U.S. Procedures for Examination & Certification - ASCP
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IMPORTANT
NEW INFORMATION ENCLOSED
JULY 2019
U.S. Procedures for
Examination & Certification
Cytotechnologist (CT)CM Specialist in Chemistry (SC)CM
Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)CM Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)CM
Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT)CM Specialist in Hematology (SH)CM
Histotechnician (HT)CM Specialist in Microbiology (SM)CM
Histotechnologist (HTL)CM Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)CM
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)CM Technologist in Chemistry (C)CM
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)CM Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)CM
#0688 Pathologists’ Assistant (PA)CM Technologist in Hematology (H)CM
ISO/IEC 17024 Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)CM Technologist in Microbiology (M)CM
Personnel Certification Body Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)CM Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)CM
The ASCP Board of Certification is an administratively independent certification agency that prepares relevant standards and develops procedures that will assure the competence of non-physician medical laboratory personnel. The ASCP Board of Certification certifies those individuals who meet the academic and clinical prerequisites and who achieve acceptable performance levels on examinations. The Board of Certification does not discriminate among applicants as to age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION APPLICATION AND SCHEDULING
About the Board of Certification...............................................2 Application Form Completion...........................................20
Accreditation...........................................................................2 Change of Email Address, Mailing Address
Certification and Credential Maintenance.................................3
and/or Name Change....................................................... 20
Certification Process................................................................3
Applicants with a Disability.......................................................3 Application Processing......................................................21
Certification Categories and Application Fees..........................3 Review of Documents....................................................... 21
Application Status............................................................ 21
EXAMINATION ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Determination of Eligibility................................................. 21
Technician Certification................................................... 4-5 Ineligibility......................................................................... 21
Donor Phlebotomy Technician, DPT(ASCP)........................ 4
Study Materials................................................................. 21
Histotechnician, HT(ASCP)................................................. 4
Medical Laboratory Assistant, MLA(ASCP)...................... 4-5 Scheduling Your Examination...........................................21
Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP)........................ 5 Scheduling Your Appointment.......................................... 21
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)................................... 5 Rescheduling Appointments............................................. 21
Technologist Certification............................................... 6-9 Cancellation Policy........................................................... 21
Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP).......................... 6 Reapplying for Examination.............................................. 21
Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP)....................... 6-7
Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP).................................... 7
Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)............................ 7 EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION
Cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP)............................................... 8 Examination Administration..............................................22
Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP)................................. 8 Board of Certification Examinations—
Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP)............................................ 8 Computer Adaptive Testing............................................... 22
Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP)............................... 9 What to Bring to the Examination Center.......................... 22
Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)..................... 9
Acceptable Forms of Identification.................................... 22
Specialist Certification................................................. 11-16
Inappropriate Conduct...................................................... 22
Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP).................................... 11
Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP).......................... 11 Examination Irregularities.................................................. 22
Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP)............................... 11-12 Taking the Test....................................................................22 1
Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP)............................ 12-13 Examination Results.................................................... 23
Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP)................................ 13 Examination Score............................................................ 23
J U LY 2 0 1 9
Specialist in Cytotechnology, SCT(ASCP)......................... 14
Release of Score to Program Officials............................... 23
Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP).............................. 14
Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP)..................... 15 Re-examination................................................................ 23
Diplomate Certification......................................................16 Watch for Your Certificate................................................. 23
Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM(ASCP).......... 16 Request for Verification of Certification
Submitted to a Third Party................................................ 23
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Verification of Examination Results.................................... 23
Documentation Required...................................................18 Revocation of Certification................................................ 23
Verification of Academic Education.................................18
Verification of Experience..................................................18
CREDENTIAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Full and Part-Time Experience Defined............................. 19
Foreign Medical Laboratory Science Certification Expiration.......................................................... 23
Clinical Training Programs................................................. 19 Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).........................24
Verification of Training.......................................................19 CMP Requirements.......................................................... 24
Instructions for Phlebotomy Technician Training................ 19
Instructions for Military Trained MLT Applicants................. 19
Instructions for Donor Phlebotomy Technician.................. 19 APPENDIX A – ACCEPTABLE EVALUATION AGENCIES
ASCP Certified Applicants................................................ 19 Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies..................................25
ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION
About the ASCP Board of Certification Accreditation
Founded in 1928 by the American Society for Clinical Pathology The ASCP Board of Certification is accredited by the American
(ASCP), the Board of Certification is widely accepted as the National Standards Institute (ANSI) for certification programs
most influential leader in the field of certification of medical where certificants complete the Credential Maintenance
laboratory professionals. To date over 550,000 individuals have Program (CMP) and hold the following credentials:
been certified. The ASCP Board of Certification understands • Cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP)CM
the importance of impartiality in conducting certification and
• Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM(ASCP)CM
qualification activities. It manages conflict of interest and ensures
objectivity by representative membership on its Board of • Donor Phlebotomy Technician, DPT(ASCP)CM
Governors from other associations and societies. The Board of • Histotechnician, HT(ASCP)CM
Governors of the ASCP Board of Certification has 24 members: • Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP)CM
• Five pathologists (nominated by the ASCP); including one • Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP)CM
member of the American Society of Hematology • Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP)CM
• Five laboratory professionals (nominated by the ASCP); • Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP)CM
including one member of the American Association for • Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)CM
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Clinical Chemistry • Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP)CM
• Four representatives from the American Society • Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP)CM
for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) • Specialist in Cytotechnology, SCT(ASCP)CM
• Two representatives from the Association • Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP)CM
of Genetic Technologists (AGT) • Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP)CM
• One representative from each of the following • Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP)CM
six additional participating specialty societies: • Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP)CM
»» AABB • Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)CM
• Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP)CM
»» American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants
• Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP)CM
»» American Society for Microbiology • Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)CM
»» American Society of Cytopathology ANSI awards accreditation to personnel certification agencies
»» Clinical Laboratory Management Association that meet the International ISO Standard 17024.
2 »» National Society for Histotechnology
• One public member
• Past Board of Governors Chair
J U LY 2 0 1 9Certification and Credential Maintenance
CERTIFICATION CATEGORIES
Certification is the process by which a non-governmental AND APPLICATION FEES
agency or association grants recognition of competence to an Application fees are non-refundable. Be sure you meet
individual who has met certain predetermined qualifications, as the eligibility requirements for the category and route as
specified by the agency or association. stated and are able to provide the required documentation
before submitting your online application and fee.
The ASCP Board of Certification provides a mechanism for
The Board of Certification establishes all candidates’ eligibility
these individuals to be recognized as having the necessary based on review and verification of documentation supplied
competence to perform the medical laboratory roles they through formal application process for examination.
seek. This mechanism is called certification.
Category of Examination Application Fee
ASCP BOC certification is time-limited for three years. To
Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) $135
remain valid, certification must be maintained by completing Donor Phlebotomy Technician, DPT(ASCP) $135
the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) as described on Histotechnician, HT(ASCP) $215
page 24. Medical Laboratory Assistant, MLA(ASCP) $135
Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP) $215
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) $240
Certification Process Cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP) $240
Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP) $240
STEP 1: Determine your examination category and route Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP) $240
and gather required documentation to meet the eligibility Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP) $240
requirements. The BOC Eligibility Assistant found on the Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP) $240
Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP) $240
BOC website can help you determine if you meet the current
Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP) $240
requirements: www.ascp.org/certification. Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP) $240
STEP 2: Complete the online application (see page 25) and
Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP) $290
submit: Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP) $290
• Application fee (credit card or check) Specialist in Cytotechnology, SCT(ASCP) $290
Application fees are non-refundable Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP) $290
Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP) $290
• Required documentation to verify your eligibility Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP) $290
(see page 18). Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP) $290
Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP) $530
3
STEP 3: Receive notification to take the examination on
computer at a Pearson VUE Professional Center within a Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM(ASCP) $405
J U LY 2 0 1 9
three-month examination period, upon determination of The requirements and fees stated in this booklet are subject to
your examination eligibility. change without notice.
STEP 4: Schedule an appointment to take the examination
within the three-month examination period indicated in
your admission notification.
STEP 5: Take the examination at the Pearson VUE Professional
Center of your choice. Immediately after you complete the Applicants with a Disability
examination, you will see your preliminary pass/fail result on the An applicant who wishes to request modifications in the
computer screen. examination environment because of a disability must notify
the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing before the
STEP 6: Receive email notification to login and view your final
submission of a paid application and provide a letter of
examination score report.
diagnosis from an appropriate professional specifying the
STEP 7: Receive your wall certificate in approximately four (4) needed modification. The ASCP Board of Certification will
to eight (8) weeks after receiving your passing score report. consider modification of the testing conditions on a case-by-
Your certification is valid for a three year period. To maintain case basis. The ASCP Board of Certification will work directly
valid certification, completion of the Credential Maintenance with the applicant and proctors at the test centers to make
Program (CMP) is required every three years. Please visit modifications in the testing environment which make it possible
for an individual with a disability to take an examination under
www.ascp.org/cmp for program details.
conditions which will accurately reflect the individual’s aptitude
Congratulations on your decision to apply for certification or achievement level. Such modifications may include providing
by the ASCP Board of Certification, the certification agency auxiliary aids and services to an applicant with a disability.
representing the majority of the laboratory community. We wish Note: Once a candidate has received their Admission Notification,
you success on your examination. requests for testing modifications will not be accepted.Examination Eligibility Requirements
TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
Donor Phlebotomy Technician, DPT(ASCP) To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnician
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy examination, you must have experience within the last five years in
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: ALL of the following areas:
ROUTE 1 • Fixation • Staining
• PBT (ASCP) certification, • Embedding/Microtomy • Laboratory Operations
• AND 50 successful donor collections in the U.S., Canada • Processing
or an accredited laboratory* within the last year.
ROUTE 2
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
• AND completion of an acceptable donor phlebotomy structured
Medical Laboratory Assistant, MLA(ASCP)
program within The Joint Commission or CAP accredited institution, To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
• AND 50 successful donor collections in the U.S., Canada or an the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
accredited laboratory* within the last two years. ROUTE 1
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
ROUTE 3
• High school graduation (or equivalent), • AND successful completion of a NAACLS approved Clinical
Assistant (CA) program within the last five years.
• AND completion of one year of full time acceptable experience as
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
a donor phlebotomy technician in an accredited facility in the U.S., The education received from a NAACLS approved Clinical Assistant
Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last two years. (CA) program is acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the
date of completion of that program. After five years, the applicant’s
ROUTE 4
eligibility will be based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
the current examination eligibility requirements.
• AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other accredited allied
ROUTE 2
health professional/occupational education,
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
• AND donor phlebotomy training with 50 successful donor
• AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical
collections in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*.
laboratory training course* within the last ten years.
Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their current
state/provincial license for RN or LPN or a notarized copy of ROUTE 3
a certificate of completion from the accredited allied health • High school graduation (or equivalent),
program they completed. • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; as a laboratory assistant in the U.S. Canada, or an accredited
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189 laboratory** within the last five years.
ROUTE 4
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours)
4 of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university,
Histotechnician, HT(ASCP) including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6
semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology,
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
J U LY 2 0 1 9
• AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: as a laboratory assistant in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited
ROUTE 1 laboratory** within the last five years.
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician
ROUTE 5
program within the last five years prior to the date of application for
• PBT(ASCP) certification,
examination.
• AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
The education received from a NAACLS accredited HT program is as a laboratory assistant in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion laboratory** within the last five years.
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current ROUTE 6
examination eligibility requirements. • High school graduation (or equivalent),
ROUTE 2 • AND successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal
• At least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit structured medical laboratory assistant program in the U.S.,
from a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination Canada or an accredited laboratory** within the last five years which
of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry consists of classroom training and clinical laboratory training,
(must include credit hours in both), or an associate degree from • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 as a laboratory assistant in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited
semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must laboratory** within the last five years.
include credit hours in both), Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of
• AND one year of full time acceptable experience in a histopathology the structured program.
(clinical*, veterinary, industry or research) laboratory in the U.S.,
* Official or notarized documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS or AFSC code
Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last five years.
or 68K), certificate verifying completion of training or letter from Program Director
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; documenting program completion date or notarized copy of your DD214 form or
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189 ER. B must be mailed to the BOC upon completion of the online application.
** CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Medical Laboratory Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)
Assistant examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
within the time-frame required in ALL of the following areas: the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
• Specimen Preparation and Processing (processes related
to the handling, transport, and processing of specimens) ROUTE 1
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
• Support for Clinical Testing (e.g., slide preparation and staining,
microbiology setup and plating, reagent preparation, instrument • AND completion of a NAACLS approved phlebotomy program
loading, result reporting, inventory maintenance, quality control) within the last five years.
• Laboratory Operations (e.g., regulatory applications, waste disposal, The education received from a NAACLS approved PBT program is
safety, equipment maintenance) acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
examination eligibility requirements.
Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP) ROUTE 2
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy • High school graduation (or equivalent),
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: • AND completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured
phlebotomy program in the U.S., Canada or an accredited
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
ROUTE 1 laboratory within the last five years. This two-part program, to be
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) arranged by the program director, must consist of: 40 clock hours
of academic credit from a college/university accredited by a of classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the
recognized regional or national accreditation agency, circulatory system, specimen collection, specimen processing and
• AND successful completion of a NAACLS or ABHES accredited handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control,
MLT program within the last five years. etc.),
• AND 100 clock hours of clinical training and orientation in an
The education received from a NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT
accredited laboratory* with a minimum performance of 100
program is acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of
successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and
completion of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility
skin punctures.
will be based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the
current examination eligibility requirements. Applicants should not apply until after successful
ROUTE 2 completion of the structured program.
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours)
ROUTE 3
of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university,
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6
semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, • AND completion of one year of full time acceptable work experience as
a phlebotomy technician in an accredited laboratory* within the last five
• AND CLA(ASCP)* certification. years. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures. 5
ROUTE 3 (Full time experience is considered thirty-five hours per week).
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) ROUTE 4
of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university,
J U LY 2 0 1 9
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6 • AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other acceptable
semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, accredited allied health professional/occupational education which
• AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical includes phlebotomy training and orientation in an accredited
laboratory training course** within the last ten years. laboratory* with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided
ROUTE 4 blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures.
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their current state/
of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, provincial license for RN or LPN or notarized copy of a certificate of
including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6 completion from the accredited allied health program they completed.
semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, ROUTE 5
• AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory • MT/MLS(ASCP) certification or MLT(ASCP) certification.
experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology,
ROUTE 6
immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an
• DPT(ASCP) certification
accredited laboratory*** within the last six years.
• AND a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided non-donor
* CLA(ASCP) certification was discontinued in 1982. Only applicants previously blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures in an
certified CLA(ASCP) may apply under Route 2. accredited laboratory* within the last five years.
** Official or notarized documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, or AFSC code
ROUTE 7
or 68K), certificate verifying completion of training or letter from Program Director
• High school graduation (or equivalent),
documenting program completion date or notarized copy of your DD214 form or
ER.B must be mailed to the BOC upon completion of the online application. • AND completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the
***CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; California Department of Public Health within the last five years.
OR JCI accreditation; OR Accreditation under ISO 15189.
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189.Examination Eligibility Requirements
TECHNOLOGIST CERTIFICATION
Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP) * CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
OR JCI accreditation; OR Accreditation under ISO 15189.
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy ** CLA(ASCP) certification was discontinued in 1982. Only applicants
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: previously certified as CLA(ASCP) may apply under Route 3.
ROUTE 1
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
college/university, Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP)
• AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
Laboratory Scientist program within the last five years. the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion ROUTE 1
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be • MT/MLS(ASCP) certification,
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
examination eligibility requirements. university.
ROUTE 2 ROUTE 2
• MLT(ASCP) certification, • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/ a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate degree
university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and/or chemistry,
quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
• AND two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*
in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, within the last five years.
and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited ROUTE 3
laboratory* within the last four years. • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
ROUTE 3 with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate
• CLA(ASCP)** certification, degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/ combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology
university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological and/or chemistry,
science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 • AND successful completion of a structured program in blood banking
quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry) under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory
• AND four years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience Scientist Program within the last five years. The structured program in
in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, blood banking must be equivalent to the curriculum for blood banking
and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.
laboratory* within the last eight years. Applicants should not apply until after successful
completion of the structured program.
6 ROUTE 4
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, ROUTE 4
including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science • Master’s degree or Doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology,
(with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory
J U LY 2 0 1 9
hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), science or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited
• AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience college/university,
in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*
laboratory* within the last ten years. within the last five years.
ROUTE 5 ROUTE 5
• MT/MLS(ASCP i ) certification, • Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical
• AND a transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university,
baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
• AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter
in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, hours) of biology and/or chemistry,
and urinalysis/body fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited • AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as
laboratory* within the last ten years. a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.
It will not be required for MLS(ASCP i ) certificants to retake the certification exam. The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
If a course by course transcript evaluation from an acceptable evaluation agency of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
was submitted with your original MT/MLS(ASCP i ) application you do not need to based on the clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
re-submit it unless specifically requested by the ASCP BOC office. examination eligibility requirements.
Once transitioned from MT/MLS(ASCP i ) to MLS(ASCP) there will not be an option to * CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
revert back to MT/MLS(ASCPi). Previous MT/MLS(ASCP i ) certification will not be able OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
to be used to meet the eligibility requirements for additional certifications. Moving
forward, your MLS(ASCP) certification will be used to meet the eligibility requirements CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
for additional U.S. certifications. To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Blood
This transition does not circumvent federal work and state licensure regulations Banking examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience
and individuals seeking employment in the U.S. will still need to meet all the U.S. within the last five years in ALL of the following procedures:
immigration visa requirements.SEROLOGIC AND/OR MOLECULAR TESTING ROUTE 5
• ABO and Rh typing • Direct antiglobulin tests • Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical
• Antibody detection and • Tests for other blood group laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university, or
identification antigens a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and/or chemistry,
• Crossmatching
• AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS
as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.
ROUTINE PROBLEM SOLVING
• Transfusion reactions • Rh immune globulin studies The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is
• Immune hemolytic anemias • Indications for transfusion acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
• Hemolytic disease of the fetus
based on the clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
and newborn (HDFN)
examination eligibility requirements.
QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE * CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
• Reagents, equipment OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
LABORATORY OPERATIONS CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Chemistry
DONOR COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND TESTING examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
(Proficiency may be demonstrated through performance, last five years in 8 of the 15 procedures listed:
observation or simulation) • Blood gases • Lipids/lipoproteins
• Donor selection, preparation and collection • Carbohydrates • Non-protein nitrogen compounds
• Processing and donor testing • Electrolytes • Point-of-care
• Component preparation for storage and administration • Electrophoresis • Proteins
• Enzymes • Quality management
• Heme compounds • Therapeutic drug monitoring
• Hormones/vitamins • Toxicology
Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP) • Immunochemistry
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)
ROUTE 1
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
• MT/MLS(ASCP) certification,
the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
university. ROUTE 1
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
ROUTE 2 college/university 7
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
• AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited
with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate
cytogenetics education program within the last five years.
degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a
J U LY 2 0 1 9
combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology The education received from a NAACLS accredited CG program is
and/or chemistry, acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
• AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
the last five years. examination eligibility requirements.
ROUTE 3 ROUTE 2
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with
with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate degree
degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30
combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and/or chemistry,
chemistry and/or medical science, • AND one year of full time acceptable work experience in a clinical
• AND successful completion of a structured program in chemistry cytogenetics laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited
under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory laboratory** within the last three years.
Scientist Program within the last five years. The structured program ROUTE 3
in chemistry must be equivalent to the curriculum for chemistry • Master’s degree or Doctorate in genetics or molecular biology from
in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program. a regionally accredited college/university,
Applicants should not apply until after successful • AND nine months of full time acceptable work experience in
completion of the structured program. a clinical cytogenetics laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an
accredited laboratory** within the last three years.
ROUTE 4
• Master’s degree in chemistry or an appropriately related field, * A clinical cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals
from a regionally accredited college/university, with knowledge and practical experience in clinical cytogenetics such as primary
• AND six months of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience cell culture and harvest, slide preparation and staining, chromosome analysis,
in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within microscopic and image analysis, and molecular techniques (e.g., fluorescence in
the last five years. situ hybridization (FISH) and microarray).
** CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189Examination Eligibility Requirements
TECHNOLOGIST CERTIFICATION
Cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP) of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy examination eligibility requirements.
the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
ROUTE 1 OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
college/university, CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
• AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited
Cytotechnology program within the last five years. To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in
Hematology examination, you must have clinical laboratory
The education received from a CAAHEP accredited CT program is experience within the time frame required in ALL of the
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion following procedures:
of that program.
• Blood smear, evaluation and differential
• Complete blood count
• Quality Control: performance and evaluation
Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP) • Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: Experience is also required within the last ten years in 2 of the 3
procedures listed:
ROUTE 1 • Instrument maintenance/troubleshooting
• MT/MLS(ASCP) certification, • Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count,
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited reticulocyte)
college/university. • Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays,
ROUTE 2 hypercoaguability)
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or
a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP)
hours) of biology and/or chemistry,
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
• AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*
within the last five years. ROUTE 1
ROUTE 3 • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with
8 • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology
and chemistry (must include credit hours in both),
with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate
degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician
combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, or Histotechnology program within the last five years.
J U LY 2 0 1 9
chemistry, and/or medical science,
The education received from a NAACLS accredited HT/HTL
• AND successful completion of a structured program in hematology program is acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of
under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory completion of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility
Scientist Program within the last five years. The structured program will be based on laboratory experience as stated in the current
in hematology must be equivalent to the curriculum for hematology examination eligibility requirements.
in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.
Applicants should not apply until after successful ROUTE 2
completion of the structured program. • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology
ROUTE 4 and chemistry (must include credit hours in both),
• Master’s degree in biology, chemistry or an appropriately related • AND one year of full time acceptable experience in a histopathology
field, from a regionally accredited college/university, (clinical*, veterinary, industry or research) laboratory in the U.S.,
• AND six months of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last five years.
in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*
within the last five years. * CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
ROUTE 5
• Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical
laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university,
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnologist
or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in the examination, you must have laboratory experience, within the time
biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, frame required in ALL of the following areas:
• AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as • Fixation
a Medical Laboratory Scientist program within the last five years. • Embedding/Microtomy
The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is • Processing
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion • Staining
• Laboratory OperationsTechnologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP) Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
ROUTE 1 ROUTE 1
• MT/MLS(ASCP) certification, • ASCP certified as a technologist/scientist or specialist,
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
college/university. college/university.
ROUTE 2 ROUTE 2
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate college/university,
degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited diagnostic
combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology molecular science program within the last five years.
and/or chemistry,
The education received from a NAACLS accredited diagnostic
• AND one year of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience molecular science program is acceptable for a period of five (5) years
in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* from the date of completion of that program. After five years, the
within the last five years.
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
applicant’s eligibility will be based on clinical laboratory experience as
ROUTE 3 stated in the current examination eligibility requirements.
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate ROUTE 3
degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university
combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate
and/or chemistry, degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a
• AND successful completion of a structured program in microbiology combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology
under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory and/or chemistry,
Scientist Program within the last five years. The structured • AND one year of full time acceptable experience (clinical**, veterinary,
program in microbiology must be equivalent to the curriculum for industry or research) in a molecular biology laboratory* in the U.S.,
microbiology in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program. Canada or an accredited laboratory** within the last five years.
Applicants should not apply until after successful ROUTE 4
completion of the structured program. • Master’s degree or Doctorate in molecular biology, chemistry,
biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory
ROUTE 4 science, or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited
• Master’s degree in microbiology, or an appropriately related field, college/university,
from a regionally accredited college/university,
• AND six months of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience
• AND six months of full time acceptable experience (clinical**,
veterinary, industry or research) in a molecular biology laboratory*
9
in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory** within the last
within the last five years. five years.
J U LY 2 0 1 9
ROUTE 5
* A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals
• Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical
with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods
laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university
including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection,
or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter
hours) of biology and/or chemistry,
** CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
• AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
a Medical Laboratory Scientist program** within the last five years.
The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Molecular
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be
Biology examination, you must have laboratory experience, within
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current
examination eligibility requirements. the time-frame required, in one of the following areas:
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders,
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189 pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
• Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid
tumor gene markers)
CLINICAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE • Histocompatibility (DNA-based)
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in
• Infectious Disease (e.g., molecular microbiology/virology)
Microbiology examination, you must have experience, within the last
five years, in 3 of 6 of the following areas: • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., bone marrow engraftment,
paternity, forensic)
• Bacteriology • Mycology
• Molecular Microbiology • Parasitology
• Mycobacteriology • VirologyJ U LY 2 0 1 9 A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
10Examination Eligibility Requirements
SPECIALIST CERTIFICATION
Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP) ROUTE 6
• Master’s degree or Doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology,
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: science, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally
accredited college/university,
ROUTE 1
• AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic
• A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
educator in clinical blood banking in a regionally accredited college/
college/university,
university in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within
• AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired
Assistant program within the last five years. post baccalaureate degree.
The education received from a NAACLS accredited PA program is
* CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation;
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion
OR JCI accreditation; OR accreditation under ISO 15189
of that program.
** A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
LABORATORY OR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N
Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP)
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Blood Banking
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the
the requirements of at least one of the following routes: time frame required in ALL of the following procedures:
ROUTE 1 SEROLOGIC AND/OR MOLECULAR TESTING
• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/ • ABO and Rh typing • Direct antiglobulin tests
university including biological science and chemistry courses,
• Antibody detection and • Tests for other blood group
• AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Specialist in identification antigens
Blood Bank Technology program within the last five years. • Crossmatching
The education received from a CAAHEP accredited SBB program is
acceptable for a period of five (5) years from the date of completion ROUTINE PROBLEM SOLVING
of that program. After five years, the applicant’s eligibility will be • Transfusion reactions • Rh immune globulin evaluation
based on clinical laboratory experience as stated in the current • Immune hemolytic anemias • Indications for transfusion
examination eligibility requirements. • Hemolytic disease of the fetus
and newborn (HDFN)
ROUTE 2
• MT/MLS(ASCP) certification or BB(ASCP) certification,
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
QUALITY CONTROL/QUALITY ASSURANCE
• Reagents, equipment
11
university,
• AND three years of full time acceptable experience in the clinical LABORATORY OPERATIONS
J U LY 2 0 1 9
laboratory in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited
laboratory* within the last six years. These three years of experience
DONOR COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND TESTING
must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.
(Proficiency may be demonstrated through performance,
ROUTE 3 observation or simulation)
• Master’s degree or Doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, • Donor selection, preparation and collection
immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory • Processing and donor testing
science, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally • Component preparation for storage and administration
accredited college/university,
• AND three years of full time acceptable experience in the clinical
laboratory in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited
laboratory* within the last six years. These three years of experience Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP)
must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy
ROUTE 4 the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
• Doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology,
microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an ROUTE 1
appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, • MT/MLS(ASCP) certification or C(ASCP) certification,
• AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship** in clinical blood • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
banking in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years. university,
ROUTE 5 • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in the clinical
• MT/MLS(ASCP) certification or BB(ASCP) certification, laboratory in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited
laboratory* within the last six years. These three years of experience
• AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/
must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.
university,
• AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic
educator in clinical blood banking at a regionally accredited college/
university in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the
last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post
baccalaureate degree.You can also read
