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Obtain certification and advance your career in molecular biology with our specialized credential.
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and characterize acquired and inherited diseases, including malignant, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Possesses specialized skills in molecular methodologies and operates at an advanced level, providing support in high complexity testing, test development, and troubleshooting. Has advanced knowledge of molecular testing methods, clinical applications, and regulatory standards. Able to assume supervisory responsibilities; specialists serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.
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. All candidates must carefully compare credentialing options. Additional information is available about the similarities and differences between similarities and differences between ASCP and ASCPi credentials and ASCPi credentials.
Each credential has specific eligibility requirements, which are different for ASCP and ASCPi. 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 EligibilityAn 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 does not need to be from the United States. Details are available by reviewing the webpage 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:
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 webpage 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:
Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university,
AND 3 years of full-time acceptable clinical* experience in a molecular biology^ laboratory OR 3 years of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ in the U.S. or Canada. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 6 years and must be documented on this Experience Documentation Form.
*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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
AND 3 years of full-time acceptable clinical* experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 3 years of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ in the U.S. or Canada. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 6 years and must be documented on this Experience Documentation Form.
*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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
AND 2 years of post-doctoral fellowship% in a molecular biology laboratory^ in the U.S. or Canada OR 2 years of full-time acceptable clinical* experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 2 years of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ in the U.S. or Canada. These 2 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 5 years and must be documented on this Experience Documentation Form.
*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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
%A copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university,
AND 3 years of full-time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology at an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university or an acceptable laboratory*. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 6 years and must be documented on this Teaching Experience Documentation Form.
*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.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
AND 1 year of full-time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology at an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university or an acceptable laboratory*. This year of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 5 years and must be documented on this Teaching Experience Documentation Form
*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.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
AND a Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
AND 2 years of full-time acceptable clinical* experience in a molecular biology^ laboratory OR 2 years of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ in the U.S. or Canada. These 2 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and within the last 5 years and must be documented on this Experience Documentation Form.
*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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
AND 3 years of acceptable clinical# experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 3 years of veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Experience 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.
#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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science$, or an appropriately related field,
AND 3 years of acceptable clinical# experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 3 years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Experience 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.
#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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
$Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science$, or an appropriately related field,
AND 2 years of acceptable clinical# experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 2 years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^. These 2 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Experience 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.
#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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
$Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
AND 3 years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory#. These 3 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Teaching Experience 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.
#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
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science$, or an appropriately related field,
AND 1 year of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory#. This year of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Teaching Experience 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.
#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.
$Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
AND a Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science$, or an appropriately related field,
AND 2 years of acceptable clinical# experience in a molecular biology laboratory^ OR 2 years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory^. These 2 years of experience must be acquired post-baccalaureate degree and must be documented on this Experience 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.
#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.
^A molecular biology laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in all aspects of molecular methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization techniques, and data analysis.
$Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.
Experience
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the timeframe required in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas listed, the exam content will cover all areas listed below, and the applicant is responsible for adequately preparing for all of them. For further information about specific exam content, please refer to the content guideline.
Beginning January 1, 2026, application fees for all ASCP certification examinations will increase by $10.
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.
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.
