Only medical technologists (National License, qualified by a Japanese government) can take the cytotechnologist qualification test.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

There are three ways to become eligible applicants.

(1) To practice more than one year in a cytology laboratory, with a national license of Medical 　　Technologist.

(2) To graduate from the universities with Medical Technologist training course which have a 　　Cytotechnology program.
　　Fourteen following universities have the Cytotechnology program.

　1)Kyorin University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology
　2)Kitasato University, School of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
　3)Gunma University, Faculty of Medicine School of Health Sciences
　4)Yamaguchi University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
　5)Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts. Kake school cytopathology Institute
　6)Kobe Tokiwa University, Department of medical technology
　7)Hirosaki University, School of Health Sciences
　8)Junsei Educational Institution Kyushu University of Health and Welfare
　9)Kansai University of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Technology
　10)Ciba Institute of Science, Department of Health and Medical Sciences
　11)Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science Technology
　12)Kyoto Tachibana University, Faculty of Health Sciences
　13)Yokkaichi Nursing and Medical Care University,
　14)Fukushima Medical University, School of Health Sciences

　(3) Learn at the Cytotechnology Schools after obtaining a national license of Medical Technologist. 　　The training program period is 6-7 months.
　　The following institutes have Cytotechnology programs.
　　　1)The Japanese cancer institute, educational division for cytotechnologist
　　　2)Kake school cytopathology Institute
　　　3) Kio University Cytology Training Center

The cytotechnologist qualification test includes a primary exam (written, colour-printed cell image test) and a second exam (microscopic examination, practical skill). The primary exam is held at two venues in Tokyo and Osaka (depending on the year) around the end of October every year. On successful completion of the primary exam, the second is held in Tokyo in early or mid-December. On passing the second exam, you will be awarded a cytotechnologist qualification. For those who fail the second test will be exempt from the primary exam the following year and will only need to retake the second exam.

Primary exam contents
　1)Written test: Multiple-choice test on general knowledge in Cytotechnology and cytopathology. 120 　　questions (general, technical, gynecological, respiratory, gastroenterology, body fluid / other 20 　　questions each)
　2)Cell image test: Multiple-choice test on color-printed cell images (about 60 questions)

Secondary exam contents:
　1)Screening test: Cytological specimens such as gynecological materials, sputum, urine, and body 　　cavity fluid are microscopically examined within a certain period, and atypical cells and malignant 　　cells in the specimens are screened (sieved or selected) to estimate lesions.
　2)Identification test: A test to estimate the histological type by looking at the cells shown in the 　　cytological specimen.
　3)Specimen preparation practical test: A test that asks the level of specimen preparation techniques 　　such as smearing and fixing.