Most clinical laboratory assistants, complete a post-secondary training of one to two years, obtaining a certificate or associate degree. Others complete on-the-job training instead of formal education. Certification remains voluntary as of 2010, but may result in a higher salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Clinical laboratory certification offers potential employers a means of identifying highly trained, committed and professional assistants. It can also differentiate between experienced assistants and entry-level ones with little or no work background in the field, this guide was created to facilitate this transition.