U.S. Certification

The Board of Certification provides excellence in certification of laboratory professionals.

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is a recognized leader in certification of medical laboratory professionals. By earning credentials from the ASCP BOC, laboratory professionals demonstrate their competence to carry out their responsibilities in this critical profession. In turn, they reap the benefits of better job prospects, higher salaries and the respect of colleagues. Long considered the “gold standard,” BOC certification is sought out by seven times as many laboratory professionals as any other lab professional credentialing organization.

To read more about the BOC, click here

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Introduction
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Applying
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Studying
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Results & Certificate
U.S. Military

Certification by the ASCP Board of Certification

You're serious about your career. That's why certification by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is important to you. It serves as a symbol of your commitment to the highest standards of your profession and to quality patient care.

Since 1928, ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) (formerly the ASCP Board of Registry) has been widely recognized as the preeminent leader in the certification of medical laboratory professionals. Today, BOC offers a formal certification process that requires education, clinical training and experience, and successful completion of the certification examination for Technicians, Technologists, Specialists, and Diplomates in Laboratory Management.

The BOC Certification Process

Congratulations on your decision to apply for certification by the ASCP Board of Certification! Let's get started, but first there's some work that you need to do before you can take the examination. Please read and follow the instructions in each tabbed section in order to properly complete the entire certification process.

Procedures Booklet

This procedures booklet contains complete information on eligibility requirements, application guidelines and examination procedures.

Identify the examination you're applying for and determine your eligibility.

For each certification category, you'll find a choice of routes that you must meet to establish your eligibility for the examination. You are required to choose a route of eligibility depending on the education and training you've completed. Application fees are non-refundable. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements as stated and are able to provide the appropriate documentation before submitting your application form and fee. (Remember: You can only apply for one category within a three-month period.) Find out the eligibility requirements for your category:

Technician Certification (PBT, HT, MLT, DPT)
- Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $135
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of a NAACLS approved phlebotomy program within the last five years; OR
  
  Route 2: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured phlebotomy program in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory within the last five years. This two-part program, to be arranged by the program director, must consist of: 40 clock hours of classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection, specimen processing and handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.), AND 100 clock hours of clinical training and orientation in an accredited laboratory** with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures; OR
  
  Route 3: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of one year full time acceptable work experience as a phlebotomy technician in an accredited laboratory** within the last five years. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures. (Full time experience is considered thirty-five hours per week); OR
  
  Route 4: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other acceptable accredited allied health professional/occupational education which includes phlebotomy training and orientation in an accredited laboratory** with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures. Applicants must submit a notarized copy of their current state/provincial license for RN or LPN or notarized copy of a certificate of completion from the accredited allied health program they completed along with the application form; OR
  
  Route 5: MT/MLS(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) certification; OR
  
  Route 6: DPT(ASCP) certification AND a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided non-donor blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures in an accredited laboratory** within the last 5 years.
  
  Route 7: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health* within the last five years.
  
  *If you are a California resident and have completed a California Dept. of Public Health approved phlebotomy program, a training documentation form is required download training documentation form (PDF). The training documentation form must be completed by your program official and attached to a Letter of Authenticity, printed on original letterhead, state that the training documentation form was completed by your program official and include the date and signature of the program official verifying the accuracy of the information on the training documentation form. If you are applying for California Licensure you must also include the release form (PDF).
  
  **Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
- Histotechnician, HT(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $200
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program within the last 5 years prior to the date of application for examination; OR
  
  Route 2: At least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), or an associate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry(must include credit hours in both), AND one year full time acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry or research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnician examination, you must have experience within the last ten years in ALL of the following areas:
  - Fixation
  - Microtomy
  - Processing
  - Staining
- Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $200
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: An associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a college/university accredited by a recognized regional or national accreditation agency, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLT program within the last 5 years; OR
  
  Route 2: An associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, AND CLA(ASCP)* certification; OR
  
  Route 3: An associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course**; OR
  
  Route 4: An associate degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university, including 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of biology, AND three years full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*** within the last ten years.
  
  *CLA(ASCP) certification was discontinued in 1982. Only applicants previously certified CLA(ASCP) may apply under Route 2
  
  **Official or notarized documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS or AFSC code or ER.B), certificate verifying completion of training or letter from Program Director documenting program completion date or notarized copy of your DD214 form must be submitted with your application form. For detailed information visit this PAGE.
  
  ***Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
- Donor Phlebotomy Technician, DPT(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $135
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: PBT(ASCP) certification, AND 25 successful donor collections in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last year; OR
  
  Route 2: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of an acceptable donor phlebotomy structured program within The Joint Commission or CAP accredited institution, AND 50 successful donor collections in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last two years; OR
  
  Route 3: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND completion of one year full time acceptable experience as a donor phlebotomy technician in an accredited facility in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last two years; OR
  
  Route 4: High school graduation (or equivalent), AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other accredited allied health professional/occupational education, AND donor phlebotomy training with 50 successful donor collections in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
Technologist/Scientist Certification (BB, C, CG, CT, H, HTL, MLS, M, MB)
- Blood Banking, BB(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a structured program in blood banking under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years. The structured program in blood banking must be equivalent to the curriculum for blood banking in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program; OR
  
  Route 4: Master’s or doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  Route 5: Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A training documentation form is required download training documentation form (PDF). The training documentation form must be completed by the program director and attached to a Letter of Authenticity, printed on original letterhead, state that the training documentation form was completed by the program director and include the date and signature of the program director verifying the accuracy of the information on the training documentation form.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Blood Banking examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in all of the following procedures:
  
  Serologic Testing
  - ABO and Rh Typing
  - Antibody detection and identification
  - Crossmatching
  - Direct antiglobulin tests
  - Test for other blood group antigens
  Routine Problem Solving
  - Transfusion reactions
  - Indications for Transfusion
  - Immune hemolytic anemias
  - Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
  - Rh immune globulin studies
  - Indications for transfusion
  Quality Control/Assurance
  - Reagents, equipment
  Laboratory Operations
  
  Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing (Proficiency may be demonstrated through performance, observation or simulation)
  - Donor selection, preparation and collection
  - Processing and donor testing
  - Component preparation for storage and administration
- Chemistry, C(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 3: 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 hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a structured program in chemistry under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years. The structured program in chemistry must be equivalent to the curriculum for chemistry in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program; OR
  
  Route 4: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  Route 5: Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A training documentation form is required download training documentation form (PDF). The training documentation form must be completed by the program director and attached to a Letter of Authenticity, printed on original letterhead, state that the training documentation form was completed by your program official and include the date and signature of the program official verifying the accuracy of the information on the training documentation form.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Chemistry examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in five of the eight procedures listed:
  - Carbohydrates
  - Electrolytes
  - Enzymes
  - Heme compounds
  - Lipids/lipoproteins
  - Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  - Proteins
  - Point-of-care
  Experience is also required within the last ten years in three of the five procedures below:
  - Blood gases
  - Quality control program management
  - Therapeutic drug monitoring
  - Toxicology
  - Vitamins/hormones
- Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Cytogenetics education program within the last five years; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree including 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of college course work in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences from a regionally accredited college/university, AND one year full time acceptable work experience within the last three years in a cytogenetics laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory**; OR
  
  Route 3: Graduate level degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in Genetics or Molecular Biology from a regionally accredited college/university, AND nine months full time acceptable work experience within the last three years in an accredited cytogenetics laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory**.
  
  *A cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in cytogenetics, including culturing, harvesting, staining, microscopic chromosome analysis and molecular cytogenetics.
  
  **Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
- Cytotechnologist, CT(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of the following route:
  
  Route 1: Baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university, AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Cytotechnology program within the last 5 years.
- Hematology, H(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a major in biological sciences or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.; OR
  
  Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry, and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a structured program in hematology under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years. The structured program in hematology must be equivalent to the curriculum for hematology in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program; OR
  
  Route 4: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, chemistry or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  Route 5: Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from an accredited college/university, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A training documentation form is required download training documentation form (PDF). The training documentation form must be completed by the program director and attached to a Letter of Authenticity, printed on original letterhead, state that the training documentation form was completed by your program official and include the date and signature of the program official verifying the accuracy of the information on the training documentation form.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Hematology examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in all of the following procedures:
  - Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  - Complete blood count
  - Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)
  - Quality control: performance and evaluation
  Experience is also required within the last ten years in two of the three procedures listed:
  - Instrument maintenance
  - Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count and reticulocyte)
  - Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays, hypercoaguability)
- Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnology program within the last 5 years; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), AND one year full time acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry or research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under 15189.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnologist examination, you must have experience within the last ten years in ALL of the following areas:
  - Fixation
  - Microtomy
  - Processing
  - Staining
- Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program within the last 5 years; OR
  
  Route 2: MLT(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 3: CLA(ASCP)** certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND four years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 4: A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of biological science (with one semester in microbiology), 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of chemistry (with one semester in organic or biochemistry), one semester (one quarter) of mathematics, AND five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Blood Banking, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunology, and Urinalysis/Body Fluids in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **CLA(ASCP) certification was discontinued in 1982. Only applicants previously certified as CLA(ASCP) may apply under Route 3.
- Microbiology, M(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and chemistry, and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a structured program in microbiology under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years. The structured program in microbiology must be equivalent to the curriculum for microbiology in the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program; OR
  
  Route 4: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in microbiology, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in Microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR
  
  Route 5: Baccalaureate degree or post baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science from a regionally accredited college/university or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in the biological, chemical and/or medical sciences, AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program** within the last five years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A training documentation form is required download training documentation form (PDF). The training documentation form must be completed by the program director and attached to a Letter of Authenticity, printed on original letterhead, state that the training documentation form was completed by your program official and include the date and signature of the program official verifying the accuracy of the information on the training documentation form.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirements for the Technologist in Microbiology examination, you must have experience, within the last ten years in three of six of the following areas:
  - Bacteriology
  - Molecular Microbiology
  - Mycobacteriology
  - Mycology
  - Parasitology
  - Virology
- Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $225
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: ASCP certified as a technologist (MLS, CG, CT, HTL, BB, C, H, I or M) or specialist (SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SI, SM or SV), AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university; OR
  
  Route 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, including courses in biological science, chemistry and mathematics, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited diagnostic molecular science program, within the last 5 years; OR
  
  Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, with a major in biological science or chemistry, or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology, chemistry and/or medical sciences, AND one year full time acceptable experience (clinical, veterinary, industry or research) in a molecular biology laboratory* in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory** within the last five years; OR
  
  Route 4: Graduate level degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited college/university, AND six months acceptable clinical laboratory experience in molecular diagnostics in the U.S., Canada or an accredited clinical laboratory** within the last five years.
  
  *A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular analysis including, but not limited to, recombinant DNA technologies, polymerase chain reaction, and hybridization techniques.
  
  **Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in one of the following areas:
  - Genetics/Genomics (i.e., mutations, inherited gene disorders, pharmocogenomics)
  - Hematology/Oncology (i.e., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia)
  - Histocompatibility (i.e., DNA-based tissue typing)
  - Infectious Disease (i.e., molecular microbiology, molecular organism typing)
  - Molecular Identity Testing (i.e., bone marrow engraftment, paternity, forensic)
  - Solid Tumors (i.e., tumor gene markers)
Specialist Certification (SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SM, PA)
- Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $275
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university including biological science, chemistry and mathematics courses, AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Specialist in Blood Bank Technology program within the last 5 years; OR
  
  Route 2: MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 3: Master’s or doctorate degree in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Immunohematology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in blood banking in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 4: Doctorate degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship** in blood banking in the U.S. or Canada within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Blood Banking examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in all of the following procedures:
  
  Serologic Testing
  - ABO and Rh Typing
  - Antibody detection and identification
  - Crossmatching
  - Direct antiglobulin tests
  - Tests for other blood group antigens
  Routine Problem Solving
  - Transfusion reactions
  - Immune hemolytic anemias
  - Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
  - Rh immune globulin evaluation
  - Indications for transfusion
  Quality Control/Quality Assurance
  - Reagents, equipment
  Laboratory Operations
  
  Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing (Proficiency may be demonstrated through performance, observation or simulation)
  - Donor selection, preparation and collection
  - Processing and donor testing
  - Component preparation for storage and administration
- Chemistry, SC(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $275
  
  To be eligible an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification or C(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 2: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 3: Doctorate in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship** in clinical chemistry in the U.S. or Canada or two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in chemistry in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate, OR
  
  Route 4: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a doctorate in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years full-time laboratory experience in chemistry (e.g., clinical, research) in the U.S. or Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Chemistry examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in eight of the twelve procedures listed:
  - Blood gases
  - Carbohydrates
  - Electrolytes
  - Enzymes
  - Heme compounds
  - Hormones/vitamins
  - Lipids/lipoproteins
  - Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  - Proteins
  - Therapeutic drug monitoring
  - Toxicology
  - Point-of-care
  Experience is also required in two of the six procedures listed:
  - Test development/validation
  - Procurement of laboratory equipment
  - Quality management
  - Regulatory compliance
  - Supervisory experience
  - Teaching
- Cytotechnology, SCT(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $275
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of:
  
  Route 1: CT(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree or higher from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable experience in cytology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be obtained following CT(ASCP) certification.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
- Hematology, SH(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $275
  
  To be eligible for these examination categories, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification or H(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 2: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 3: Doctorate in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years of post-doctoral clinical fellowship** in hematology in the U.S. or Canada or two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in hematology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
  
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Hematology examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last ten years in all of the following procedures:
  - Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  - Complete blood count
  - Instrument maintenance
  - Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count, reticulocyte)
  - Quality control: performance and evaluation
  - Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, and D-dimer)
  - Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays)
  Experience in performing, supervising or teaching five of the twelve procedures listed is also required:
  - Advanced coagulation (e.g., inhibitor assays, hypercoaguability)
  - Body Fluid evaluation
  - Bone marrow prep or evaluation
  - Budgeting/inventory control/purchasing
  - Cytochemical stains
  - Flow cytometry
  - Hemoglobinopathy evaluation
  - Method evaluation
  - Personnel management
  - Platelet function studies
  - PT/PTT mixing studies
  - QA/QI
- Microbiology, SM(ASCP)
  Application Fee: $275
  
  To be eligible for these examination categories, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:
  
  Route 1: MLS(ASCP) certification or M(ASCP) certification, AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 2: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND three years full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree; OR
  
  Route 3: Doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years of post-doctoral clinical fellowship** in microbiology in the U.S. or Canada or two years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in microbiology in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.
  
  Route 4: MLS(ASCP) certification, AND a doctorate in Chemistry, Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Allied Health, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or an appropriately related field, from a regionally accredited college/university, AND two years full-time laboratory experience in microbiology (e.g., clinical, research) in the U.S. or Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.
  
  *Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.
  
  **A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
  
  Clinical Laboratory Experience
  To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Microbiology examination, you must have experience, within the last ten years, in four of six of the following areas:
  - Bacteriology
  - Molecular Microbiology
  - Mycobacteriology
  - Mycology
  - Parasitology
  - Virology
- Pathologists' Assistant, PA(ASCP)
  
  Application Fee: $515
  
  To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of the following route:
  
  Route 1: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program within the last five years.
Diplomate Certification (DLM)
Application Fee: $390

To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the requirements of at least one of the following routes:

Route 1: MBA or MHA or other management related Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND at least two years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR

Route 2: Master's degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND ASCP Board of Certification technologist/scientist or specialist certification, AND at least two years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR

Route 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND ASCP Board of Certification technologist/scientist or specialist certification, AND at least four years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR

Route 4: Doctorate in medicine, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, clinical laboratory sciences, or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited college/university, AND at least two years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR

Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in a management or business related field from a regionally accredited college/university, AND at least four years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years; OR

Route 6: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, AND at least five years of full time acceptable experience in clinical laboratory supervision or management in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within the last ten years.

*Laboratory accredited by AABB, CAP, COLA, DNV, The Joint Commission, JCI or under ISO 15189.

Additional Documents Required for the DLM Examination
If you own your own business, you must submit incorporation papers or other form of ownership documentation.

Experience Requirements for Management
To fulfill the experience requirements for the Diplomate in Laboratory Management examination, you must have experience, within the last ten years, in twenty of the thirty-two areas listed below.

Financial Management
- Billing and collection
- Budgets
- Capital equipment acquisition
- Cash flow analysis
- Contract negotiations
- Cost analysis
- Financial accounting
- Materials management: Inventory control
- Materials management: purchasing
- Reimbursement issues
Marketing Management
- Consumer relations
- Managed care
- Market research
- Product development
Operations Management
- Data management
- Facilities management
- Information Technology
- Intra/Interdepartmental relations
- Licensure/accreditation/regulatory
- Performance improvement
- Productivity
- Risk management/medical legal issues
- Safety
Personnel Management
- Conflict resolution
- Counseling/disciplinary action
- Education and training/continuing education
- Job descriptions
- Motivation
- Performance standards/evaluations
- Personnel negotiations
- Staffing/scheduling
- Wage and salary administration

Note: Requirements and fees stated are subject to change without notice

NOTE: If you require BOTH certification AND licensure APPLY FROM THIS SITE ONLY. DO NOT APPLY UNDER THE LICENSURE SECTION OF THIS WEB SITE.

If you are applying for state licensure AND certification, download the appropriate release form:

Complete the appropriate licensure form and mail it in with the application form or separately if you are applying online to the following address:

ASCP - Board of Certification
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603

Gather your education and experience documentation.

You'll need to provide documentation of your education and training and specified experience requirements that you've fulfilled in your area of specialization. Before you apply for the examination, you must obtain all documentation necessary to establish your eligibility. Documentation needed to:

Apply for the examination.

MLS, MLT, CG, HT, HTL, MB, PA and SBB applicants from NAACLS/CAAHEP accredited programs are required to submit an official transcript from a regionally accredited college/university bearing the seal of the college/university, the signature of the Registrar and the date your degree was conferred. This transcript must be submitted to our office upon completion of all degree requirements. An official transcript verifying the date degree was conferred is required before your examination scores will be emailed to you.

All other applicants: BEFORE you apply for certification examination, you must obtain all documentation necessary to establish your eligibility i.e. experience documentation forms(s), training documentation form(s), letter(s) of authenticity, official transcript(s) verifying the appropriate degree, notarized or official certificate(s) of training (if required) and foreign transcript evaluation (if your education is outside of the U.S.) must be submitted to our office at the time of application. Do not submit documentation forms and/or transcripts in advance of application. Faxed experience documentation form(s) and letter(s) of authenticity will not be accepted.

Application fees are non-refundable. Be sure you choose the correct category of examination and you meet the eligibility requirements as stated and are able to provide the appropriate documentation when submitting your application form and application fee. If you determine that you have applied for an incorrect certification examination, our office will be unable to change the category of examination. Applications will be processed within 45 business days of receipt. If documentation establishing eligibility is not received within 45 business days, you will be deleted from the examination process. Application fees are non-refundable.

Complete and submit the application form with the non-refundable application fee, along with all the documentation you gathered in the Documentation step. We offer two options:

If you are paying by credit card or PayPal, you must apply online.

Submit all documentation required to establish eligibility to:
ASCP Board of Certification
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Mail your check or money order along with the appropriate PDF application and all documentation required to establish your eligibility to the ASCP BOC (mailing instructions are in the application):

Note: The BOC offers suggested application dates for approved school applicants from Accredited Training Programs.

Certification, if granted, may be revoked at any time and the applicant may be barred from admission to take future certification examinations if it is established that the information contained in, or supplied in support of, an application for examination is inaccurate in any material respect, if the applicant engages in any inappropriate conduct during the examination (such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid) or if the applicant misrepresents or misuses the applicant’s certification status at any time.

Schedule your examination.

Once your application and eligibility documentation have been approved by the BOC, you'll receive an Admission Notice via your email address. This notice admits you to the examination within a three-month eligibility period. Then, it's time to schedule your examination at a Pearson Professional Center. Visit the Pearson site for ASCP examinations to identify a location that's convenient for you. View Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Cancellation Policies.

If you receive an email indicating you are ineligible for examination, you have the option of appealing this decision. View Ineligibility.

All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Update your email address in your record by logging on to the ASCP website and clicking on "Profiles and Settings." Failure to keep the ASCP Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of your Admission Notice.

Study Preparation

To help you prepare for the certification/qualification examination, the following study materials and exam details are available:

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Study Materials and Practice Tests.

Prepare for your examination day.

Review Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) method that is used by the BOC. To find out what to bring to examination center, please review What to Bring to the Examination Center.

Watch for your results.

You'll receive your examination scores via email two(2) business days after your examination date. Review Examination Results Procedures.

Watch for your certificate.

You’ll receive your certificate approximately four to six weeks after your examination date. This certificate is valid for three years. You’ll also receive a packet of information about Certification Maintenance Program (CMP) and the requirements for maintaining your certification. Review Certification Benefits & Expiration.

Change of Name and/or Address.

All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Update your email address in your record by logging on to the ASCP website and clicking on "Profiles and Settings." Failure to keep the Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of important information.

Change of Name and/or Address.

If you change your address, notify the ASCP Board of Certification Office using the online feedback form: www.ascp.org/bocfeedback; fax 312.541.4845 or mail to the general correspondence address:

ASCP Board of Certification
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603.

Name and address changes should NOT be made online through the ASCP web site or ASCP Call Center. All changes must be made directly with the ASCP Board of Certification. Name changes must be accompanied by a photo copy of your marriage license or court order and faxed to 312.541.4845 or mailed to:

ASCP Board of Certification
33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603.

Name and/or address changes will not be made at the test center. Name changes or name corrections received in the ASCP Board of Certification office after the day you take the examination will not be reflected on your certificate. A fee will be charged if you request a new certificate.

The BOC Certification Process

Congratulations on your decision to apply for certification by the ASCP Board of Certification! Let's get started.

All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Update your email address in your record by logging on to the ASCP website and clicking on "Profiles and Settings." Failure to keep the Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of important information such as the status of your application, Admission Notice and Score Report.

Please read and follow the instructions under the appropriate certification category, as well as in each of the tabbed sections in order to properly complete the entire certification process.

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