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What is the difference between ASCPi and ASCP certification? |
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The primary difference between the ASCP and ASCPi certifications is that laboratory operations questions regarding U.S. policies and procedures are specific to the USA ASCP exams. Questions regarding CLIA and OSHA regulations are replaced with ISO international standards questions in the ASCPi exams.
Attaining ASCPi certification demonstrates equivalent competency to an ASCP certified individual in all other (scientific) aspects of the medical laboratory. |
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Can I get a job in USA with the ASCPi certificate? |
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ASCPi was established to provide a certification that would allow foreign graduates to be more competitive in their native countries. However, ASCP realizes that many international candidates have an interest in working abroad, particularly in the USA.
If you are planning to work in the field of medical technology in the USA you must first pass through a process called VisaScreen. For more information about working in the USA, click here.
The USA has several states which require licensure or certification to work as an MT or MLT. Effective June 1, 2007, the MT(ASCPi) examination is recognized as an approved exam for California Licensure. Each state has its own set of rules and guidelines, so you must contact the licensure agency in each state for information about these requirements. View State Licensure Agencies here.
In all states, most Laboratory Directors choose to hire only certified individuals to ensure their employees are competent. Laboratory accreditation requirements may also necessitate laboratory practitioners are certified. |
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How do I obtain the application fee discount if I am from one of the countries listed? |
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In order to be eligible for discounted application fees, you must meet both requirements outlined in the policy. First, you must have received your medical laboratory education in one of the countries listed, and second, you must currently reside in one of these countries. If both of these conditions are met, you will automatically receive the $95 discounted application fee when you apply for international certification. This reduced fee applies to all international certification categories. |
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Where can I find information on how to become MLS/MLT ASCP certified (not ASCPi)? |
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You must determine that your education and training meet the requirements of one of the ASCP eligibility routes. |
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If I already have ASCP certification, do I need to pursue ASCPi certification to work as an MLS/MT/MLT in another country? |
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No, this is not necessary. |
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What study materials are recommended for the ASCPi test? |
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ASCP recommends the Board of Certification Study Guide: Clinical Laboratory Certification Examinations (5th edition) for the MT and MLT examinations. For more study materials, click here. |
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Can I take the ASCPi exam in the USA or in any of the Pearson Professional Centers that offers ASCP exams? |
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Yes, you can take the ASCPi exam in any Pearson Professional Center that offers ASCP certification exams. Visit the Pearson site to locate a testing center near you. |
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Do I need to take any English exam such as TOEFL or IELTS before taking the ASCPi exam? |
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No, there is no requirement that you take the TOEFL or IELTS exam before taking ASCPi. Most international examinations (with the exception of MT(ASCPi), now available in Spanish) are in English, and you should be comfortable reading questions and selecting the appropriate response. |
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Do you have information on the salary and job outlook for MLSs/MTs/MLTs in the USA? |
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For more information on Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science in the USA from the Department of Labor, click here. |
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How can I transfer my MT(ASCPi) to MLS(ASCP)? |
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The Bridge Exam is currently in development and will not be available until the end of the next fiscal year. The ASCP BOC has not yet formulated eligibility routes or content guidelines for this exam, but we will notify ASCPi certificants when the exam becomes available. |
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What type of transcript evaluation should I obtain? |
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A statement of educational equivalency and subject breakdown (course-by-course evaluation) are required. Approved evaluation agencies are listed here. |