Certification Maintenance Program (CMP)

The BOC Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) promotes the continued competence of medical laboratory personnel.

In keeping with our ongoing commitment to assure the continued competence of medical laboratory personnel, the ASCP Board of Certification developed the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). The CMP provides an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of learning experiences that demonstrate your professional competency and dedication to excellence in the work place. In addition to helping you maintain your professional certification, the CMP can help you stay current on developments in your field and provide opportunities for both professional and personal enrichment.

Introduction
Review CMP Booklet
Complete CEs
Submit Declaration
Deficient/Audit Process
Recertification Designation

You’re serious about your career and your profession. That’s why you want to make sure you can document your competence by participating in the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) Certification Maintenance Program (CMP). When you add the initials (ASCP)^CMor (ASCPⁱ)^CMafter your name, your colleagues will know that you are committed to the highest standards of your profession. Please follow the instructions in each tabbed section to complete the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP).

The U.S. CMP is required for all individuals who are newly certified beginning January 1, 2004 as indicated here:

U.S. CMP

Mandatory U.S. CMP

The Certification Maintenance Program is required for all individuals who are ASCP certified beginning January 1, 2004 in the following categories and for all active NCA certificants who are not ASCP certified prior to January 1, 2004. Review detailed information on recertification:

Apheresis Technician (AT)
Cytotechnologist (CT)
Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT)
Histotechnician (HT)
Histotechnologist (HTL)
Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Pathologists' Assistants (PA)

Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)
Technologist in Chemistry (C)
Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)
Technologist in Hematology (H)
Technologist in Microbiology (M)
Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

The Certification Maintenance Program is required for all individuals who become newly certified as specialists and diplomates beginning January 1, 2006 in the following categories:

Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)
Specialist in Hematology (SH)
Specialist in Laboratory Safety (SLS)

Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
Specialist in Virology (SV)
Hemapheresis Practitioner (HP)
Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)

Voluntary U.S. CMP

For individuals certified prior to the dates indicated above, you may participate in CMP on a voluntary basis. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a CMP certificate indicating successful completion of the program. This certificate is valid for a period of three years. You may also use the initials “CM” in superscript after your certification designation, i.e. MLS(ASCP)^CM. If you choose not to complete the program in the future, your certification status will not be affected. After the expiration date, you may no longer use the “CM” designation after your initials.

While this program is voluntary for individuals certified prior to the dates above, all ASCP certificants are encouraged to participate in the program to demonstrate their continued competence in the laboratory.

The International CMP is required for all individuals who are newly certified beginning January 1, 2012 as indicated here:

International CMP

If you have a time limited certificate and you do not complete the CMP, your ASCP/ASCPⁱ certification will no longer be valid. Inquiries regarding your certification status will indicate that you are no longer ASCP/ASCPⁱ certified. Your certification will appear as “expired” on your ASCP membership card.

For Steps on how to Synchronize Maintenance of Multiple Certifications, click here.

Please click here for frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP).

For details and instructions for completing the Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) please review the following:

Complete the continuing competence activities that are required for your certification category and accumulate and save documentation for these activities during the three-year period following certification/recertification. This documentation will only be required if your Declaration Form is selected for audit.

You may receive up to 2 points per year (max of 2 years and 4 points per recertification cycle) by submitting an Employer Assessment Form (PDF).

One month before the ending validation date on your certificate, complete and sign the CMP Declaration Form (PDF) and mail it to ASCP Board of Certification, 3335 Eagle Way, Chicago, IL 60678-1033 with the $75 CMP fee* or complete the online CMP declaration process and pay by credit card. DO NOT INCLUDE any documentation of your continuing competence activities with your CMP Declaration Form. This documentation will only be required if your Declaration Form is selected for auditing purposes.

Click here to use the online declaration process.

Expired Certification:
If your certification has expired, please submit your completed and signed declaration form with the current CMP application fee(s)*.

*Application fees are non refundable.

If you receive notification that your Declaration Form is deficient (missing required points, fee(s), etc.) please submit required information. Recertification will not be processed until all requirements have been met.

If you receive notification that your Declaration Form is being audited, submit copies of your certificates of completion and any other documentation at that time. Audit documentation should be mailed to ASCP Board of Certification, 33 West Monroe St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603-5617.

To appeal an unsuccessful audit, view the CMP appeals process (PDF).

Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a new wall certificate valid for three years. The designation “CM”, as a superscript, is required after your certification initials to indicate that you have successfully maintained your certification [e.g., MLS(ASCP)^CMor MT(ASCPⁱ)^CM].

For an explanation of Valid ASCP Certification, please click here

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