1320 - Chemistry Series

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series includes all positions involving work that requires full professional education and training in the field of chemistry. This work includes the investigation, analysis, and interpretation of the composition, molecular structure, and properties of substances, the transformations which they undergo, and the amounts of matter and energy included in these transformations.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the PHYSICAL SCIENCES GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 1301 - General Physical Science Series
  • 1306 - Health Physics
  • 1310 - Physics
  • 1311 - Physical Science Technician
  • 1313 - Geophysics Series
  • 1315 - Hydrology Series
  • 1316 - Hydrologic Technician Series
  • 1321 - Metallurgy Series
  • 1330 - Astronomy and Space Science Series
  • 1340 - Meteorology Series
  • 1341 - Meteorological Technician Series
  • 1350 - Geology Series
  • 1360 - Oceanography Series
  • 1361 - Navigational Information Series
  • 1370 - Cartography Series
  • 1371 - Cartographic Technician Series
  • 1372 - Geodesy Series
  • 1373 - Land Surveying Series
  • 1374 - Geodetic Technician Series
  • 1380 - Forest Products Technology Series
  • 1382 - Food Technology Series
  • 1384 - Textile Technology Series
  • 1386 - Photographic Technology Series
  • 1397 - Document Analysis Series
  • 1399 - Physical Science Student Trainee Series

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Medical Technologist (MT) In DemandIs In Demand American Medical Technologists (AMT) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class I Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Certification in Clinical Chemistry Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Certification in Molecular Diagnostics Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Certification in Toxicological Chemistry Is Not In Demand American Board of Clinical Chemistry otherOther    
Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology Is Not In Demand American Board of Toxicology otherOther    
Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I In DemandIs In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome    
Qualified Environmental Professional Is Not In Demand Institute of Professional Environmental Practice someSome    
Corrosion Specialist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Medical Laboratory Technician - Generalist (MLT ((AAB)) In DemandIs In Demand American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) someSome    
Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 1 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Technologist in Chemistry (C(ASCP)) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Specialist in Chemistry, SC (ASCP) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) mostMost GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM (ASCP) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Chemical Hygiene Officer Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Clinical Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists otherOther    
Clinical Chemistry Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists mostMost    
Environmental Analytical Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Environmental Analytical Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists someSome    
Toxicological Chemist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Certified Chemists mostMost    
Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 2 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Level I Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA I) Is Not In Demand International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) someSome    
Level II Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA II) Is Not In Demand International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) someSome    
Medical Technologist Generalist (MT(AAB)) In DemandIs In Demand American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCPi) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome    
Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Principal Investigator (CPI) Is Not In Demand Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) otherOther   AccreditationAccreditation
Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG(ASCP)) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Environmental Scientist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome    
Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist Is Not In Demand National Registry of Environmental Professionals (NREP) someSome    
Masonry Field Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) otherOther    
Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician Is Not In Demand American Concrete Institute (ACI) someSome    
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class II Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class III Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class IV Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Internal Corrosion Technologist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Internal Corrosion Specialist Is Not In Demand NACE International someSome    
Qualification in Apheresis (QIA) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome    
Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) Is Not In Demand American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) someSome    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 1320 - Chemistry Series. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Biochemical Engineers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Chemical Engineers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Chemical Plant and System Operators someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Chemical Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Chemists mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
Food Scientists and Technologists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Forensic Science Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Geological Sample Test Technicians someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP) validates technicians knowledge of specific techniques and instruments and his ability to recognize factors that directly affect procedures and results. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory procedures on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids using instruments such as microscopes, chemicals, computers, and complex laboratory equipment. They usually perform these duties under the supervision of a medical laboratory scientist, pathologist, or other professionals that specialize in biological sciences. This is a mid-level certification. Applicants must meet certain education and experience requirement. There are several routes to meet the requirement, all require an associates degree or at least 60 semester hours of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university and additional experience, training, or certification.

Click here to go to Medical Technologist (MT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Medical Technologists (AMT), Medical Technologist (MT) is a mid-level credential. An MT performs complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological analyses, including, microscopically examines blood and other body fluids; makes cultures of body fluid and tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms; analyzes samples for chemical content or a chemical reaction and determines concentrations of compounds. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements to be considered eligible. Candidates must also pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Wastewater Treatment Analyst - Class I is an entry-level wastewater analyst certification. Candidates for Class I must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Individuals who do not meet the requirements may still be eligible based on experience and other criteria. Candidates must also pass an examination, demonstrating knowledge of core competencies related to the analysis of wastewater.

Click here to go to Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I certification validates individuals ability to properly perform and record the results of seven basic field tests on freshly mixed concrete. ACI will grant certification only to those applicants who meet both the requirements of a passing grade on the ACI written examination; and successful completion of the ACI performance examination. The performance examination requires actual demonstration of six of the required ASTM test methods and practices. There are no degree or experience requirements.

Click here to go to Qualification in Immunohistochemistry (QIHC) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Qualified Environmental Professional COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Corrosion Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Laboratory Technician - Generalist (MLT ((AAB)) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), Medical Laboratory Technician [Generalist] (MLT) validates a medical technician's knowledge and ability to perform routine medical laboratory tests and recognize factors that directly affect procedures and results. Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine laboratory procedures on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids using instruments such as microscopes, chemicals, computers, and complex laboratory equipment. They usually perform these duties under the supervision of the Laboratory Director. To earn the MLT(AAB) certification, applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent, satisfy one of the education/training and/or experience requirement options, document their laboratory training, and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 1 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 1 credential demonstrates an individual knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of a variety of laboratory procedures for concrete and aggregates. There is no actual examination or application process for this certification. Certification credentials will be automatically issued upon successfully obtaining concurrent certifications as both Concrete Strength Testing Technician AND Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1.

Click here to go to Technologist in Chemistry (C(ASCP)) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Technologist in Chemistry (C(ASCP)) certification is for laboratory professionals who possess knowledge and skills in the areas of general chemistry, proteins and enzymes, acid-base, blood gases, and electrolytes, hormones and vitamins, toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring, instrumentation and analytical techniques, and laboratory operations. To earn the C(ASCP) certification, applicants must meet education and/or experience requirements and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Specialist in Chemistry, SC (ASCP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Specialist in Chemistry, SC (ASCP) certification validates individuals understanding and knowledge of advanced scientific principles as well as the technical, procedural and research aspects of laboratory chemistry. The specialist should have knowledge of the structure and function of the organization, principles of management and education as well as the roles of other members of the health care team. Candidates must meet one of six eligibility routes to qualify to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM (ASCP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM(ASCP) is a high level certification. To be eligible for this examination, an applicant must have baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university and at least five years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory within the last ten years. The DLM exam questions encompass the following content areas within Laboratory Management: Financial Management, Operations Management, Personnel Management, and Quality Management.

Click here to go to Chemical Hygiene Officer COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Clinical Chemistry Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Environmental Analytical Chemist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Environmental Analytical Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Toxicological Chemist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician - Level 2 COOL Snapshot page.

A Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 2 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates and concrete. Candidates must have at least one year (2000 hours) of approved work experience or a combination of work experience and education as well as hold current certification as an ACI Concrete Laboratory Testing Technician-Level 1 and obtain a passing grade on the written examination and the performance examination.

Click here to go to Level I Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA I) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Level II Laboratory Lubricant Analyst (LLA II) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Technologist Generalist (MT(AAB)) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB), Medical Technologist Generalist (MT (AAB)) certification recognizes professionals with advanced experience in chemistry, hematology, immunology, immunohematology, and microbiology. Candidates must demonstrate basic knowledge in general operations, regulatory compliance, patient confidentiality, information security, and administration. Candidates must pass a written examination. 

Click here to go to International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT (ASCPi) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS (ASCP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) is a high level certification. Medical Laboratory Scientists are healthcare professionals who perform chemical, hematological, immunologic, histopathological, cytopathological, microscopic, and bacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens. Medical laboratory scientists work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, reference labs, biotechnology labs and non-clinical industrial labs. To be eligible for this examination, an applicant must have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university and five years of full-time acceptable clinical experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory within the last ten years.

Click here to go to Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

An Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 1 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must receive a passing grade on the ACI written examination and successfully complete the ACI performance examination.

Click here to go to Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 COOL Snapshot page.

An Aggregate Testing Technician - Level 2 is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of advanced laboratory procedures for aggregates. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must hold current certification as an ACI Aggregate Testing Technician-Level 1, obtain a passing grade on the written examination and successfully complete the performance examination.

Click here to go to Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

An Aggregate/Soils Base Testing Technician is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to properly perform, record, and report the results of basic field and laboratory procedures for aggregates and soils. This is an entry-level certification designed to form a minimum qualification for personnel employed within the concrete construction industry. Candidates must receive a passing grade on the ACI written examination and successfully complete the ACI performance examination.

Click here to go to Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG(ASCP)) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG(ASCP)) certification is for laboratory professionals who possess knowledge and skills in the areas of specimen preparation, molecular cytogenetic testing, chromosome analysis and imaging, and laboratory operations. To earn the CG(ASCP) certification, applicants must meet education and/or experience requirements and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Environmental Scientist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Registered Environmental Laboratory Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician COOL Snapshot page.

A Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician is an individual who has demonstrated the knowledge and ability to perform laboratory procedures required for preparation and testing of masonry construction-related materials including brick, structural clay tile, concrete masonry units, prisms, mortars, and grouts.

Click here to go to Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Wastewater Laboratory Analyst - Class IV COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Internal Corrosion Technologist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Internal Corrosion Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Qualification in Apheresis (QIA) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Qualification in Laboratory Safety (QLS) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Biochemical Engineers
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Geological Sample Test Technicians
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
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Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
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