Earn Industry-Recognized Microcredentials
Several DNA Learning Center camps and workshops prepare students to earn microcredentials awarded by the Biosciences Core Skills Institute (BCSI), a nationally recognized workforce skills assessment provider. These certifications are evidence of proficiency in a range of essential laboratory techniques. Microcredentials will enhance a student’s resume, allowing them to stand out in applications for research positions, internships and jobs.
Upon successful completion of an eligible camp, participants can schedule an evaluation on one of the dates listed below. Please note that all exams must be scheduled in advance and require a $20 fee per test, charged by BCSI. If you are interested in enrolling your child in the microcredential program, please fill out this form.
Small Volume Metrology
Mastering the precise measurement and transfer of microliter liquid volumes is a foundational skill in molecular biology. This certification proves a student’s proficiency with micropipettes, ensuring they can handle delicate biological samples and reagents with the exact precision required in professional laboratory environments.
Eligible Camps: DNA Science, DNA Barcoding, Synthetic Biology, Genome Science, Sequence a Genome, STARS
Aseptic Technique
Preventing contamination is critical in any biological research or clinical setting. This certification verifies that a student can successfully manipulate cultures, sterilize equipment, and maintain a workspace, demonstrating their readiness to safely handle sensitive biological materials without introducing foreign microbes.
Eligible Camps: DNA Science, Synthetic Biology
Testing Dates
Certification exams are scheduled across our various centers.
Upcoming Testing dates:
- DNALC NYC at City Tech (Brooklyn): Friday, August 28, 2026
- Regeneron DNALC: Friday, August 28, 2026
- Passaic DNALC: Thursday, September 3, 2026 (afterschool)
- Dolan DNALC: Friday, September 4, 2026
Microcredential FAQs
Microcredentials are concise certifications that validate specific lab skills, offering students and trainees tangible proof of their proficiency in essential biological and biotechnological competencies.
Each individual microcredential evaluation is approximately 15 minutes in length.
Each evaluation will test key skills related to the specific microcredential. For example, Aseptic Technique will require demonstrating proficiency in cleaning a workspace and transferring bacteria to a new culture tube. Small Volume Metrology will require demonstrating proficiency in pipetting precise amounts of liquids between containers.
No. All equipment and reagents used for the evaluations will be provided.
Passage rates vary according to age, ability, and level of preparation. Passage of the evaluation is not guaranteed.
No. BCSI rules require that the evaluator not have previously taught the student. Therefore we have carefully selected our evaluators for each location and time slot to avoid this conflict of interest.
My child is not taking an eligible camp/workshop, can they still be evaluated for a microcredential?
No. Only students taking the eligible camps may be evaluated for the microcredential associated with that camp.
If your child has previously taken an eligible camp or workshop, and is taking any DNALC summer camp this year, they are eligible to be evaluated for the microcredential associated with the original camp. However, it is strongly recommended that you take an eligible camp in the same year as the evaluation.
Yes. Your child may be evaluated at any DNALC location on the testing dates available.
The $20 evaluation fee goes directly to BSCI and is non-refundable.
Your child is eligible to retake the evaluation after a mandatory waiting period of 30 days. We recommend participating in another DNALC program to ensure skills are fresh before signing up for a new evaluation.
Evaluators are not able to give direct feedback to test-takers.
Students must have completed the eligible camp or workshop in question before registering to take the evaluation. If the camp concludes after the next available testing date, the student will have to wait for a future testing date, or switch into an earlier eligible camp with remaining open seats.
Yes. Keep an eye on this page as future testing dates become available.
Everyone who has filled out the interest form will be contacted soon with details of registration for the evaluation dates. Slots will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Disclaimer: While our camps provide preparation, earning a microcredential is based on individual performance during the exam as devised by BCSI, and passage is not guaranteed. The DNALC is not responsible for students who fail to meet the certification standards. If a student does not pass on their first attempt, they are permitted to retake the test on any subsequent scheduled testing day, provided it is at least 30 days from the initial testing date.