ASCP BOC Application Policies 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) application process is guided by the following policies.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must verify that they meet the current eligibility requirements to be made eligible to sit for an examination
    • All eligibility requirements and necessary documentation are available on the ASCP BOC website
    • Applicants must be able to verify that they meet the academic, training, and/or experience requirements for the category and route for which they have applied
  • Applicants should only apply when they are ready to sit for the examination
    • Students completing an accredited program should not apply more than six weeks before successful program completion
    • Extensions or refunds will not be given due to a lack of study or not being prepared
  • Eligibility is determined after a paid application is submitted
    • The ASCP BOC does not consult with an applicant, review documentation, or determine an applicant’s eligibility prior to application
    • Eligibility is determined only after an applicant’s application, fee, and all required documentation has been received and reviewed
  • Eligibility periods will not be extended
    • Once an application has been reviewed and made eligible, the applicant receives an Admission Notification indicating their eligibility period
    • Applicants must take their examination within their eligibility period
    • If the examination is not taken within this time frame, a new application and full fee are required

Applications and Fees

  • Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable; this fee covers the administrative and test center costs
    • If the applicant cancels, does not appear, misses their scheduled appointment, or is determined ineligible, they must reapply for examination, including payment of the full fee
  • Refunds are not given due to:
    • non-receipt of BOC email notifications
    • being found ineligible
    • personal/family-related responsibilities
    • failure to make an appointment or to appear for a scheduled appointment
  • All applications and related documentation must be submitted in English and align with ASCP BOC Documentation Guidelines

Communications

  • Applicants are responsible for keeping their email address current 
    • An email address is verified when submitting an application; all communication and notifications are sent via email

Examinations

  • An applicant may sit for an examination up to five times under one eligibility route if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements
    • After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, an applicant must meet the current requirements under an alternate eligibility route
  • Applicants are responsible for scheduling and keeping their examination appointment 
    • All scheduling, cancelling, and rescheduling of examination appointments is between the examinee and Pearson VUE
    • If an applicant cancels without rescheduling or misses an examination appointment, a new application must be submitted, including payment of the full fee
    • See Schedule or Reschedule Your Examination for complete information

Credential Holder Code of Conduct

Appeals Process

The ASCP BOC provides an appeals process to ensure fairness, transparency, and due consideration for candidates seeking review of examination or credential-related decisions. Refer to the ASCP BOC Appeals Process for complete information.