- ABOR charges $115 for the initial certification application, separate from exam fees.
- Same-day total for both required exams with an AAB proctor is $320.
- Basic Knowledge and Andrology exams each cost differently: $105 for the first, $65 for the second same day.
- Annual renewal is $115 with no continuing-education requirement from ABOR.
ALS Certification Cost Overview
If you're planning to sit for the Andrology Laboratory Scientist certification through the AAB Board of Registry (ABOR), understanding the fee structure before you register saves you from surprises on exam day. Unlike some certifications that bundle everything into a single flat fee, ALS(AAB) pricing is broken into distinct line items: an application fee, examination fees, and proctor fees. Each piece matters, and how you schedule your testing session directly affects your total out-of-pocket cost.
This breakdown walks through every fee currently published by ABOR, explains how the same-day discount works, and shows where candidates sometimes underestimate their total spend. For a full picture of what you're preparing for content-wise, pair this with our complete guide to all 2 content areas and our overview of ALS Certification generally.
Fee-by-Fee Breakdown
Here is exactly what ABOR charges for the ALS(AAB) credential, itemized:
| Fee Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial certification application | $115 | One-time fee to apply for ALS(AAB) |
| First discipline examination | $105 | Applies to the first exam taken |
| Second examination (same day) | $65 | Reduced rate when taken same day as the first |
| AAB proctor fee | $35 | Charged when using an AAB-arranged proctor |
| Annual renewal | $115 | No continuing-education requirement |
Notice that both the Basic Knowledge Examination and the Andrology Examination are required - there is no single-exam pathway to full certification. Candidates who understand the exam content ahead of time tend to budget more accurately, which is one reason we point people toward our ALS Exam Domains 2026 guide before they even register.
Domain 1: Basic Knowledge Examination
This 70-question, 90-minute exam must be taken at your first sitting - ABOR does not allow candidates to postpone it in favor of the Andrology Examination. It establishes the foundational laboratory science knowledge that underpins andrology-specific practice.
- No calculators or outside notes permitted during testing
- 60% is the minimum passing score
- Costs $105 as the first exam taken, or $65 if taken second
Domain 2: Andrology Examination
Also 70 questions in 90 minutes, this exam covers the specialized andrology content that distinguishes this credential from general laboratory certifications. It can be taken the same day as Basic Knowledge or scheduled separately.
- Same 60% passing threshold applies
- Fee depends on whether it's your first or second exam of the sitting
- No calculators or outside notes, same as Basic Knowledge
The $320 Same-Day Total Explained
The most cost-effective way to pursue ALS(AAB) certification is to sit for both the Basic Knowledge Examination and the Andrology Examination on the same testing day, using an AAB proctor. Here's how the math works:
- $115 - initial certification application
- $105 - first examination
- $65 - second examination (same day discount)
- $35 - AAB proctor fee
That adds up to $320 total when both required exams are completed in a single sitting with an AAB proctor. If a candidate chooses to use a college or university proctor instead, that proctor fee is paid separately and directly to the institution rather than to AAB - so the $320 figure assumes the AAB proctor path specifically.
Key Takeaway
Splitting your exams across two separate testing days does not save money - it costs more, since you lose the same-day second-exam discount and may incur a second proctor fee. Plan to take both exams together whenever your preparation allows.
Because Basic Knowledge must be taken first, your scheduling decision is really just "same day or different day" for the Andrology Examination. Most candidates who feel ready for both domains choose the same-day route to lock in the lower combined cost. If you're unsure whether your preparation level supports a same-day attempt, our difficulty guide and pass rate breakdown can help you calibrate readiness before you commit financially.
Eligibility Routes and Hidden Costs
Before you can even pay the application fee, you need to meet ABOR's eligibility requirements. There are four education routes into the ALS(AAB) credential, and each also requires either an approved clinical laboratory training program or at least three months of full-time high-complexity andrology laboratory training or experience completed within the preceding 10 years.
This is where costs can vary significantly from candidate to candidate, and where the certification fees themselves are only part of the financial picture:
- Formal training programs may carry tuition or program fees separate from ABOR's application and exam fees.
- On-the-job training routes typically avoid extra tuition costs but require documentation of your three months of qualifying experience.
- Study materials and preparation resources - including structured resources like our ALS Study Guide - are an optional but common expense candidates budget for separately from ABOR's official fees.
If you meet the education requirement before completing your training requirement, ABOR offers a provisional pathway: ALS-P(AAB) status. This lets you move forward professionally while you finish accumulating the required hands-on experience, without incurring additional certification fees beyond what you'd already pay. For the full eligibility breakdown, see our detailed ALS Requirements guide.
Annual Renewal Fees
Certification cost doesn't end once you pass both exams. ALS(AAB) certification renews annually for $115. Unlike many laboratory credentials, ABOR does not impose a continuing-education requirement to maintain your ALS(AAB) status - the renewal fee alone keeps your certification active.
That said, timing matters. If you go three years without renewing, your certification file closes entirely, meaning you would need to re-establish eligibility and likely re-test to regain certified status. Budgeting the $115 annual fee into your professional expenses each year is far cheaper than letting your file lapse and having to start over.
| Scenario | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial application + both exams (same day, AAB proctor) | $320 |
| Annual renewal (each subsequent year) | $115 |
| Lapse beyond 3 years without renewal | File closes - re-establish eligibility required |
Cost vs. Value: Is It Worth Budgeting For?
A $320 same-day testing total plus $115 in annual renewal is a modest investment relative to many professional certifications, but candidates still want to know whether the credential pays off in their career. That depends heavily on your employment setting - hospital andrology labs, fertility clinics, and reproductive laboratories often specifically seek ALS(AAB)-credentialed staff for high-complexity testing roles.
We cover this question in depth in our ROI analysis and our salary guide, both of which look at how the credential factors into hiring and advancement conversations. If you're still deciding whether ALS(AAB) is the right credential for your career path, start with our foundational explainer on What Is ALS Certification?
Key Takeaway
Treat the $320 same-day exam total as your baseline certification cost, then add $115 annually thereafter. Factor in any training program tuition separately based on which of the four eligibility routes you pursue.
Budgeting Your Prep Timeline
Since the Basic Knowledge Examination must come first and both exams share a 90-minute, 70-question format with no calculators or outside notes, your preparation timeline should treat the two domains as sequential-but-connected rather than entirely separate study tracks. Many candidates schedule several weeks of foundational review before layering in andrology-specific material, so their same-day test attempt covers both domains with confidence and avoids the cost of a second testing session.
Basic Knowledge Foundation
- Review core laboratory science concepts required for Domain 1
- Practice under timed, no-calculator conditions to simulate real exam constraints
Andrology-Specific Content
- Shift focus to Domain 2 topics unique to andrology laboratory practice
- Use timed practice sets matching the 70-question, 90-minute format
Combined Review and Scheduling
- Take full-length practice tests covering both domains back to back
- Finalize your same-day testing appointment to lock in the $320 total
For a domain-by-domain study framework, our ALS Study Guide 2026 lays out exactly how to sequence your review, and our one-page cheat sheet is a useful final-week reference. You can also run through timed practice questions on our practice test platform to get comfortable with the exact format before you sit for the real exam.
Planning Ahead for Test Day
Before you finalize your registration, double-check ABOR's current testing windows and scheduling deadlines so your application timeline lines up with when you actually intend to test. Since Basic Knowledge must be taken first and no calculators or notes are allowed on either exam, showing up prepared for both content areas - not just one - is what makes the same-day $320 total achievable rather than a fee you end up paying twice.
Reviewing the required passing score of 60% on each exam alongside your practice test performance on our full-length practice exams gives you a realistic gauge of whether you're ready to commit to a same-day testing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Testing both required exams - Basic Knowledge and Andrology - on the same day with an AAB proctor totals $320, which includes the $115 application fee, $105 for the first exam, $65 for the second exam, and $35 for the proctor fee.
No. The reduced $65 fee only applies to the second exam when taken the same day as the first. Splitting exams across two days means paying full separate exam fees and potentially an additional proctor fee.
No. ABOR does not impose a continuing-education requirement for ALS(AAB). Certification simply renews annually for $115.
If you go three years without renewing, your certification file closes, and you would need to re-establish eligibility to regain certified status.
College or university proctor fees are paid separately from ABOR's fees when applicable, so your total cost structure will differ slightly from the $320 same-day AAB-proctor total.