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Attaining an American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) credential requires a laboratory professional or other expert to meet specific education, training, and/or experience standards and to successfully pass an examination demonstrating knowledge and applied skills. The ASCP BOC offers ASCP and ASCPi credentials based on distinct eligibility requirements.
Candidates may use the ASCP BOC Eligibility Pathways – ASCP or ASCPi Quiz to suggest a potential credentialing pathway for consideration. However, it is the candidate’s responsibility to review and compare all ASCP and ASCPi eligibility routes to determine the most appropriate credential for their professional priorities.
The ASCP BOC has experienced a remarkable surge in ASCPi credentialing over the past decade, rising from just over 1,100 ASCPi credentials attained in 2015 to nearly 4,300 in 2024, marking a nearly fourfold increase in global recognition and professional advancement. As ASCPi-credentialed laboratory professionals increasingly join the global workforce, it's vital for employers, regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and credential seekers to understand ASCP and ASCPi credentials. All credentials uphold rigorous standards and differ only in eligibility requirements. ASCP BOC credentialing enhances technical credibility and professional opportunities while maintaining a focus on patient care.
All candidates take the same examination.
Examinations are administered at Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers worldwide.
All candidates follow proctoring procedures established by Pearson VUE.
Applicants must verify education, training, and/or clinical experience by submitting required documentation.
Transcript evaluations from approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies are required for education obtained outside the United States (U.S.) or Canada to verify U.S. degree equivalency.
The distinctions between ASCP and ASCPi credentials lie in eligibility requirements for training and clinical laboratory experience:
| ASCP | ASCPi | |
|---|---|---|
| Training Programs | NAACLS, CAAHEP, ABHES accredited programs, or U.S.-based structured training programs. | As part of an academic program that does not meet ASCP requirements. Accredited/approved by a governing regulatory association or Ministry. |
| Clinical Experience | Must be obtained in an Acceptable Clinical Laboratory: CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR DoD CLIP certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR JCI accreditation; OR Accreditation under ISO 15189 Full-time acceptable experience must be obtained within a certain timeframe (based on category). | Must be obtained in a clinical laboratory accredited by JCI, CAP, under ISO 15189,
or authorized by a governing regulatory association or Ministry. Countries without a prevalent system
of accreditation must have laboratories approved by an International Advisory Board appointed by the
ASCP Board of Certification. Experience does not need to: 1) meet U.S. equivalency of “full time,” or 2) be obtained within a certain timeframe (based on category). |
| For certain categories, the required areas of experience may differ between ASCP and ASCPi routes. | ||
Every country, state, territory, and organization has unique professional employment requirements. Given unique and evolving labor requirements, the ASCP BOC strongly recommends that all professionals seeking or carrying ASCP or ASCPi credentials thoroughly research specific government (federal and state), regulatory, and organization-level requirements for employment opportunities of interest.
For those immigrating or seeking permanent residency in the U.S., the ASCPi credential does not replace or override U.S. state or federal work regulations. Certain ASCPi certifications are recognized by employers and licensure agencies in select states. These licensure states have their own rules and guidelines. You may order primary source verification of your credential as needed through the ASCP BOC website.
Leverage Resources to Explore Career Opportunities
Thinking about a laboratory career in the U.S.? ASCP’s Building Bridges webinar shares real-world insights and tips from professionals, including ASCP BOC-credentialed peers who’ve successfully made an international career transition to the U.S. laboratory workforce.
Watch the full recording of the webinar and explore the In Case You Missed It (pdf) resource for key takeaways and helpful links from the session.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) have Career Center websites that medical laboratory professionals can utilize to search for new job opportunities and to be discovered by potential employers.
Cytologist (formerly Cytotechnologists) Credentialing for U.S. Careers
According to U.S. standards (CLIA ’88-Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988), all individuals practicing cytology in the United States must have completed a Cytology/Cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Thus, a cytologist who has successfully completed an accredited program and has earned the Cytologist - CT(ASCP) or Specialist in Cytology - SCT(ASCP) credential is qualified to practice in the United States.
In turn, a cytologist who has earned the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) credentials may not be qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA '88 legislation. A cytologist must explore and validate federal, state, and organizational-level requirements related to ASCPi credentials.
Navigating the Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCPi) to Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCP) Credentialing Transition
ASCP BOC offers an option for those who hold the Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCPi) credential and who have obtained five years of experience in a clinical laboratory that meets ASCP BOC eligibility requirements, to transition their credential to MLS(ASCP). This transition is available through the Medical Laboratory Scientist - MLS(ASCP) eligibility route 5.
This credential transition does not circumvent federal work and state licensure regulations and individuals seeking employment in the U.S. will still need to meet all the U.S. immigration visa requirements.