California Clinical Laboratory and Phlebotomy License Renewal Update

On January 1, 2026, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Laboratory Field Services (LFS), transitioned all California clinical laboratory personnel and phlebotomy licenses and certifications to a one-year renewal cycle and implemented changes to the license renewal requirements.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Clinical laboratory personnel (CLS, MLT, cytogenetic technologists, laboratory directors, and supervisors): 12 contact hours of continuing education each year (previously 24 hours every two years).

• Phlebotomy personnel (LPT, CPT I, CPT II):
  3 contact hours of continuing education each year
  (previously 6 hours every two years)

Important Notes

Phlebotomists (CPTs):
Some phlebotomists have reported that CDPH Laboratory Field Services (LFS) is still requiring 6 contact hours of continuing education at the time of renewal, even though the new requirement is 3 contact hours annually. Please confirm your individual renewal requirement before enrolling in any course.

Clinical Laboratory Personnel:
Although the new requirement is 12 contact hours annually, some licensees have reported that CDPH Laboratory Field Services (LFS) is still requiring 24 contact hours of continuing education at the time of renewal. Please verify your specific renewal requirements directly with LFS before completing any course.

Official Notice from CDPH Laboratory Field Services (LFS):
Beginning January 1, 2026, all licenses and certificates will have a one-year renewal period under California law. Due to ongoing IT system upgrades, licenses and certificates may continue to display a two-year expiration date. Even if a two-year term is shown, licensees are still required to renew after one year. For more information, please visit the CDPH Laboratory Field Services Personnel Renewal page: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OSPHLD/LFS/pages/personnel-renewal.aspx

Thank you for choosing Anderson CE!