Appeals Process 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) provides an appeals process to ensure fairness, transparency, and due consideration for candidates seeking review of many examination or credential-related decisions. 

 

Formal Complaint Procedure 

If you wish to file a formal complaint to the ASCP BOC, follow these steps: 

  1. Send an email to: Formal-Complaint.boc@ascp.org 

  2. Include a detailed description of the complaint, your full name and contact information, ASCP customer ID (if applicable), and any supporting documentation. 

  3. Your formal complaint will be acknowledged upon receipt. Further information may be requested. 

  4. You will receive an official response within 30 business days after all requested information has been received. 

Formal Appeals Procedure 

The appeal must be made in writing. 

The appeal must include any supporting documents not in the possession of the BOC. 

The appeal should include any written statements of persons having knowledge of the facts to be relied upon by the appellant. 

The request and supporting documents must be received by the BOC within 30 days following notification of the decision being appealed. 

Send your email with all items noted above to: Formal-Complaint.boc@ascp.org 

Categories of Appeals 

Eligibility to Sit for an Examination 

  1. BOC policy establishes the criteria for examination eligibility. These criteria are included in the Procedure for Examination and Certification booklet and on the web site. The staff determines which individuals do not meet the requirements and these individuals are notified of their deficiencies. 

  2. The individual may respond to the notification in writing and request that his/her case be reviewed by the Certification Appeals Committee. 

  3. None of the members of the Certification Appeals Committee shall be a member of the Examination Committee that established the eligibility requirements. A conflict of interest statement will be signed by the members. 

  4. The appellant will be notified of the Certification Appeals Committee’s decision by the Executive Director of the BOC. If it is unfavorable, the appellant may appeal the Committee’s decision and request a hearing before the Board of Governors (BOG) Appeals Committee at the BOG’s next regularly scheduled meeting. The appellant may choose to waive his/her right to a hearing and appeal the Certification Appeals Committee’s decision directly to the BOG Appeals Committee in writing. 

  5. The BOG Appeals Committee will review the appeal and the Committee’s decision is final. 

Examination Content Irregularities 

  1. Individuals who wish to contest what they perceive as examination content irregularities may file an appeal to the appropriate Examination Committee. 

  2. The Examination Committee will review the appeal at its next scheduled meeting. 

  3. The appellant will be notified of the Examination Committee's decision by the Executive Director of the BOC. If it is unfavorable, the appellant may appeal the Committee's decision and request a hearing before the Board of Governors Appeals Committee at the time of the Board of Governors’ next regularly scheduled meeting. The appellant may choose to waive his/her right to a hearing and appeal the Examination Committee's decision directly to the Board of Governors Appeals Committee in writing. 

  4. The BOG Appeals Committee will review the appeal and the Committee’s decision is final. 

Examination Administration Irregularities 

  1. Individuals who wish to contest what they perceive as irregularities in the administration of the examination at the testing site may appeal to the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. 

  2. The Executive Committee will review the appeal. 

  3. The appellant will be notified of the Executive Committee's decision by the Executive Director of the BOC. If it is unfavorable, the appellant may appeal the Committee's decision to the Board of Governors Appeals Committee at the time of the Board of Governors next regularly scheduled meeting. The appellant may choose to waive his/her right to a hearing and appeal the Executive Committee's decision directly to the Board of Governors Appeals Committee in writing. 

  4. The BOG Appeals committee will review the appeal and the Committee’s decision is final. 

Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) Deficiencies 

  1. BOC policy establishes the requirements for completion of CMP. These requirements are included in the CMP booklet and are located on the web site. The staff audits a percentage of certificants and determines those individuals who do not meet the requirements. These individuals are notified of their deficiencies. 

  2. The individual may respond to the notification in writing and request that his/her case be reviewed by the Certification Appeals Committee. 

  3. None of the members shall be a member of the Credentials Maintenance Committee that established the requirements. A conflict of interest statement will be signed by the members. 

  4. The appellant will be notified of the Certification Appeals Committee’s decision by the Executive Director of the BOC. If it is unfavorable, the appellant may appeal the Committee’s decision and request a hearing before the BOG Appeals Committee at the BOG’s next regularly scheduled meeting. The appellant may choose to waive his/her right to a hearing and appeal the Certification Appeals Committee’s decision directly to the BOG Appeals Committee in writing. 

  5. The BOG Appeals Committee will review the appeal and the committee’s decision is final.