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Obtain certification and advance your career in cytology with our specialized credential.
Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples from the female genital tract. Detects pre-cancerous changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, and inflammatory processes. May also assist in quality assurance activities.
Each credential has specific eligibility requirements. It’s your responsibility to confirm that your education, training, and/or experience meet the criteria. Submit the correct documentation with your application. Once submitted, the category and route of application cannot be changed.
Check Your EligibilityCytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: 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).
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.
An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including education, training, and/or experience. For complete information, see the Documentation section of the website.
Education needs to be equivalent to education from the United States. Details are available by reviewing the document titled Acceptable Education, also available in the routes below.
To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the minimum requirements (for degrees, the stated degree or higher) of at least one of the following routes:
Two-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* Cytology program in which the program of study incorporates theory and practice in gynecologic cytology that must be documented on this Training Documentation Form.
*Accredited/approved by a governing regulatory association or Ministry. Countries without a prevalent system of accreditation/approval must have programs/educational institutions approved by an International Advisory Board appointed by the ASCP Board of Certification, or eligibility will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation. The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree.
Current employment in the field of cytology,
AND 1 year of clinical# experience in gynecologic cytology in an accredited/approved laboratory within the last 3 years that must be documented on this Experience Documentation Form .
#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.
Reduced pricing is available for those educated and residing in low-to-middle income countries.
Beginning January 1, 2026, application fees for all ASCPi certification examinations will increase by $10, except for those educated and residing in low-to-middle income countries.
Reduced pricing is available for those educated and living in low or middle-income countries.
Beginning January 1, 2026, application fees for all ASCPi certification examinations will increase by $10, except for those living in low or middle-income countries.
You must upload the appropriate documentation form when you apply online, verifying that you meet the training and/or experience requirements for your category and route of application. You will also need to submit an acceptable transcript or transcript evaluation verifying that you meet the academic requirements. Gather your documents before submitting your application and application fee.
Once you have confirmed that you meet the requirements and have gathered your documents, submit your online application.
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In early 2026, the ASCP BOC will launch digital badging through Credly, a trusted provider that increases the visibility of ASCP BOC credential holders by securely showcasing and sharing professional credentials. Learn more about digital badges.