing address ?

After logging into your online account, follow the instructions below:

1. Click on your initials in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
2. Click the "View Profile" selection
   
3. Click the "Update Profile" button
   
4. Scroll down the 'Address Details" section
   
5. Click the "Edit" button
   
6. Make the necessary changes to your address
   
7. Make sure that you select "Mailing Address" as the type
   
8. Make sure you click the "Primary" checkbox
   
9. Click the "Validate" button
   
10. Click the "Next" button
    
11. Click the "Finish" button
    

How do I notify LFS of my name change?

After logging into your online account follow the instructions below:

1. Click on your initials in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
2. Click the "View Profile" selection
   
3. Click the "Update Profile" button
   
4. Go to the "Key Demographics" section
   
5. Make the necessary changes to your name
   
6. Double check the spelling of your name
   
7. Click the "Next" button
   
8. Click the "Select Document Type" to select the appropriate document type
   
9. Click  the "Upload" button to upload your required document
   
10. Click  the "Choose File" button
    
11. Select the appropriate document you want to upload
    
12. Click the "Submit" button
    
13. Click Finish
    
14. A Laboratory Field Services (LFS) staff member will review your name change request. The system will send you an email once the review is complete.
    

I forgot my license/certificate number. Where can I find my license/certificate number?

The status of CDPH license and certificate holders is posted on the license verification page at the following link: Laboratory Personnel License Search. If you are unable to locate the certificate information by CPT number, you can also select the "Last Name" button and search by name.

Who can I contact if I have questions regarding the renewal process?

You can contact the LFS Personnel Licensing staff by sending a request for assistance to our Cherwell help desk by using our Contact Us link.

 Resources

• Schedule of renewal fees​
  
• List of Department-approved accrediting agencies
  
• LFS License Verification page​​