[Education and Career Development of Laboratory Personnel through Qualification System of Molecular Analysis Technologist and Specialist}.

Clinical applications of molecular-genetic testing are rapidly disseminating and expanding. A qualification system of technological professionals for molecular-genetic testing has been implemented and operating in Japan, aiming at educating and evaluating personnel who are to engage in molecular-genetic testing. It con- sists of two stages in career development with molecular analysis technologist and specialist, both of which need to be renewed every 5 years. The qualification is of significance across many fields. Human resource development of molecular-genetic testing is a cornerstone of quality assurance of measurement by medical and research laboratory personnel. In addition, expectations of the qualified personnel include the manage- ment of relevant guidelines, compliance regarding the use of personal genetic information (medical ethics) and bio-risk in the laboratories, as well as engagement in the biotechnology industry. [Review].