Rob, what would be the pathway to getting lam certification on a pilot? My guess is that it would need the weight class cert of the LAM already, 10 xp for lam qual, then 10 xp to unlock 5 asf piloting and 10 xp to unlock 6 asf gunnery, then decrease your skill ratings through xp as normal
Functionally, in-game, there isn't one. It's something that would happen "in the academy", prior to game. The Watsonian reason is because "LAM pilot" is a type classification within AtB that cannot be modified or changed. In order for someone to be assigned to a LAM inside the game, you have to have the "MechWarrior/Aerospace Pilot" role, otherwise you simply can't be assigned to the LAM, which means that the LAM in your lance won't have a "pilot", and won't be counted towards your lance mass which is part of the algorithm which determines OPFOR mass and type.
The highlighted pilot is the only LAM pilot the Rangers currently have. Note her role, as compared to everyone else. Also take a look at LT Smit from Blitzkrieg, and note his role. Roles simply aren't changable within AtB - they're given when the character is created and only then.