IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:

The ASCP and ASCP Board of Certification offices will be closed for the holidays Dec. 23, 2024, through Jan. 3, 2025. However, you can still reach ASCP Customer Relations by calling 1.800.267.2727 Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT.

Click here to learn more about ASCP BOC services available during the closure.

 

Going Places? An ASCP BOC Credential Can Help.

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is here to help you keep doing what you do best. We are a patient-centric credentialing agency that elevates laboratory professionals through rigorous examinations, tailored to today’s laboratory medicine and pathology practice models. Since BOC’s establishment in 1928, laboratory professionals from around the globe have attained more than 635,000 credentials. An ASCP BOC credential can result in improved job prospects, higher salaries and greater career satisfaction. There are twenty-nine ASCP BOC certification and qualification examinations currently available that span the spectrum of medical laboratory and pathology specialties. Please review the buttons below to learn about eligibility requirements for each credential as well as important information about the examination process.

Effective July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recognized the ASCP BOC SCT certification as an approved board examination for individuals to meet the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. Click here for complete information.

This approval is inclusive of all SCT(ASCP) credential holders, including those who tested under Route 3 prior to July 2024. With this approval, all CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credential holders are recognized in the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. This is a significant win for all ASCP BOC credentialed cytologists and the patients they serve.

Click on the credential for additional information about the CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP).

 

Certification Exam Process
U.S. Certifications
International Certifications
Qualifications
State Licensure
Get Ready to Apply

General Information

You are taking an important step in your professional career, and it is critical to understand the process to become credentialed by the ASCP BOC. Learning about the application and examination processes, and staying connected, are essential to your success. Requirements and fees as stated are subject to change without notice.

Find Information

To quickly navigate the ASCP BOC website, click on the large purple “Board of Certification” tab at the top of the page. You will have access to a menu of all website content.

For complete information about the application and examination processes, see information on this page, or click the links below:

For complete information about a specific category of credential, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms, content outline, and reading list, click on the purple buttons above, or the links below:

Use the booklets below as an overview, and to find links to the appropriate information on the website:

Stay Connected with the BOC

All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email so keeping your email address current is vital to staying informed. Update your email address under account settings in your online account.

Update Your Email Address

Application Process
  1. Determine your examination category and eligibility route.
    - Use the BOC Examination Eligibility Assistant for U.S. Certification.
  2. Login or create an ASCP account online.
    - Do not create a duplicate account.
    - The name (first and last) in your ASCP account must match a valid form of ID.
  3. Select category and route of application.
  4. Verify your contact information.
  5. Complete the online application.
    - Upload appropriate documentation as PDF files within the online application.
    - Incomplete applications can be saved and completed later.
  6. Submit the application fee.
    - Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 90 days from the date started.
    - Applications are not complete until payment has been received and processed.
    - Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.
  7. Request official transcripts be sent from your academic institution to the ASCP BOC
  8. Monitor application status.
    - Login at any time to View the Status of your application.
    - An email notification will be sent when there is a change in the status of your application.
    - Keep your email address current with the ASCP BOC.
  9. Resolve any deficiencies with your application.
    - Incomplete or missing information will delay processing.
  10. Schedule your exam date.
  11. Prepare for exam day.
  12. Sit for the exam.
  13. Receive official exam results.
Update Email or Mailing Address

Email Address
All notifications from the ASCP Board of Certification are delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Failure to keep the Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of important information.

Mailing Address
A valid mailing address must be provided in order to receive your wall certificate. If your address is not valid, it will be your responsibility to order and pay for a replacement wall certificate.

To update your email or mailing address:

Name Change Request

The first name and last name in your ASCP account is the name that will appear on your examination application and Admission Notification. This name (first and last) must match your valid driver’s license/state ID that you present at the test center to take the examination. If your name does not match your valid ID, you must submit a name change request before scheduling your examination. (See The Test Center for complete information about ID requirements.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Name and/or address changes may not be made at the test center. Name changes or name corrections received in the ASCP Board of Certification office after the day you take the examination will not be reflected on your wall certificate. A fee will be charged if you request a new wall certificate.

Name change requests must be accompanied by a photocopy of official documentation (i.e., marriage license or court order).

To request a name change:

  • Go to: www.ascp.org/login
  • Click on the “Profile & Settings”
  • Click on “Request Name Change” button
  • Fill out the online form
  • Upload name change document as a PDF and submit

Please allow 7-10 business days for processing. You will be notified when your name change request has been completed.

Determine Your Eligibility

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) offers many certifications, and each one has its own set of eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to determine if your education, training and/or experience meet current eligibility requirements. Make sure to apply for the appropriate category and eligibility route; once an application is submitted to the BOC, the category and route cannot be changed.

Choose the Correct Exam Category and Route

For each certification category, you will find a choice of routes. You are required to choose a route of eligibility depending on the education, training and experience you have completed. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements as stated and are able to provide the appropriate documentation before submitting your application and application fee.

Education received from a NAACLS, CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program. After five years, eligibility will be based on clinical laboratory experience (except Cytologist and Pathologists’ Assistant).

You may take the examination five times under one eligibility route, provided that you continue to meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, you must meet the current requirements for eligibility for that particular examination category under an alternate route of eligibility.

Examination Eligibility Assistant

The Examination Eligibility Assistant will help you determine the appropriate certification and route before submitting an application.

  • Start by selecting an ASCP certification
  • Answer a series of Yes/No questions about your education, training, and/or experience
  • View your results

Use the Eligibility Assistant

Eligibility is Determined After an Application is Submitted

The ASCP BOC does not consult with a candidate, review documentation, or determine a candidate’s eligibility prior to application. Eligibility is determined only after a candidate’s application, fee, and all required documentation has been received and all items have been reviewed by an evaluator. Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.

How to Apply for Certification

  1. Login or create an ASCP online account.
    • Make sure that your first and last name match your valid ID.
  2. Determine your category of examination and route of eligibility.
  3. Gather the necessary documentation.
  4. Choose “Apply Now” to access the online application.
  5. Complete the online application.
  6. Upload training and/or experience documentation.
  7. Submit online application.
  8. Pay application fee.
  9. Have official transcript sent to the ASCP BOC.

Set up an ASCP Account

Input the following required information:

  • Applicant’s first and last name
    • For testing purposes, your name (first and last) must match the first and last name on your valid ID.
  • Birth date
  • Email address
  • Answer required questions

Additional suggested information

  • Maiden / Alternate name
  • Last four of SSN

Create Your Account

Comparison of ASCP and ASCPi (International) Certification

What is ASCPi

ASCPi is the ASCP Board of Certification’s (BOC’s) credential for applicants educated outside of the U.S.

ASCP & ASCPi Similarities & Differences

As more and more ASCPi certified individuals enter the U.S. and global workforce it is essential for governments, laboratories, hiring managers, international certificants, U.S. certificants, and others to understand the similarities and differences between ASCP and ASCPi.

All ASCPi applicants take the same examination as their U.S. counterparts for all the international examinations. But there are some important differences. For example, CT(ASCPi), SCT(ASCPi) and CTgyn(ASCPi) certification cannot be used to practice in the U.S. Also, ASCPi certificants receive their education from outside of the U.S.

Seeking Employment with ASCPi

While every country has differing requirements for employment as a laboratory professional, ASCP BOC recommends anyone that is interested in using an ASCPi credential for immigration purposes to any country be certain they are aware of government requirements. For individuals immigrating or seeking permanent residence in the United States of America, the ASCPi credential does not circumvent state or federal work regulations; though employers and licensure agencies in several states recognize select ASCPi credentials for practice.

MLS(ASCPi) transition to MLS(ASCP)

In recognition of the foreign educated and trained laboratory professionals who are working in the United States, the ASCP Board of Certification now offers a formal process for International MLS(ASCPi) certificants to transition their credential to MLS(ASCP) through a new U.S. certification route. Based on previous successful completion of the MLS examination, these MLS(ASCPi) certificants will not be required to retake the MLS examination. However, in order to transition, they must have five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in all required areas in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited laboratory within the last ten years. This transition does not circumvent federal work regulations and state licensure regulations and individuals seeking employment in the U.S. will still need to meet all the U.S. immigration visa requirements.

Licensure

In all states, most laboratories choose to hire only certified individuals to ensure their employees are competent. The U.S. also has several states which require licensure or certification to practice. These states have their own rules and guidelines. You must contact the licensure agency in each state for information about these requirements.

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) - CLIA & CAAHEP Regulatory Requirements

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: According to U.S. law (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 with the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) certifications are not qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA ’88 legislation.

Spanish Version of the MLS Examination

Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional, CLM(ASCPi), is the Spanish version of the MLS examination. However, individuals that have earned CLM(ASCPi) credential are not eligible to transition their ASCPi credential to ASCP, nor are they eligible for licensure in the U.S.

Gather and Submit Documentation

Gather Documentation

In order to apply for a BOC examination, an applicant must verify that they meet the specific academic, training, and/or experience eligibility requirements based on the category and route of application.

  • Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
  • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
  • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.

If verification of education is required, the educational institution(s) or acceptable foreign evaluation agency from which transcripts will be sent must be indicated on the online application.

  • When entering educational information, you will be asked to indicate from which institution(s) a transcript will be sent.

Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them. See the information below for complete information.

Common Required Documents

All documentation submitted must:

  • Be uploaded within the online application as PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
  • Be no larger than 10 MB.
  • Contain original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
  • Contain the name of the applicant as it appears on their examination application / ASCP customer record.

    Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.


    All documentation submitted with an application becomes the property of the ASCP BOC.
Documentation for Approved Programs

Applicants that have completed education from an approved program should select their country of education below to determine necessary documentation needed to establish their eligibility.

Documentation for Applicants with a Disability

An applicant who wishes to request modifications in the examination environment because of a disability must notify the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing before submitting an application. All candidates must provide appropriate documentation of their condition and how it is expected to affect their ability to take the test under standard conditions. A letter of diagnosis from an appropriate professional specifying the needed modification and other supporting documentation must be included. Documentation must be original (no copies) and emailed in a PDF format.

Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation (e.g. extra time) would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities. Simply demonstrating that an individual meets diagnostic criteria for a particular disorder does not mean that the person is automatically entitled to test accommodations.

The ASCP Board of Certification will work directly with the applicant and proctors at the test centers to make modifications in the testing environment which make it possible for an individual with a disability to take an examination under conditions which will accurately reflect the individual’s aptitude or achievement level. Such modifications may include providing auxiliary aids and services to an applicant with a disability. Documentation must be original (no copies) and emailed in PDF format. Email request and documentation to: testaccommodations@ascp.org

Note: Once a candidate has received their Admission Notification, requests for testing modifications will not be accepted.

Submit Documentation

Documentation Forms & Letters of Authenticity

  • Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
  • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
  • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.

If verification of education is required, the educational institution(s) or acceptable foreign evaluation agency from which transcripts will be sent must be indicated on the online application.

  • When entering educational information, you will be asked to indicate from which institution(s) a transcript will be sent.

Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them. See the information below for complete information.

Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.

Submission of Transcripts or Transcript Evaluations

If required, academic transcripts or transcript evaluations for all ASCPi categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org

All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.

Documentation Audits

All documentation submitted with an application, including transcript evaluations and documentation forms, are subject to audit to verify authenticity.

Application Assistance and Information for International Applicants

Spanish Application Assistance
JAMT’s ASCPi Overview Video in Japanese 日本語

Verify Education, Experience or Training

Verify Academic Education

Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States or Canada* must have their academic degree evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. The foreign transcript evaluation may be sent to the ASCP BOC International by email. All foreign transcript evaluations are subject to audit.

The foreign transcript evaluation must:

  • be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency (see link below).
  • show a U.S. educational equivalency statement.
  • contain a course by course breakdown.

Important note: A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree.

For more information on how to complete your transcript evaluation, please contact one of the acceptable evaluation agencies for foreign transcripts.

Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts

*Applicants with education or training in Canada should see “Canadian Education and Clinical Training Programs” under "Gather Documentation - U.S. Certifications."

Verify Training

If required for the category and route under which you are applying, clinical laboratory training must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.

  • All eligible clinical laboratory training must be completed outside of the United States.
  • Countries without a prevalent system of accreditation must have laboratories approved by an International Advisory Board appointed by the ASCP Board of Certification.
  • Training programs which do not grant university credit as part of a Medical Laboratory program will be counted as experience.

To document your clinical laboratory training (if required) you must:

  • Download the training documentation form corresponding to your category and route.
  • Have your program director complete and sign this form
    • An original signature is required; typed or electronic signatures are not accepted.
  • Have your program director complete a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity” below.
  • Upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
    • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
    • All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
    • Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
    • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.

The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Verify Experience

If required for the category and route under which you are applying, clinical laboratory experience must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.

  • Experience must be completed at a laboratory accredited/approved by JCI, CAP, 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.

To document your clinical laboratory experience (if required) you must:

  • Download the experience documentation form corresponding to your category and route.
  • Have your laboratory management or your employer complete and sign this form.
    • An original signature is required; typed or electronic signatures are not accepted.
  • Have your program director complete a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity” below.
  • Upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
    • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
    • All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
    • Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
    • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.

The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Letter of Authenticity

All training and experience documentation forms must be submitted with a Letter of Authenticity.

A Letter of Authenticity must:

  • Be printed on institutional letterhead.
  • Be completed by authorized personnel (i.e. Program Director, manager, employer).
  • State that the person submitting the Letter of Authenticity also completed the documentation form.
  • Contain a handwritten signature (not typed or electronic) and date.

The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Gather Documentation

In order to apply for a BOC examination, an applicant must verify that they meet the specific eligibility requirements for academic, training, and/or experience, based on the category and route of application.

The first application for a specific category and route cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.

If verification of training or experience is required for a certification, download the appropriate documentation forms. Qualification documentation forms may be found under the appropriate category here.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the ASCP BOC. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.

For step by step instructions on how to apply online, go to “Apply for Credential.”

Commonly Required Documents

Documentation is required to verify that an applicant meets the education, training, and/or experience requirements for the category and route of application. For detailed information about the types of documentation listed below, see the appropriate section on the right-hand side of this page.

  • Official transcript(s) verifying the stated academic requirement or higher (for education within the U.S. or Canada):
    • high school graduation or equivalent or
    • college/university credits and/or
    • college/university degree conferred
  • An acceptable foreign transcript evaluation (required for education outside of the U.S. or Canada)
  • Experience documentation form with Letter of Authenticity
  • Notarized or official certificate of military training
  • Training documentation form with Letter of Authenticity

Please note: Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.

All documentation submitted with an application becomes the property of the ASCP BOC.

Documentation for Applicants with a Disability

Requested modifications to the examination environment due to a documented disability must be reviewed and approved before an application is submitted. This requirement is in place so that the applicant knows whether they will be receiving the requested accommodations before paying their application fee. In addition, managing the logistics to schedule an exam date at a test center that meets the applicant’s needs may require additional time. As application fees are not refundable, requests for testing modifications will not be accepted once a candidate has submitted a paid application.

Required Documentation

Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation (e.g., extra time) would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities. Simply demonstrating that an individual meets diagnostic criterion for a particular disorder does not mean that the person is automatically entitled to test accommodations.

All candidates must provide acceptable documentation of their condition and how it is expected to affect their ability to take the test under standard conditions. A letter of diagnosis, signed and dated from an appropriate professional specifying the needed modification, and other supporting documentation, must be included. Original documents (no copies) must be scanned and sent in PDF format. All information and documentation regarding a candidate’s testing accommodation will be kept confidential.

A written request, including appropriate documentation, must be sent to testaccommodations@ascp.org.

Approved Accommodations

If approved, ASCP Board of Certification staff will notify the applicant and Pearson Vue to make modifications in the testing environment which make it possible for an individual with a disability to take an examination under conditions which will accurately reflect the individual’s aptitude or achievement level. Such modifications may include providing auxiliary aids and services to an applicant with a disability.

Documentation Audits

All documentation submitted with an application, including transcripts and documentation forms, is subject to audit to verify authenticity.

Verify Education, Experience or Training

Verify Academic Education from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited Program

The education received from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited program is acceptable for five years from the date of completion of that program.

Verification of program completion versus academic requirements
The program director will electronically verify a student’s successful completion of all program requirements before the applicant is provided information about how to schedule an examination.

In addition, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that an official transcript is submitted to the ASCP BOC to verify that all education requirements have been met. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.

Please note that applicants for HT, Route 1, do not need to submit any transcripts to the ASCP BOC.

Applicants from NAACLS accredited programs outside of the United States should contact their program director for the appropriate documentation for verification of your degree.

Application process for program graduates
All education requirements must be completed before sitting for the examination. You may schedule and sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by the ASCP BOC.

If you do not appear for your scheduled exam date, or fail the examination, your official transcript, verifying completion of high school graduation, college coursework, and/or degree conferral, must be received and processed by the ASCP BOC in order for you to schedule another examination date.

If you pass the examination, an official transcript must be submitted to the ASCP BOC in order for you to become certified.

Important: You will not have access to your examination score, and are not certified, until an official transcript is received and processed. If your official transcript is not fully processed within one year of your examination date, your score will be invalidated. To become certified, you will need to reapply, submit a new application and fee, and pass the certification examination.

Specific Coursework Requirements

  • The courses completed as part of your accredited program will be counted towards any required chemistry and biology coursework.
  • 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.
  • A passing grade, which results in credit being earned, is necessary for coursework to count towards the meeting of academic requirements.
  • The use of “Pass” on an official transcript can be used in lieu of a passing grade, provided the quarter or semester hour credits assigned to the course are also indicated.

If eligibility requirements specify that coursework and/or a degree must be completed at an Accredited College/University, click below for complete information.

Accredited Colleges and Universities

Helpful Tips

Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.

All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.

Verify Academic Education for PBT, MLA, and QDP applicants

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent.

  • Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution (high school, State Department of Education, etc.) to the ASCP BOC.
  • OR an acceptable foreign transcript evaluation (required for education outside of the U.S. or Canada) must be sent to the ASCP BOC.

Please note:
- Acceptance into a program or institution does not verify high school graduation or equivalency.
- College coursework, without a degree conferred, does not verify high school graduation or equivalency.

In summary, an official transcript requires:

  • Date degree was conferred (if required)
  • Seal of academic institution
  • Signature of Registrar

Helpful Tips

Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.

All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.

See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.

NAACLS accredited PBT and MLA program graduates

Students who have completed a NAACLS accredited PBT or MLA program are able to sit for the exam one time before an official transcript has been received in the ASCP BOC office. However, it is important to note that you will not have access to your exam score, and are not certified, until your official transcript has been received and processed by the BOC office.

Verify Academic Education from an Accredited College/University within the United States and Canada

If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree are required to establish eligibility to sit for an exam, you must submit an official transcript to the ASCP BOC to verify completion of these requirements. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.

Specific Coursework Requirements

  • If the eligibility requirements state courses are required in biology and chemistry, the course titles listed on the official transcript must be clearly identified as being within the biology and chemistry departments. Courses with unfamiliar names should be identified as being within BIO, CHEM, or other acceptable departments. Courses which the applicant feels should be considered as biological science or chemistry may be deemed acceptable if the applicant submits proof.
  • Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.
  • 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.
  • A passing grade, which results in credit being earned, is necessary for coursework to count towards the meeting of academic requirements.
  • The use of “Pass” on an official transcript can be used in lieu of a passing grade, provided the quarter or semester hour credits assigned to the course are also indicated.

If eligibility requirements specify that coursework and/or a degree must be completed at an accredited college/university, click below for complete information.

Please note that Continuing Education courses are not acceptable for fulfilling academic requirements.

Accredited Colleges and Universities

Education or Training in Canada

A three-year baccalaureate degree from a Canadian University is not acceptable for technologist/scientist level examinations or higher. A baccalaureate degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree is required.

Applicants who have completed their education in Quebec must submit original transcripts verifying completion of a CEGEP / DEC program as well as college credits and/or degree requirements. Otherwise, a foreign transcript evaluation must be submitted.

Canadians applying for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Cytotechnologist (CT) certification examination must have completed a CMA accredited Medical Laboratory Technology training program.

The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.

Helpful Tips

Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.

All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.

Verify Academic Education from an Accredited College/University outside of the United States and Canada

If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree, obtained outside of the United States or Canada, are required to establish eligibility to sit for an exam, you must have these academics evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts.

The foreign transcript evaluation must:

  • be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency (see link below).
  • be sent directly from the acceptable foreign transcript evaluation agency to the ASCP BOC.
  • show a U.S. educational equivalency statement.
  • contain a course by course breakdown.
  • be an original or certified copy* of the transcript evaluation.
    • *A certified copy is a photocopy of the original transcript evaluation, stamped and signed by the evaluation agency.

Important notes:

- A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree.
- All foreign transcript evaluations are subject to audit.
- The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.

For more information on how to complete your transcript evaluation, please contact one of the acceptable evaluation agencies for foreign transcripts.

Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts

Submitting Foreign Transcript Evaluations to the ASCP BOC

Transcript evaluations for all ASCP categories should be sent to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.

Transcript evaluations for all ASCPi categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org.

Only if you are unable to submit your foreign transcript evaluation electronically, have it mailed to the address below. Do not send items through the mail if you have already submitted them electronically as this will slow the processing of all applications. Allow for an additional 2 weeks for processing of all foreign transcript evaluations submitted by mail.

ASCP BOC
Attn: Jackie Sanders
33 W. Monroe St, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603

All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.

Official Transcript Requirements

If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree are required to meet the eligibility requirements, you must request that an official transcript be sent to the ASCP BOC.

Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution or a third-party vendor, such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, and require:

  • Date degree was conferred (if required)
  • Seal of academic institution
  • Signature of Registrar

Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States or Canada must have their academics evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. See “Verify Academic Education from an Accredited College/University outside of the United States and Canada” for complete information.

The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.

Already ASCP BOC Credentialed

When applying for an ASCP BOC credential that has valid certification as an eligibility requirement, the applicant’s prior ASCP BOC credential must be in a current CMP cycle.

If you are previously ASCP BOC credentialed, and have a legible, official transcript already on file from a previous application that verifies a degree or specific coursework requirements have been met, you may not be required to submit an additional transcript. For all applications, staff has the right to request the submission of an official transcript verifying the academic requirements for the category and route of application have been met.

VERIFY EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING

Verify Laboratory or Teaching Experience

If required for the category and route under which you are applying, laboratory experience must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.

To document your laboratory experience (if required) you must:

  • download and print the appropriate training documentation form corresponding to your category and route of application (go to U.S. Certifications or Qualifications).
  • have your immediate supervisor or laboratory management complete and sign this form, along with a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity Requirements” below.
  • upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application.
    • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
    • All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
    • Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
    • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
    • Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.

**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Clinical experience must be completed at 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 and Part Time Experience Defined
Full time experience is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week. Individuals who have part time experience may be permitted to utilize prorated part time experience to meet the experience requirements.

For example, if you are employed part time 20 hours per week for one year, your experience would be computed as 20 divided by 35 multiplied by 52 weeks, or the equivalent of 29.7 weeks of full time employment.

The number of years of experience required must be completed within the time frame specified in the eligibility requirements, calculated from the date of application (e.g., application submitted March, 2022; experience acceptable from March, 2012 for a ten year time frame).

Acceptable Clinical Training Programs may be used towards the MLT or MLS experience requirement

Completion of an Accredited Training Program may qualify as 1 year of experience
Successful completion of one of the following programs within the last five years can be used in place of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience for the MLT or MLS examination. In addition, completion of this program will count as one semester of organic or biochemistry.

  • NAACLS accredited MLS program
  • NAACLS accredited MLT program
  • ABHES accredited MLT program
  • Foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program

The other years of acceptable clinical laboratory experience for the MLS or MLT examination must be completed in an acceptable laboratory.*

Clinical experience must be completed at 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.

Verify Laboratory Training

Verify Laboratory Training
If required for the category and route under which you are applying, laboratory training must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.

To document your laboratory training (if required) you must:

  • download and print the appropriate training documentation form corresponding to your category and route of application (go to U.S. Certifications or Qualifications).
  • have your program director complete and sign this form, along with a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity Requirements” below.
  • upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application.
    • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
    • All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
    • Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
    • Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
    • Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.

**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Clinical experience must be completed at 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.

Verify Completion of a Structured Training Program

Structured Training Programs (PBT, MLA)

If your formal structured PBT or MLA training program is not NAACLS accredited, you must submit a training documentation form. To document completion of your structured training program, see “Verify Laboratory Training” above.

Structured Categorical Training Programs (BB, C, H, M)

 

Some NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) programs offer structured categorical programs in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology, in addition to the traditional, complete MLS program. Individuals who complete structured training programs in a single area under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, with the requisite education, qualify for the technologist examination (BB, C, H, or M) under Route 3. Applicants applying for BB, C, H, M under Route 3 should not submit an application until after successful completion of the structured program.

To document completion of your structured training program, see “Verify Laboratory Training” above.

Letter of Authenticity Requirements

All training and experience documentation forms must be submitted with a Letter of Authenticity. The purpose of this letter is to verify that the person who completed and signed the documentation form is an authorized representative of the institution.

A Letter of Authenticity must:

  • state that the person submitting the Letter of Authenticity also completed the documentation form.
  • be completed by authorized personnel (i.e. Program Director, manager, supervisor).
  • contain a handwritten signature (not typed or electronic) and date.
  • be printed on institutional letterhead.

**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.

Military Certifications

Provided they are in good standing, active military personnel enrolled in military laboratory specialist courses and in NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited/approved training programs can sit for the appropriate ASCP BOC certification examination within the last three weeks of Phase II training.

Certification Examinations Offered Military-Trained Applicants

If required for your route of application, one of the following must be uploaded as a PDF document in the training section of the online application:

  • Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS or AFSC code or 68K)
  • Official certificate verifying completion of training
  • Official copy of your DD214 form, SRB or ERB

Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.

Application Resources

Application Fee Covered by the U.S. Military

If your application fee is being paid by the military, upon completing the online application, follow the pay-by-mail instructions.

  • At the end of the online application process, you’ll be prompted to print your pay-by-mail documents. Submit these completed documents to the appropriate military personnel to be submitted to the ASCP BOC office.
  • When payment is received from the military and authorized, processing of your application will begin. Processing of your application will take 45 business days from the date payment is authorized.

Please note that application fees are non-refundable.

Tips:

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 90 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Credit card payments need to be submitted, with the invoice(s), to the ASCP BOC office within 90 days of starting the application(s).

Mail invoice(s) to:

ASCP Board of Certification
3462 Eagle Way
Chicago, IL 60678

Examination Location and Scheduling

Military personnel and their families can take ASCP BOC certification examinations at military bases and any other Pearson VUE Preferred test centers. To gain access to on-base military test centers, an examinee must have both a valid government ID and authorization to enter the base. Make sure that you have proper authorization for access to the military base before scheduling your exam. You can find a site near you at the Pearson Vue website.

Military candidates should schedule an appointment for the date and time of their choice within their eligibility window by following the instructions on their Admission Notification.

Official Transcript

If high school graduation, or college credits and/or a degree, is required to meet the eligibility requirements, you must request that an official transcript be sent electronically to the ASCP BOC.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution and require:

  • Date degree was conferred (if required)
  • Seal of academic institution
  • Signature of Registrar

The ASCP BOC has partnered with Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse to more quickly and efficiently receive electronic transcripts. If your academic institution utilizes one of these third party vendors, you must follow the instructions provided to choose the ASCP BOC as the recipient of your electronic transcript. If you do not follow these instructions, you may be required to order, pay for, and submit another transcript to be processed by the ASCP BOC.

If your institution manages electronic transcripts independently they should be sent from an official representative of your academic institution to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.

Multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met. All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.

Specific Coursework Requirements

If the eligibility requirements state courses are required in biology and chemistry, the courses listed on the official transcript must be in the biology and chemistry departments. This allows those courses with unfamiliar names to be identified as acceptable. Courses which the applicant feels should be considered as biological science or chemistry may be acceptable if the applicant submits proof. 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.

Please note: Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.

Students from NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Programs

Taking the examination is dependent upon successful completion of your program and all academic requirements. You may sit for the exam one time before an official transcript verifying completion of high school graduation, college coursework, and/or your degree has been received by the ASCP BOC office.

Important note: you will not have access to your examination score and are not certified until your official transcript has been received and processed by the ASCP BOC. If an official transcript is not received and processed within one year of your examination date, your score will be invalidated and you will not be certified.

Applicant Resources

For additional information see below.

Certification Exam Process

Study Materials

Schedule an Exam

Credential Maintenance Program

Verification of Certification

Submit Application

For step by step instructions on how to apply online, go to “Apply for Credential.”

ASCP BOC Application Policies

The ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or refund application fees due to non-receipt of BOC email notifications, being found ineligible, personal/family-related responsibilities, lack of study, failure to make an appointment or appear for a scheduled examination.

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.

Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of documentation. If you cancel, do not appear, miss your scheduled appointment, or are determined ineligible, you must submit a full application fee and reapply for examination.

Eligibility is determined after a paid application is submitted. The ASCP BOC does not consult with a candidate, review documentation, or determine a candidate’s eligibility prior to application. Eligibility is determined only after a candidate’s application, fee, and all required documentation has been received and all items have been reviewed by an evaluator.

Eligibility periods will not be extended. The eligibility period is currently 120 days. 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 the eligibility period. Failure to complete the exam within this time frame will require a new application and application fee.

Applicants are responsible for making and keeping their scheduled examination appointment. If an applicant cancels without rescheduling, or misses their exam appointment, a new application must be submitted. To verify your appointment, contact Pearson VUE.

Applicants are responsible for keeping their email address current with the ASCP BOC. An email address is verified when submitting an application; all communication and notifications are sent via email. As necessary, an applicant must update their email address in their ASCP record.

An applicant may sit for an examination up to five times under one eligibility route, provided that they meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, they must meet the current requirements under an alternate eligibility route.

Certification, if granted, may be revoked at any time for inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete information, click here.

For information about the ASCP BOC Appeals Policy, click here.

Timeframe for processing an application

All applications are processed in the order received. An application is not officially submitted until payment has been fully processed. To determine your eligibility for examination, all required documentation must be submitted and reviewed by ASCP BOC staff.

  • Log in to your account at any time to view the status of your application.
  • Upon review of submitted documentation, you will be notified to log in to your account to view the status of your application.
  • Allow an average of 4 weeks after submission to receive a status update regarding your application.
  • Missing or deficient documentation must be submitted as soon as possible. If documents are not received by ASCP BOC staff within 8 weeks of the initial application date, your application may be deleted.

Do not submit duplicate documents, including transcripts, as it delays the processing of all applications. ASCP Customer Relations will not be able to provide information regarding the status of submitted documents, including transcripts.

Graduates of accredited programs may sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by ASCP BOC staff. Go to www.ascp.org/boc/us-documentation and choose “Verify Academic Education from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited Program” for complete information.

Timeframe for Processing Transcripts

All electronic transcripts must be manually downloaded and connected to an application before processing and review can begin. ASCP BOC staff receive a high volume of transcripts daily, particularly during the months of March – August.

  • Once received by the ASCP BOC, electronic transcripts will be downloaded within 2 weeks.
  • From September – February, allow up to 6 weeks after a transcript has been downloaded for processing.
  • From March – August, allow up to 8 weeks after a transcript has been downloaded for processing.

Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify all academic requirements. Do not submit duplicate transcripts as it delays the processing of all applications.

The timelines above only apply to transcripts that were submitted correctly. For complete information, see “Submitting Transcripts” and “Was My Transcript Submitted Correctly?” on the right-hand side of this page.

ASCP Customer Relations will not be able to provide information regarding the status of submitted transcripts.

Application Status

All information regarding the status of your application (from submission to examination results) is available by logging into your ASCP account. (Go to “Apply for Credential” for instructions.) Any time there has been a change in the status of your application, an email notification is sent with instructions to log in to your account.

Please note that you may log in to your account at any time to view the current status of your application. The ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or reinstate deleted applications due to the non-receipt of BOC application status email notifications.

Important Note: Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.

Application Statuses

Received – Your application and fee have been successfully submitted. Your application, along with any uploaded documents, are in queue to be processed by ASCP BOC staff.

Deficient – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. There are specific eligibility requirements that the provided documentation have not verified; these deficiencies must be resolved.

Specific information about what additional information is needed, along with instructions for resolving these deficiencies, is available after logging in (see above).

Eligible – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. They have verified that you meet the requirements for you to sit for the examination.

Your Admission Notification, containing instructions on scheduling an appointment to take the examination within the eligibility period assigned, is available after logging in (see above).

Graduates of accredited programs may sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by ASCP BOC staff. Go to www.ascp.org/boc/us-documentation and choose “Verify Academic Education from a CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited Program” for complete information.

Ineligible – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. Identified deficiencies were not resolved within 12 weeks of the initial application. Your application has been deleted and you must re-apply. If you wish to appeal the decision regarding your ineligibility, please follow the appeals process under Eligibility to Sit for an Examination.

Helpful Tips / Important Notes

Transcripts

  • Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.
  • Only submit official transcripts; do not submit transcripts before coursework has been completed or a degree has been conferred (if necessary). Unofficial or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted and impede the processing of appropriate documentation.
  • Submit official transcripts after submitting a completed application.
  • Make sure that your first and last names on your official transcript matches the name on your online application. If you have already submitted a transcript with a different last name, see “Missing Transcripts” for instructions.

Credential Holders: Don’t Order Verification of your Credential Too Soon!

  • An email notification to view your score report will be sent within four business days of completing your examination. You are not credentialed until your passing score report has been made available to you, which includes your valid three-year credential cycle dates. If you place an order for verification of your credential before you have received access to this score report, a result will not be returned because you are not yet certified.
  • Verification fees will not be refunded, nor will they be transferred to another order, if you order verification before you are credentialed.

Submit Documentation

Uploading Documentation Forms & Letters of Authenticity

If verification of training or experience is required, download the appropriate documentation forms.

Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents before an initial online application can be submitted.

  • Pictures are not acceptable.
  • PDF files must be no larger than 10MB.
  • All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
  • Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.

Retake Applications

Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.

All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.

Submitting Official Transcript(s)

Helpful Tips

  • Only submit official transcripts; do not submit transcripts before coursework has been completed or a degree has been conferred (if necessary). Unofficial or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted and impede the processing of appropriate documentation.
  • Submit official transcripts after submitting a completed application.
  • Make sure that your first and last names on your official transcript matches the name on your online application. If you have already submitted a transcript with a different last name, see “Missing Transcripts” below for instructions.

Transcripts Sent Electronically

Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution or a third-party vendor. The ASCP BOC recommends official transcripts be submitted electronically. We have partnered with Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to receive electronic transcripts from educational institutions more quickly and efficiently.

When using a third party vendor, choose the ASCP BOC as the recipient of your electronic transcript. If you do not, you may be required to order, pay for, and submit another official transcript to be processed by the ASCP BOC. Instructions are provided below:

If your educational institution manages electronic transcripts independently they must be sent from an official representative of your academic institution to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.

Official transcripts or transcript evaluations for all ASCPi (International) categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org.

Transcripts Sent by Mail

Only send transcripts by mail if you are unable to submit them electronically. Do not send transcripts through the mail if you have already submitted them electronically as this will slow the processing of all applications. Allow for an additional 2 weeks in the processing of all transcripts submitted by mail.

ASCP BOC Attn: Jackie Sanders
33 W. Monroe St, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603

For complete information about timelines, see “Timeframes for Processing Transcripts” on the left side of this page.

All transcripts are processed in the order received.

Was My Transcript Submitted Correctly?

If you submitted an official transcript more than 6 weeks ago, follow the instructions below.

First, please check for a few things:

  • Log in to your ASCP account and “View Details” of your completed BOC application. Review any information provided.
  • Did you accidentally have the transcript sent electronically to yourself rather than the ASCP BOC?
    • Check your junk, spam, and email folders for any emails sent to you.
    • If you ordered your transcript through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, log in to their website and choose to “re-send” the email and password links; this will show you to which email it was originally sent.
    • If you sent the transcript to yourself, follow the instructions above to correctly have an official transcript sent directly to the ASCP BOC.
    • If the transcript was sent correctly to the ASCP BOC, follow the instructions near the bottom of this page.
  • Was your transcript sent under a different last name than is on your exam application?
    • If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Alternate Name and include the following information:
      • Your name as it appears on your exam application, Customer ID, and category of application
      • The institution from which the transcript was sent and the name that appears on the transcript
      • The date and method by which the transcript was sent (mail, electronic; if electronic, provide the order number and provider – NSC, Parchment, school)
  • Did you send your transcript in before your application was paid / officially submitted?
    • If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Early Transcript and include the following information:
      • Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, category of application, and date of paid application
      • The institution from which the transcript was sent and the name that appears on the transcript
      • The date and method by which the transcript was sent (mail, electronic; if electronic, provide the order number and provider – NSC, Parchment, school)
Missing Transcripts

Once you have checked the items above, under “Was My Transcript Submitted Correctly?” and confirmed that you correctly sent the transcript to the ASCP BOC more than 8 weeks ago, follow the instructions below:

  • If the transcript was sent electronically, forward your order confirmation to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org and change the subject line to “Missing Electronic Transcript.” Include the following information:
    • Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, and category of application
    • If the transcript was sent through the mail, in paper form, send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Mailed Transcript” and include the following information:
    • Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, and category of application
    • The institution from which the transcript was sent and the date that it was mailed
    • The name that appears on the transcript

All emails will be reviewed and issues investigated as quickly as possible.
Please allow 3 – 5 business days for a response or resolution.

Before the Exam

Scheduling Your Examination

When you receive your email notification to login to view your Admission Notification, you may schedule your examination appointment at a Pearson VUE Testing Center, the testing provider for all ASCP BOC certification examinations.

  • Login to your ASCP account to view your Admission Notification.
  • Verify all information for accuracy.
  • Schedule an appointment within your eligibility period; use the contact information provided for Pearson VUE in the Admission Notification.

All scheduling, cancelling, and re-scheduling of examination appointments is between the examinee and Pearson VUE.

Appointments may be made up to one business day in advance. After you successfully schedule your appointment, Pearson VUE will send confirmation that includes your test date and time, and the address, phone number, and directions to the test center.

It is strongly recommended that you contact Pearson VUE as early as possible to make your appointment for the best opportunity to test at your preferred time and location. You must take your examination within the eligibility period found in your Admission Notification. Failure to complete the exam within this time frame will require you to reapply.

Applicants are solely responsible for making and keeping their scheduled examination appointment. If you cancel without rescheduling or miss your exam appointment, you must reapply for examination. To verify your appointment, contact Pearson VUE. Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

The ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or refund application fees due to non-receipt of BOC email notifications, personal/family-related responsibilities, lack of study, failure to make an appointment or appear for a scheduled examination.

Schedule an Exam Date

Rescheduling an Appointment

  • You must contact Pearson VUE at least one full business day (24 hours) prior to your exam date and time to reschedule an appointment. You may only reschedule within your eligibility period. See chart below.
  • Scheduling changes must be made and confirmed by contacting Pearson Customer Service. Leaving a voice mail is not sufficient to reschedule your appointment.
  • Upon successfully rescheduling your exam date, you will receive a confirmation email from Pearson VUE within 24 hours.
  • If you do not receive an email, you have not successfully rescheduled.

Reschedule Appointment

 

TEST DAY LAST CANCEL / CHANGE DAY
 At least 24 hours before appointment 
 Monday   Friday of the preceding week
 Tuesday   Monday of the same week
 Wednesday   Tuesday of the same week
 Thursday   Wednesday of the same week
 Friday   Thursday of the same week
 Saturday   Friday of the same week

 

Cancellation Policy
You will not receive any refund of your application fee, nor can it be transferred to another application, if you do not make an appointment, cancel your appointment, or miss your scheduled (or rescheduled) appointment within the examination eligibility period. A new application and full application fee will be required to schedule a new exam date.

Student Resources and Study Guides

The BOC provides a range of tools to support your efforts for achieving certification.

Content Guidelines & Reading Lists

All specific content for an exam category can be found under U.S. Certifications and International Certifications, sorted by individual category. This includes:

  • Examination Content Guidelines which include an outline of topics covered on each exam.
  • Reading Lists of suggested materials for each exam.
  • All required documentation forms.
  • Complete information about the application process.

#BOCStudyGuide Question of the Week on Social Media

The #BOCStudyGuide Question of the Week can help you prepare for the MLS and MLT exams! These practice questions from the BOC Study Guides test your knowledge on various exam topics and can aid you in identifying which concepts you’re struggling with so you can focus your studies more effectively. Watch the ASCP BOC Facebook page to see when a new question is available!

Exam Video Interviews

Are you curious about the examination process? Would you like to have a better understanding of what it takes to prepare and sit for an examination? Well now is your chance to hear directly from ASCP BOC credential holders about their exam experience. Click on any of the following links to learn more:

ADVANCED EXAM VIDEO INTERVIEWS

Advanced Interviews – Highlight Video
(DLM) Patty Eschliman, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CMDLMCM
(SBB) Danielle Mullins, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM
(SBB) Karen Milks, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM
(SM) Laksana Sierra, MS, MLS(ASCP)SMCM
(SMB) Hana Fukuto, PhD, SMB(ASCP)CM

TECHNOLOGIST/SCIENTIST VIDEO INTERVIEWS

(CLM) Mercedes Cedeño, CLM(ASCPi)

QUALIFICATION EXAM VIDEO INTERVIEWS

(QBRS) Lisa M. Turner, BS, HT(ASCP)CM,QIHCCM,QBRSCM
(QIHC) HM1 Neisha V. Wright, HT(ASCP)CM,QIHCCM

Study Guides

The BOC offers several BOC Study Guides:

  • BOC Study Guide for Clinical Laboratory Certification Examinations (also available as a bundle with the MLS Online Review Course)
  • BOC Study Guide for Histotechnology Certification Examinations
  • BOC Study Guide for Phlebotomy Certification Examinations

Purchase Study Guides

MLS Online Review Course

The MLS Online Review Course is a competency-based curriculum to help U.S. and international medical laboratory scientists (MLSs) who plan on becoming ASCP/ASCPi MLS certified prepare for this examination. In addition to functioning as a concise review, covering the highlights of the content areas on the MLS exam, the MLS Online Review Course can also help you determine when you are ready to take the exam.

Purchase Review Courses

Practice Exams

*NEW* BOC Interactive Practice Exam – MLT and MLS

Versatile and extremely valuable, the BOC Interactive Practice Exam enables the user to build custom quizzes and timed practice tests based on topics, difficulty and more, pulling from a library of nearly 2,500 study questions built by ASCP. You can even compare question-level results to see how your peers are answering.

Highlights include:

  • Nearly 2,500 questions (same as the BOC Study Guide!)
  • User can build their own quiz or timed practice exam, choosing questions based on:
    • Subject area
    • Difficulty level – Based on data from other users
  • Practice Exam allows user to set a time limit to simulate a real exam scenario
  • MLT-only filter can be applied for those studying for MLT Exam
  • Mobile friendly – Access anywhere on desktop or mobile
  • Commentary and references can be turned on or off for different study styles

Purchase ASCP BOC Interactive
MLT/MLS Practice Exam

Also Available:

*NEW* BOC Histotechnology Interactive Practice Exam

*NEW* BOC Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam

ASCP is also offering expanded support to those studying for the BOC Histotechnician, HT(ASCP) or Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP) certification exams, the BOC Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) certification exam, or the Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy (QDP) exam.

BOC Histotechnology & Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam Product Features
Versatile and extremely valuable, the BOC Histotechnology Interactive Practice Exam and BOC Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam enable users to build custom quizzes and timed practice tests based on topics, difficulty and more, pulling from libraries of nearly 1,300 study questions for each exam, built by ASCP. You can even compare question-level results to see how your peers are answering.

Purchase BOC Histotechnology
Interactive Practice Exam

Purchase BOC Phlebotomy
Interactive Practice Exam

Exam Day

Exam Administration

The ASCP Board of Certification uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) for the majority of its certification exams, and a fixed-form exam for selected certification exams. CAT provides a more robust method to measure the true ability of test takers. When a test taker answers a question correctly, the next exam question has a slightly higher level of difficulty. The difficulty level of the questions presented to the test taker continues to increase until a question is answered incorrectly. Then, a slightly easier question is presented. In this way, the exam is tailored to the individual’s ability level and ensures that each question has a 50% chance of being answered correctly.

All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. In CAT, test takers cannot skip a question because the CAT algorithm measures the individual’s ability level each time a question is answered. Since each exam adjusts to meet the test taker’s knowledge level, every exam is unique.

Each question in the test bank is calibrated for level of difficulty and is classified by content area. The content area aligns with the exam specific content outline. The test taker must answer enough questions correctly to achieve a score at or above the pass point in order to successfully pass the exam. There is no set number of questions one must answer to pass, nor is there a set percentage one must achieve to pass. If at the end of the exam the test taker’s score is at or above the pass point, then he or she passes the exam.

Exam Durations

  • Most examinations are scheduled for 2 hours and 30 minutes and have 100 questions.
  • The PBT examination is scheduled for 2 hours and has 80 questions.
  • The MLT examination for California state licensure ONLY is scheduled for 2 hours and has 80 questions.
  • The DMLI examination is scheduled for 4 hours and has 150 questions.

Exam Format

  • All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer.
  • Test takers cannot skip questions.
  • Once you complete an exam, and if there is still time available, you may review your answers. Changing an answer will not affect previously answered questions.

Taking the Exam

  • Verify your name and examination category at the beginning of the examination.
  • Agree to the pledge of confidentiality regarding examination content.
  • Read all directions carefully before beginning the examination.
  • View your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination. As these are preliminary results, score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.

Ordering Verification of Certification

Until your passing score report has been made available to you, your certification will not be available for verification. See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.

Official Examination Results

Notification to log in to your account to view your examination score will be emailed to you within four business days after you have taken the examination, provided all official transcripts verifying the required coursework or appropriate degree have been received and processed.

Your official score report will indicate “pass” or “fail” status and the scaled score on the total examination. Exams are scored using a psychometric formula that places test takers' abilities onto a common linear scale. To help the test taker understand their ability more easily, scores on the psychometric scale are transformed into a scaled score. This practice is commonplace across large-scale testing environments. The BOC uses a scale of 100 to 999 with a minimum passing score of 400.

Examination results cannot be released by phone or email to anyone, including the examinee.

Release of Exam Score to Program Officials

If you completed a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited program, your examination score will be released to the officials of your program unless you instruct the ASCP Board of Certification otherwise. Send your request to PDInfo@ascp.org. Make sure to include your ASCP Customer ID as well as the name of your program.

Official notification by email must be received no later than 7 days after your examination date.

Revocation of Certification

Certification, if granted, may be revoked at any time due to inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete information, click here.

Arrive 30 Minutes Before Your Scheduled Exam Time

  • You must report to the testing center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
    • If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to test. You would then need to reapply, including a full application fee.
  • Upon check-in, Pearson VUE will collect your signature, photo, and palm vein image.
    • You must provide a valid ID, with photo and signature, upon check in. See below for full details.
  • You will be given a checklist of rules to read and sign.
  • Another palm vein image will be taken before you are seated in the exam room and if you leave the room during your exam. Biometric technology (palm vein imaging) ensures that each candidate will only have a single record in the Pearson VUE system and safeguards the integrity of every ASCP exam.

Identification with Matching Name

If your name (first and last) on your application does not match your valid ID, you must submit a name change request before scheduling your examination. For complete information on submitting a name change, see General Information.

A valid (not expired) ID with your photograph and signature must be presented in order to test. See below for acceptable forms of ID.

Your valid ID must:

  • not be expired.
  • contain both your photograph and signature.
  • have your first and last name match your first and last name registered at the Pearson VUE Testing Center. This is the first and last name under which you applied for the examination.

If you appear at the Pearson VUE Testing Center without an approved ID, or that does not match your name registered with Pearson, you will not be permitted to take the examination. You will then be required to reapply with a full application fee for another examination period.

Acceptable Forms of Identification

In order to be acceptable, your ID must have both your photograph and signature.

  • Driver’s License
  • Identification Card (national/state/province identity card)
  • International Travel Passport
  • Alien Registration Card (Permanent resident card)

Candidate Test Center Procedures

You will be required to leave your personal belongings outside of the testing room in small storage lockers. You will be asked to remove any large jewelry or other accessories before entering the testing room. Provisions have been made for specific religious or cultural apparel.

Non-programmable calculators may be brought to the testing center. Writing material for calculations will be provided for you.

The following items will not be accessible during your examination appointment:

  • Any educational, test preparation or study materials.
  • Cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, programmable calculators, or any other electronic devices.
  • Weapons of any kind.

Prohibited Materials and Behavior

Reference books, notes, or other study materials may not be brought into the testing center.

If the test administrator determines that you have engaged in inappropriate conduct during the exam (such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid, looking at notes/reference books/study guides, etc.) your exam session may be terminated, and you may be unable to complete your exam.

Review the ASCP BOC/Pearson VUE - Candidate Test Center Procedures for full details.

Examination Irregularities

For exam content or exam administration irregularities, click below for the appeals procedure.

Review Appeal Procedures

After the Exam

Email Notification of Exam Score Report

While you will view your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination, this is a preliminary result and score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.

You are not certified until your passing score report is made available to you; this score report includes your certification number and valid three-year credential cycle dates.

Ensure that your email address is current by logging into your ASCP account. A notification to view your passing examination score report will be emailed to you within four business days after completing your exam, provided all official transcripts verifying the required coursework or appropriate degree have been received and processed by the ASCP BOC.

Manage Your ASCP Account

Requesting Verification of Certification for Submission to a Third Party

Until you can access your passing score report, your certification will not be available for verification. See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.

A Third-Party Verification Request link is available on your passing score report with instructions for requesting verification of certification for a third party, such as a state licensing board or an employer. There is a $20 service fee associated with each verification of certification order.

Verification of Credentials

After Your Exam

  • Follow the email instructions to review your score report.
  • Watch for your wall certificate to arrive.
  • Order verification of your certification to be submitted to a 3rd party if necessary
  • Set a reminder to participate in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) prior to the three year expiration date.
Wall Certificates

ASCP wall certificates are custom printed and mailed to you as a hard copy. We cannot email your wall certificate, nor do we keep copies on file.

ASCP wall certificates are not intended to be used as verification of your certification for an employer or third party. They are for your records only. You may order primary source verification of your ASCP certification online. There is a $20 service fee associated with each primary source verification order placed.

Receiving Your Certificate

Wall certificates are ordered weekly and mailed directly from our vendor by first class mail through the United States Postal system (USPS). This level of postal service does not use a tracking number.

  • Upon accessing your score report, you are required to verify the mailing address to which the wall certificate will be mailed.
    • Please provide an address where you know the wall certificate may be securely delivered directly to you or a trusted individual who can receive it on your behalf.
    • Make sure the address is complete and formatted accurately.
  • You will receive your wall certificate, valid for three years, several weeks after your score report notification.
    • For U.S. addresses, it may take 3-5 weeks
    • For international addresses, it may take 6-9 weeks
      • Delivery to an international address depends on your country’s postal system.
      • Providing a complete and accurate mailing address is essential.
Replacement Wall Certificates

If you do not receive your BOC wall certificate in the approximate timeframes listed above, you may wait to see if your wall certificate is returned to the BOC office as “undeliverable.” This may take up to six months. You will be notified immediately if your wall certificate is returned to the BOC office.

If you do not want to wait to see if your wall certificate will be returned to the BOC office as undeliverable, you may order a replacement wall certificate to be mailed to an address you provide. Replacement wall certificates may be ordered online. There is an $18.00 service fee associated with each replacement wall certificate order placed.

Beware of Fraudulent Use of Credentials

The number of people misrepresenting their ASCP certification status has significantly increased over the years. To protect the integrity of your ASCP Board of Certification credential and records please pay attention to the following:

  • Do not loan your wall certificate to another individual.
  • If you have an ASCP Member ID card, do not share with anyone.
  • Do not post a copy of your wall certificate, score report or ASCP Membership ID card on the internet or social media.

For more information, click the button below.

Fraudulent Use of Credential

Revocation of Credential

An ASCP BOC credential, if granted, may be revoked at any time and the applicant may be barred from admission to take future credential (certification or qualification) examinations if it is established that the applicant has participated in inappropriate or unethical behavior such as, but not limited to:

  • Submitting information contained in, or supplied in support of, an application for examination that is inaccurate in any material respect.
  • Engaging in any inappropriate conduct during the examination, such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid.
  • Sharing exam items or information from the examination with others.
  • Misrepresentation or misuse of the applicant’s certification status at any time.

Click here for additional information.

Credential Maintenance Program

To maintain your credential, you are required to complete the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. Click the button below to learn about the CMP program.

Learn About CMP

Email Notification of Exam Score Report

While you will view your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination, this is a preliminary result and score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.

Ensure that your email address is current by logging into your ASCP account. A notification to view your examination score report will be emailed to you within four business days after completing your exam.

Manage Your ASCP Account

Re-Examination

If you are unsuccessful in passing your exam, information on re-testing will be included with your score report.

  • Do not submit a new application, including application fee, to retake the exam until after receiving email notification to login to view your score report.
  • Once your application to retake the exam is processed, your new eligibility period will begin 30 days after the most recent failed exam attempt.
    • This is to ensure that applicants review their examination score report to focus their studies on the areas which need improvement.

Note: Applicants from NAACLS/CAAHEP/ABHES accredited programs, and international certification applicants from select programs, can schedule one examination date before an official transcript has been received and processed. Applicants who do not appear or fail the examination and wish to reapply will not be able to schedule another examination date until the ASCP BOC has verified that academic requirements have been met.

If you were unsuccessful in passing the examination, your scaled scores on each of the subtests will be indicated on your score report. These subtest scores cannot be calculated to obtain your total score. These scores are provided as a means of demonstrating your areas of strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the minimum pass score.

Reapplying for Examination

If you are unsuccessful in passing an examination:

  • You can take an examination five times under one eligibility route.
  • After five unsuccessful attempts under one route:
    • You must meet the requirements under an alternate route.
    • If you do not meet the alternate requirements, you will no longer be eligible to apply for that particular exam.
  • Each time you apply to take the exam, you must pay the full application fee.
  • Documentation does not need to be re-submitted unless requested.
  • Your laboratory experience must be within the required time limit from the date of application.
  • Your new eligibility period will begin 30 days after the most recent failed exam attempt.

If you cancel, do not appear, miss your scheduled appointment, or are determined ineligible, you must submit a full application fee and reapply for examination.

After Your Exam

  • Follow email instructions to review your exam score report.
  • Review re-testing procedures provided in email.
  • Apply for correct examination and pay full application fee.

Examination Results

The BOC does not rescore examinations or disclose content or answers for specific test items. Incorrect responses will not be reported when requesting a review.

To request a review of your examination due to specific administration or content irregularities, (i.e., technical issues at the test site, irregularities in the display of exam content) you must notify the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of scores. Requests received after this date will not be accepted. A $25.00 fee is required. The check or money order must be enclosed with your request.

The review verifies the overall exam administration (i.e., that the examinee viewed the questions, the answers were recorded, the proper amount of time was given, questions were administered according to the content outline percentages, question difficulty increased or decreased appropriately, etc.).

Requests should be mailed to:

ASCP Board of Certification
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603

If you have questions, please review the appeal procedures page.

Review the Appeals Process

Highest Volume Certifications

Eligibility Routes for Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Valid MLT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience*** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have two full years of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

***Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.

Route 3

As of January 1, 2023, MLS Route 3, requiring valid CLA(ASCP) certification, has been discontinued.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND five years of full time acceptable clinical** experience*** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

***Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited* college/university,
  • AND five years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

  • It will not be required for MLS(ASCPi) certificants to retake the certification exam.

    If a course by course transcript evaluation from an acceptable evaluation agency was submitted with your original MLS(ASCPi) application you do not need to re-submit it unless specifically requested by the ASCP BOC office.

    Once transitioned from MLS(ASCPi) to MLS(ASCP) there will not be an option to revert back to MLS(ASCPi). Previous MLS(ASCPi) certification will not be able to be used to meet the eligibility requirements for additional certifications. Moving forward, your MLS(ASCP) certification will be used to meet the eligibility requirements for additional U.S. certifications.

    This 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.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course***** within the last ten years,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have one full year of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

*****Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB,  or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Role of an MLS(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Conducts a full range of laboratory tests, from routine to complex, in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biologic specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Problem solves issues with specimens, testing, and instrumentation. Evaluates, develops, and validates diagnostic testing and instrumentation.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 - 6 Experience Documentation
Routes 2 - 4 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2

As of January 1, 2023, MLT Route 2, requiring valid CLA(ASCP) certification, has been discontinued.

Route 3
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree, OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology,
  • AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course*** within the last ten years.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB,  or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the the online application.

Route 4
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree, OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical**** experience***** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have three full years of experience in each area.

**Accredited Colleges and University

****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
.

*****Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience.

Role of an MLT(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Collects, processes, and performs routine laboratory tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biological specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


Applicant Resources

Route 4 Experience Documentation
Route 4 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now

Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$225

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent. For complete information, see Verification of Education for PBT, MLA and QDP applicants and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited phlebotomy program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited PBT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.
Route 2
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured phlebotomy program within the last five years. This two-part program, to be arranged by the program director, must consist of:
    • 40 clock hours of classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection (including venipuncture and skin punctures), specimen processing and handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.),
    • and 100 clock hours of clinical* training and orientation in an acceptable laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided venipunctures.
    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program.

*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
.

Route 3
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND completion of one year of full time acceptable clinical* experience as a phlebotomy technician in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures.

    Full time experience is considered thirty-five hours per week.

*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
.

Route 4
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other acceptable accredited allied health professional/occupational education which includes phlebotomy training and orientation in an acceptable laboratory* with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures within the last five years.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their current state/provincial license for RN or LPN or copy of a certificate of completion from the accredited allied health program they completed.

*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
.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) certification.
Route 6
  • Valid DPT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided non-donor blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures in an acceptable laboratory* within the last five years.

*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
.

Route 7
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health within the last five years.

Role of a PBT(ASCP)

Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood samples. Collects, transports, and processes blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the laboratory.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Training Documentation
Route 3 Experience Documentation
Route 4 Training Documentation
Route 6 Experience Documentation
Route 7 Training Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$145

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Histotechnician, HT(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited HT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.
Route 2
  • 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), OR an associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years OR completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least nine months that includes both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), OR an associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military histotechnician training course*** within the last ten years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB,  or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnician examination, you must have experience within the last five years in ALL of the following areas:

FIXATION
  • Tissue Identification
  • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
  • Reagents
  • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
  • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
PROCESSING
  • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
  • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
  • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
EMBEDDING / MICROTOMY
  • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
  • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
  • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
  • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
STAINING
  • Selection of appropriate control material
  • Reagent preparation
  • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
  • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
  • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
  • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
  • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
  • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
  • Troubleshooting
  • Quality control
  • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of an HT(ASCP)

Histotechnician (HT)
Prepares and processes tissue samples for routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The histologic techniques include the following: fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining of human and animal tissue for evaluation.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Experience Documentation
Route 2 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$225

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Technician Certifications

Eligibility Routes for Histotechnician, HT(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited HT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.
Route 2
  • 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), OR an associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years OR completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least nine months that includes both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), OR an associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military histotechnician training course*** within the last ten years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB, or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnician examination, you must have experience within the last five years in ALL of the following areas:

FIXATION
  • Tissue Identification
  • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
  • Reagents
  • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
  • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
PROCESSING
  • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
  • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
  • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
EMBEDDING / MICROTOMY
  • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
  • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
  • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
  • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
STAINING
  • Selection of appropriate control material
  • Reagent preparation
  • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
  • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
  • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
  • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
  • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
  • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
  • Troubleshooting
  • Quality control
  • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of an HT(ASCP)

Histotechnician (HT)
Prepares and processes tissue samples for routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The histologic techniques include the following: fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining of human and animal tissue for evaluation.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Experience Documentation
Route 2 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$225

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2

As of January 1, 2023, MLT Route 2, requiring valid CLA(ASCP) certification, has been discontinued.

Route 3
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree, OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology,
  • AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course*** within the last ten years.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB, or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the the online application.

Route 4
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the associate degree, OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical**** experience***** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have three full years of experience in each area.

**Accredited Colleges and University

****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
.

*****Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience.

Role of an MLT(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Collects, processes, and performs routine laboratory tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biological specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


Applicant Resources

Route 4 Experience Documentation
Route 4 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now

Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$225

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP)

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent. For complete information, see Verification of Education for PBT, MLA and QDP applicants and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited phlebotomy program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited PBT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.
Route 2
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured phlebotomy program within the last five years. This two-part program, to be arranged by the program director, must consist of:
    • 40 clock hours of classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection (including venipuncture and skin punctures), specimen processing and handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.),
    • and 100 clock hours of clinical* training and orientation in an acceptable laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided venipunctures.
    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program.

*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
.

Route 3
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND completion of one year of full time acceptable clinical* experience as a phlebotomy technician in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures.

    Full time experience is considered thirty-five hours per week.

*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
.

Route 4
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other acceptable accredited allied health professional/occupational education which includes phlebotomy training and orientation in an acceptable laboratory* with a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures within the last five years.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their current state/provincial license for RN or LPN or copy of a certificate of completion from the accredited allied health program they completed.

*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
.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) certification.
Route 6
  • Valid DPT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a minimum performance of 100 successful unaided non-donor blood collections including venipunctures and skin punctures in an acceptable laboratory* within the last five years.

*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
.

Route 7
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a phlebotomy program approved by the California Department of Public Health within the last five years.

Role of a PBT(ASCP)

Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood samples. Collects, transports, and processes blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the laboratory.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Training Documentation
Route 3 Experience Documentation
Route 4 Training Documentation
Route 6 Experience Documentation
Route 7 Training Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$145

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for the Medical Laboratory Assistant, MLA(ASCP)

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent. For complete information, see Verification of Education for PBT, MLA and QDP applicants and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.
Route 2
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course* within the last ten years.

*Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB, or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Route 3
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience as a laboratory assistant in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

**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
.

Route 4
  • Associate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university, with 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in chemistry and 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) in biology,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience as a laboratory assistant in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

**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
.

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 5
  • Valid PBT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience as a laboratory assistant in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

**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
.

Route 6
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of an acceptable two-part formal structured medical laboratory assistant (MLA) program within the last five years which consists of classroom training and clinical laboratory training,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience as a laboratory assistant in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program.

**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
.

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Medical Laboratory Assistant examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the timeframe required in all of the following areas:

  • Specimen Preparation and Processing
  • Support for Clinical Testing
  • Laboratory Operations

Role of an MLA(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Works in various areas of the laboratory, registering patients, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples for testing. Processes samples for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping. Provides support for clinical testing including preparing slides, loading instruments, and reviewing results. Performs waived and point-of-care testing.


Applicant Resources

Routes 3, 4, 5, & 6 Experience Documentation
Route 6 Structured Program Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$145

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Technologist/Scientist Certifications

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a structured program in blood banking under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The structured program in blood banking must be equivalent to the curriculum for blood banking in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.

    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program
    .

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical**experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in medical laboratory science, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Blood Banking examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last five years in all of the following procedures:

Serologic and/or Molecular Testing

  • ABO grouping and Rh typing
  • Antibody detection and identification
  • Crossmatching
  • Direct antiglobulin tests
  • Tests for other blood group antigens

Routine Problem Solving

  • Transfusion adverse reactions
  • Immune hemolytic anemias
  • Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)*
  • Rh immune globulin studies*
  • Indications for transfusion

Quality Control/Assurance

  • Reagents, equipment

Laboratory Operations

Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing*

  • Donor selection, preparation, and collection
  • Processing and donor testing
  • Component preparation for storage and administration

*Competency for the tasks indicated by the asterisks may be demonstrated through performance, observation, or simulation.

Role of a BB(ASCP)

Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)
Performs routine and specialized tests in blood banking and transfusion services to determine blood types, identify antibodies, and prepare and select blood components to support providers in blood transfusion therapy.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Route 3 Structured Program Documentation Form
Route 5 Training Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a structured program in chemistry under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The structured program in chemistry must be equivalent to the curriculum for chemistry in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.

    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program
    .

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in medical laboratory science, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Chemistry examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last five years in 8 of the 15 procedures listed:

  • Blood gases
  • Carbohydrates
  • Electrolytes
  • Electrophoresis
  • Enzymes
  • Heme compounds
  • Hormones/vitamins
  • Immunochemistry
  • Lipids/lipoproteins
  • Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  • Point-of-care
  • Proteins
  • Quality management
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Toxicology

Role of a C(ASCP)

Technologist in Chemistry (C)
Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or quantity of chemical and/or hormonal content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Route 3 Structured Program Documentation Form
Route 5 Training Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited cytogenetics education program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited CG program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in an acceptable cytogenetics*** laboratory within the last three years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in clinical cytogenetics such as primary cell culture and harvest, slide preparation and staining, chromosome analysis, microscopic and image analysis, and molecular techniques (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microarray).

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in genetics or molecular biology,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience in an acceptable cytogenetics*** laboratory within the last three years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in clinical cytogenetics such as primary cell culture and harvest, slide preparation and staining, chromosome analysis, microscopic and image analysis, and molecular techniques (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microarray).

Role of a CG(ASCP)

Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)
Performs various techniques for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of inherited and acquired genetic diseases. Responsibilities include culturing, harvesting, slide preparations, and analysis of biologic samples including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, tissue, bone marrow, and tumors. Performs chromosome analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and other molecular assays.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 3 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Route for Cytologist, CT(ASCP)

The ASCP BOC remains a partner to Cytology Programs, cytologists, and the patients they serve. As the scope of practice and the professional landscape for cytologists evolve, we aim to provide you with valuable resources.

Here are some key updates for your awareness:

  • While CAAHEP accredited Cytology Programs are transitioning from baccalaureate to master’s level programs, a graduate of either of these program types is eligible to apply for the CT(ASCP) examination under Route 1 for up to five years after program completion.
  • Graduates of master’s degree CAAHEP accredited Cytology Programs may choose to apply for the CT(ASCP) exam under Route 1, and/or the SCT(ASCP) exam under Route 3.
  • Both the CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) examinations will continue to be offered for the foreseeable future.

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the minimum requirements (for degrees, the stated degree or higher) of the following route:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Cytology or Cytotechnology program within the last five years.

    The education received from a CAAHEP accredited Cytology or Cytotechnology program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Role of a CT(ASCP)

Cytologist (CT)
Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples from all body sites, under the direction of a pathologist, to detect pre-cancerous changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, and inflammatory processes. May also prepare specimens, attend fine needle aspirations, and assist in quality assurance activities.

Effective July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recognized the ASCP BOC SCT certification as an approved board examination for individuals to meet the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. Click here for complete information.

This approval is inclusive of all SCT(ASCP) credential holders, including those who tested under Route 3 prior to July 2024. With this approval, all CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credential holders are recognized in the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. This is a significant win for all ASCP BOC credentialed cytologists and the patients they serve.


Applicant Resources

Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a structured program in hematology under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The structured program in hematology must be equivalent to the curriculum for hematology in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.

    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in biology, chemistry or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical**experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in medical laboratory science, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Hematology examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience within the last five years in ALL of the following procedures:

  • Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  • Complete blood count
  • Quality control: performance and evaluation
  • Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)

Experience is also required within the last five years in 2 of the 3 procedures listed:

  • Instrument maintenance / troubleshooting
  • Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count, reticulocyte)
  • Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays, hypercoagulability)

Role of an H(ASCP)

Technologist in Hematology (H)
Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to identify hematologic and coagulation disorders aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Structured Program Documentation
Route 5 Training Documentation
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a structured program in microbiology under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The structured program in microbiology must be equivalent to the curriculum for microbiology in the Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.

    Applicants should not apply until after successful completion of the structured program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in microbiology or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in medical laboratory science OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a program accredited by NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirements for the Technologist in Microbiology examination, you must have experience, within the last five years, in 3 of 6 of the following areas:

  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Role of an M(ASCP)

Technologist in Microbiology (M)
Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Structured Program Documentation
Route 5 Training Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fees

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited MLS program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Valid MLT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience*** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have two full years of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

***Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.

Route 3

As of January 1, 2023, MLS Route 3, requiring valid CLA(ASCP) certification, has been discontinued.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry including one semester in organic or biochemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND five years of full time acceptable clinical** experience*** in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

***Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a transcript evaluation verifying equivalency to a U.S. baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited* college/university,
  • AND five years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

  • It will not be required for MLS(ASCPi) certificants to retake the certification exam.

    If a course by course transcript evaluation from an acceptable evaluation agency was submitted with your original MLS(ASCPi) application you do not need to re-submit it unless specifically requested by the ASCP BOC office.

    Once transitioned from MLS(ASCPi) to MLS(ASCP) there will not be an option to revert back to MLS(ASCPi). Previous MLS(ASCPi) certification will not be able to be used to meet the eligibility requirements for additional certifications. Moving forward, your MLS(ASCP) certification will be used to meet the eligibility requirements for additional U.S. certifications.

    This 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.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military medical laboratory training course***** within the last ten years,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited* college/university with 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in biology including one semester in microbiology and 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) in chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,

    Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.

  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology, and urinalysis/body fluids in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have one full year of experience in each area.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

*****Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB,  or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Role of an MLS(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Conducts a full range of laboratory tests, from routine to complex, in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biologic specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Problem solves issues with specimens, testing, and instrumentation. Evaluates, develops, and validates diagnostic testing and instrumentation.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 - 6 Experience Documentation
Routes 2 - 4 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid ASCP technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited diagnostic molecular science program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited diagnostic molecular science program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** within the last five years, OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Route 4
  • 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 six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology*** laboratory within the last five years, OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Technologist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory experience within the timeframe required in at least one of the following areas:

  • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
  • Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid tumor gene markers)
  • Infectious Disease (e.g., molecular microbiology/virology, molecular epidemiology)
  • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., engraftment, paternity)
  • Clinical laboratory test interpretation and reporting (e.g., genetics/genomics, oncology, histocompatibility, infectious disease, or molecular identity testing)

Role of an MB(ASCP)

Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and characterize acquired and inherited diseases, including malignant, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Uses advanced techniques, including sequencing and genomic analysis, with applications in personalized medicine.


Applicant Resources

Routes 3 & 4 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fees

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Histotechnician or Histotechnologist program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited HT/HTL program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years OR completion of a two-part structured histology program of at least nine months that includes both classroom (didactic) training and a minimum of 480 hours of acceptable clinical**experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Valid HT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry (must include credit hours in both), which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a 50 week U.S. military histotechnician training course*** within the last ten years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS, AFSC code or 68K), official certificate verifying completion of training, or an official copy of your DD214 form, SRB or ERB must be uploaded in PDF format as part of completing the online application.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnologist examination, you must have experience within the last five years in ALL of the following areas:

FIXATION
  • Tissue Identification
  • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
  • Reagents
  • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
  • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
PROCESSING
  • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
  • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
  • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
EMBEDDING / MICROTOMY
  • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
  • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
  • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
  • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
STAINING
  • Selection of appropriate control material
  • Reagent preparation
  • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
  • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
  • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
  • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
  • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
  • Immunohistochemistry
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
  • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
  • Troubleshooting
  • Quality control
  • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of an HTL(ASCP)

Histotechnologist (HTL)
Performs both routine and complex histologic techniques such as enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence on tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist to diagnose disease. Knowledgeable in the areas of pathology, management, education, and regulations that impact the field of histotechnology.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 3 Experience Documentation
Route 2 Program Completion Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Specialist Certifications

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university including biology and chemistry courses,
  • AND successful completion of a CAAHEP accredited Specialist in Blood Bank Technology program within the last five years.

    The education received from a CAAHEP accredited SBB program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 4
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship*** in clinical** blood banking in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years OR two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 7
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable research experience in blood banking in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Blood Banking examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience, within the time frame required, in all of the following procedures:

Serologic Testing

  • ABO grouping and Rh typing
  • Antibody detection and identification
  • Crossmatching
  • Direct antiglobulin tests
  • Tests for other blood group antigens

Molecular Testing*

Routine Problem Solving

  • Transfusion adverse reactions
  • Immune hemolytic anemias
  • Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
  • Rh immune globulin evaluation
  • Indications for transfusion

Quality Control/Assurance

  • Reagents, equipment
  • Component quality control
  • Regulatory compliance

Laboratory Operations*

Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing*

  • Donor selection, preparation, and collection
  • Processing and donor testing
  • Component preparation for storage and administration

*Proficiency for the tasks indicated by the asterisks may be demonstrated through performance, observation, or simulation.

Role of an SBB(ASCP)

Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
Performs all operations in blood banking and transfusion services, from routine testing to the most advanced procedures, to determine blood types, identify antibodies, and prepare and select blood components to support providers in blood transfusion therapy. Specialists are often technical supervisors and laboratory managers who serve as leaders, educators, and advisors.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2, 3, 4, & 7 Experience Documentation Form
Routes 5 & 6 Educator Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship*** in clinical** chemistry in the U.S. or Canada OR two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable research experience in chemistry in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or in an acceptable laboratory** within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Chemistry examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience, within the time frame required, in 8 of the 15 procedures listed:

  • Blood gases
  • Carbohydrates
  • Chromatography
  • Electrolytes
  • Electrophoresis
  • Enzymes
  • Heme compounds
  • Hormones/vitamins
  • Immunochemistry
  • Lipids/lipoproteins
  • Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  • Point-of-care
  • Proteins
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Toxicology

Laboratory or teaching experience is also required in 2 of the 6 areas listed:

  • Selection of laboratory equipment
  • Quality control program management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Supervisory experience
  • Test development/validation
  • Method verification

Role of an SC(ASCP)

Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or quantity of chemical and/or hormonal content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Routes 5 & 6 Educator Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP)

The ASCP BOC remains a partner to Cytology Programs, cytologists, and the patients they serve. As the scope of practice and the professional landscape for cytologists evolve, we aim to provide you with valuable resources.

Here are some key updates for your awareness:

  • While CAAHEP accredited Cytology Programs are transitioning from baccalaureate to master’s level programs, a graduate of either of these program types is eligible to apply for the CT(ASCP) examination under Route 1 for up to five years after program completion.
  • Graduates of master’s degree CAAHEP accredited Cytology Programs may choose to apply for the CT(ASCP) exam under Route 1, and/or the SCT(ASCP) exam under Route 3.
  • Both the CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) examinations will continue to be offered for the foreseeable future.

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid CT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in cytology in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be obtained following CT(ASCP) certification.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 2
  • Valid CT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in cytology at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be obtained following CT(ASCP) certification.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a master’s level CAAHEP accredited Cytology or Cytotechnology program within the last five years.

    The education received from a CAAHEP accredited CT program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Role of an SCT(ASCP)

Specialist in Cytology (SCT)
Skilled in examining cellular specimens from all body sites including rapid on-site evaluation of needle aspirates, endoscopic/bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations, use of fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and advanced cancer diagnostics. May also direct quality assurance programs in cytopathology. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.

Effective July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recognized the ASCP BOC SCT certification as an approved board examination for individuals to meet the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. Click here for complete information.

This approval is inclusive of all SCT(ASCP) credential holders, including those who tested under Route 3 prior to July 2024. With this approval, all CT(ASCP) and SCT(ASCP) credential holders are recognized in the CLIA personnel qualifications of 42 CFR 493.1483. This is a significant win for all ASCP BOC credentialed cytologists and the patients they serve.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Experience Documentation Form
Route 2 Educator Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or H(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship*** in clinical** hematology in the U.S. or Canada OR two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or H(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable research experience in hematology in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or H(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical hematology at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or H(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical hematology at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Hematology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience within the time frame required in ALL of the following procedures:

  • Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  • Complete blood count
  • Instrument maintenance / troubleshooting (laboratory)
  • Instrument methodology / troubleshooting (teaching)
  • Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count, reticulocyte)
  • Quality control: performance and evaluation
  • Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)
  • Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays)

Experience in performing, supervising or teaching 5 of the 12 procedures listed is also required:

  • Advanced coagulation (e.g., inhibitor assays, hypercoagulability)
  • Body Fluid evaluation
  • Bone marrow prep or evaluation
  • Budgeting/inventory control/purchasing
  • Cytochemical stains
  • Education and training
  • Flow cytometry
  • Hemoglobinopathy evaluation
  • Method evaluation
  • Personnel management
  • Platelet function studies
  • QA/QI

Role of an SH(ASCP)

Specialist in Hematology (SH)
Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to identify hematologic and coagulation disorders aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-4 Experience Documentation
Routes 5-6 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or M(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of post-doctoral fellowship*** in clinical** microbiology in the U.S. or Canada OR two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 copy of the certificate of completion of the post-doctoral fellowship is required.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or M(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory** within the last five years OR one year of full time acceptable research experience in microbiology in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or M(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical microbiology at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last six years. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP) or M(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical microbiology at an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university or an acceptable laboratory** within the last five years. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Specialist in Microbiology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience, within the time frame required, in 4 of 6 of the following areas:

  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Role of an SM(ASCP)

Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-4 Experience Documentation
Routes 5 & 6 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
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Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university with a major in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field, OR a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited* college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND four years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR four years of full time acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory in the U.S. or Canada. These four years of experience must be within the last eight years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 2
  • Valid ASCP technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR three years of full time acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory in the U.S. or Canada. These three years of experience must be within the last six years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR three years of full time acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory in the U.S. or Canada. These three years of experience must be within the last six years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 4
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR two years of full time acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory in the U.S. or Canada. These two years of experience must be within the last four years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirements for the Specialist in Cytometry, you must have experience in flow cytometry applications, cytometric analysis, and quality assurance as described below.

Flow Cytometry Applications
Experience is required in at least one of the following:

  • Immunophenotyping (e.g., CD4, leukemia/lymphoma, transplant)
  • Cell sorting
  • Cell cycle / DNA ploidy testing
  • Cell death (e.g., apoptosis, necrosis)
  • Red blood cell analysis (e.g., PNH, fetal hemoglobin)
  • Progenitor/stem cells
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Small particle analysis
  • Functional assays
  • Non-mammalian cell assays
  • Imaging flow cytometry
  • Rare event analysis

Cytometric Analysis
Experience is required in at least three of the following:

  • Specimen processing
  • Instrument set-up
  • Specimen analysis
  • Data management
  • Interpretation of results

Quality Assurance
Experience is required in at least three of the following:

  • Specimen collection, processing, storage
  • Reagent selection, preparation, and quality control
  • Assay selection, validation, documentation
  • Instrument operation, maintenance, and quality control
  • Proficiency testing
  • Laboratory safety practices

Role of an SCYM(ASCP)

Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)
Knowledgeable in all aspects of flow cytometry. Performs and/or oversees flow cytometry assays in clinical, research or reference laboratories. Able to lead the development and implementation of new assays. Proficient in all aspects of flow cytometry including technical, quality, and regulatory issues. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology*** laboratory OR three years of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last six years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Route 2
  • 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 three years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR three years of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last six years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Route 3
  • 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 two years of post-doctoral fellowship**** in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada OR two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR two years of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Route 4
  • Valid MB(ASCP) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology at a regionally accredited* college/university or an acceptable laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last six years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • 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 one year of full time acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology at a regionally accredited* college/university or an acceptable laboratory**. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • 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 two years of full time acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology*** laboratory OR two years of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** in the U.S. or Canada. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree and within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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.

Laboratory or Teaching 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, 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.

  • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
  • Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid tumor gene markers)
  • Infectious Disease (e.g., molecular microbiology/virology, molecular epidemiology)
  • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., engraftment, paternity)
  • Clinical laboratory test interpretation and reporting (e.g., genetics/genomics, oncology, histocompatibility, infectious disease, or molecular identity testing)

Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas, 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.

  • Test development/validation
  • Procurement of laboratory equipment
  • Quality management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Supervisory experience
  • Education/training

Role of an SMB(ASCP)

Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)
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 trouble shooting. 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.

It is highly recommended that candidates successfully pass the Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP) or MB(ASCPi) certification exam prior to attempting the SMB certification exam.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 6 Experience Documentation
Routes 4-5 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Additional Certifications

Eligibility Routes for Diplomate in Laboratory Management, DLM(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • MBA, MHA, or other management related master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 2
  • Valid ASCP technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a master’s degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 3
  • Valid ASCP technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND four years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last eight years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 4
  • Doctorate from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in medicine, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND four years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last eight years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university in a management or business related field,
  • AND four years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last eight years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Route 6
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND five years of full time acceptable experience in clinical** laboratory supervision or management in an acceptable laboratory within the last ten years.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

**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
.

Additional Documents Required for the DLM Examination

If you own your own business, you must submit incorporation papers or other form of ownership documentation.

Experience Requirements for Management

To fulfill the experience requirements for the Diplomate in Laboratory Management examination, you must have experience, within the time frame required, in 25 of the 37 areas listed below.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

  • Budgets (e.g., preparation, management)
  • Capital equipment acquisition (e.g., return on investment (ROI), net present value, depreciation)
  • Cost analysis (e.g., new tests, setting charges)
  • Materials management (e.g., purchasing and inventory)
  • Financial accounting (e.g., general ledger, accounts receivable/payable, financial ratios)
  • Utilization management
  • Labor resource management (e.g., FTEs, productivity)
  • Contract negotiations (e.g., third-party payer, vendor, GPO)
  • Cash flow analysis (e.g., balance sheet, income statement)
  • Revenue cycle management (e.g., coding, billing, reimbursement)

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

  • Safety and emergency management
  • Multidisciplinary activities (e.g. advisory groups, committees, PI projects, laboratory stewardship)
  • Informatics and data analytics
  • Facilities management (e.g., space allocation, laboratory design, utilities)
  • Equipment management
  • Verification and validation of methods/tests (e.g., LDTs, EUAs)
  • Strategic planning
  • Project management
  • Communication management
  • Marketing and outreach

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

  • Recruitment/hiring and separation
  • Engagement (e.g., motivation, employee recognition, continuing education)
  • Staffing and scheduling
  • Performance management (e.g., onboarding, training, behavioral expectations, competency assessments, evaluations, coaching, counseling, disciplinary action)
  • Succession planning and staff development
  • Organization structure and job descriptions
  • Wage and salary administration
  • Regulatory compliance (e.g., CLIA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEOC)
  • Conflict resolution

QUALITY MANGEMENT

  • Process improvement (e.g., workflow mapping, Six Sigma, Lean)
  • Regulatory compliance and licensure (e.g., federal and state)
  • Accreditation
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Auditing
  • Quality assurance (e.g., quality planning, quality control)
  • Document management
  • Nonconforming event, causal analysis, and corrective action and preventative action (CAPA)

Role of a DLM(ASCP)

Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)
Directs, manages or supervises a laboratory with responsibility for finances, operations, personnel, and compliance in the clinical laboratory.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-6 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Regionally Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$415

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Route for Pathologists’ Assistants, PA(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

To be eligible for this examination category, an applicant must satisfy the minimum requirements (for degrees, the stated degree or higher) of the following route:

Route 1
  • A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited (regionally or nationally)* college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program within the last five years.

    The education received from a NAACLS accredited PA program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program.

*Accredited Colleges and Universities

Role of a PA(ASCP)

Pathologists’ Assistant (PA)
Provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of an anatomic pathologist. Performs a variety of tasks including gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens and performance of postmortem examinations. Additional roles may include biobanking, pathology resident education and training, as well as administrative and supervisory responsibilities.


Applicant Resources

Content Guideline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$540

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Diplomate in Medical Laboratory Immunology, DMLI(ASCP)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Doctorate* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university,
  • AND successful completion of a CPEP approved program in medical laboratory immunology.

*Doctorate = PhD in immunology, biology, chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, or equivalent OR DrPH, MD, or DO if special training and experience is approved by the Medical Laboratory Immunology Examination Committee. A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Doctorate*** from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable post-doctoral training, research experience, and/or supervisory experience relevant to medical laboratory immunology in an acceptable laboratory**** within the last six years. All experience must be completed post-doctorate.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Doctorate = PhD in immunology, biology, chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, or equivalent OR DCLS, DrPH, MD, or DO if special training and experience is approved by the Medical Laboratory Immunology Examination Committee. A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

****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; OR
CAP; OR
ASHI; OR
Other laboratory accreditation approved by the DMLI Examination Committee
.

Route 3
  • Doctorate*** from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable pre-doctoral supervisory experience relevant to medical laboratory immunology in an acceptable laboratory****,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable post-doctoral training, research experience, and/or supervisory experience relevant to medical laboratory immunology in an acceptable laboratory**** within the last five years.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***Doctorate = PhD in immunology, biology, chemistry, immunohematology, microbiology, or equivalent OR DCLS, DrPH, MD, or DO if special training and experience is approved by the Medical Laboratory Immunology Examination Committee. A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

****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; OR
CAP; OR
ASHI; OR
Other laboratory accreditation approved by the DMLI Examination Committee
.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for Diplomate in Medical Laboratory Immunology examination, you must have laboratory experience, within the time frame required, in the following areas:

  • Immunologic Techniques - The applicant must have experience in 3 of the 5 areas:
    • Cell function assays
    • Electrophoresis techniques
    • Flow cytometry
    • Immunoassays
    • Molecular techniques
  • Immunodiagnosis and Clinical Correlations - The applicant must have experience in 5 of the 7 areas:
    • Allergic diseases
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Histocompatibility/immunogenetic and transplant immunology
    • Immunodeficiency disorders (primary and secondary)
    • Infectious disease
    • Inflammation
    • Tumor immunology/hematologic disorders
  • Clinical Laboratory Management and Operations - The applicant must have experience in ALL of these areas:
    • Laboratory administration (e.g., financial, service operations, personnel, quality management, regulatory compliance and lab accreditation, safety programs and practices)
    • Quality control and quality assurance
    • Test development, validation, and implementation

Diplomate in Medical Laboratory Immunology, DMLI(ASCP)

Directs a high complexity clinical immunology laboratory or clinical laboratory performing immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular assays. Provides oversight for test selection, evaluation, development, validation, and implementation. Responsible for appropriate test interpretation and consultation with health care providers. Certified individuals can also be involved in laboratory and medical education, research and development, quality assurance, and regulatory aspects of clinical and diagnostic immunology.

Effective July 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recognized the ASCP BOC DMLI certification as an approved board examination for high complexity laboratory directors. For more details, please visit www.cms.gov/clia/certficiation-boards.


Applicant Resources

DMLI Content Guideline
DMLI Training Doc Route 1
DMLI Experience Doc Route 2
DMLI Experience Doc Route 3
DMLI Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application and Examination Fees

Route 1 Initial Application Fee - $450
Routes 2, 3 Initial Application Fee - $575
Examination Fee (all) - $500

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Highest Volume Certifications

Eligibility Routes for International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science**, biological science, or chemistry,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Science training program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science**,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have three full years of experience in each area.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

***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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of a two-year Medical Laboratory Science program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND five years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND a two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND five years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Role of an MLS(ASCPi)

International Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Conducts a full range of laboratory tests, from routine to complex, in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biologic specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Problem solves issues with specimens, testing, and instrumentation. Evaluates, develops, and validates diagnostic testing and instrumentation.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1 & 3 Training Documentation
Routes 2, 4 & 5 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* technical institution in Medical Laboratory Science** which includes training in blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 2
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Science training program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

Route 3
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have three full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Role of an MLT(ASCPi)

International Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Collects, processes, and performs routine laboratory tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biological specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1 & 2 Training Documentation  
Route 3 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$185

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND successful completion of a formal phlebotomy program. This program must consist of:
    • classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection (including venipunctures and skin punctures), specimen processing and handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.),
    • and clinical** training in an accredited/approved laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful, unaided venipunctures.

*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.

Route 2
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience as a phlebotomy technician in an accredited/approved laboratory. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures.

*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.

Route 3
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND successful completion of a nursing or other acceptable biomedical science program from an accredited/approved* educational institution which includes phlebotomy training with a minimum performance of 100 successful, unaided blood collections, including venipunctures and skin punctures.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) or MLT(ASCPi) certification.

Applicants with training in the United States must apply through the United States PBT(ASCP) eligibility routes.

Role of a PBT(ASCPi)

International Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood samples. Collects, transports, and processes blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the laboratory.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation
Route 2 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Note on Training Documentation-Route 3: You must submit a notarized copy of proof of completion/graduation from your nursing program; or a notarized copy of certificate of completion from the biomedical science program you completed along with your application form.

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$135

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid ASCPi technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* diagnostic molecular science program which includes an internship. The academic education or molecular science program must include courses in biology and chemistry.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of a two-year Medical Laboratory Science program**. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which can be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical*** experience in a molecular biology laboratory OR one year of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory****.

*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.

Route 5
  • 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 six months of acceptable clinical*** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR six months of acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory****.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

***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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Technologist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory experience in at least one of the following areas:

  • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
  • Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid tumor gene markers)
  • Infectious Disease (molecular microbiology/virology, molecular epidemiology)
  • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., engraftment, paternity, forensic)
  • Clinical laboratory test interpretation and reporting (e.g., genetics/genomics, oncology, histocompatibility, infectious disease, or molecular identity testing)

Role of an MB(ASCPi)

InternationalTechnologist in Molecular Biology (MB)
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and characterize acquired and inherited diseases, including malignant, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Uses advanced techniques, including sequencing and genomic analysis, with applications in personalized medicine.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Training Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Routes 4 & 5 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Technician Certifications

Eligibility Routes for International Histotechnician, HT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school completion or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* Histotechnician clinical training program which includes an internship in histotechnology. This histotechnician clinical training program and internship must be completed after high school completion.

*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.

Route 2
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory OR one year of acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory.

*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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Histotechnician examination, you must have experience in ALL of the following areas:

FIXATION
  • Tissue Identification
  • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
  • Reagents
  • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
  • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
PROCESSING
  • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
  • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
  • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
EMBEDDING / MICROTOMY
  • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
  • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
  • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
  • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
STAINING
  • Selection of appropriate control material
  • Reagent preparation
  • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
  • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
  • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
  • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
  • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
  • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
  • Troubleshooting
  • Quality control
  • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of an HT(ASCPi)

International Histotechnician (HT)
Prepares and processes tissue samples for routine histologic techniques to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist. The histologic techniques include the following: fixation, processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining of human and animal tissue for evaluation.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation
Route 2 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$185

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* technical institution in Medical Laboratory Science** which includes training in blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 2
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Science training program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

Route 3
  • Two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have three full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Role of an MLT(ASCPi)

International Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
Collects, processes, and performs routine laboratory tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biological specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1 & 2 Training Documentation  
Route 3 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$185

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND successful completion of a formal phlebotomy program. This program must consist of:
    • classroom training, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, specimen collection (including venipunctures and skin punctures), specimen processing and handling, and laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control, etc.),
    • and clinical** training in an accredited/approved laboratory with a minimum performance of 100 successful, unaided venipunctures.

*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.

Route 2
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience as a phlebotomy technician in an accredited/approved laboratory. This experience must include venipunctures and skin punctures.

*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.

Route 3
  • High school graduation*,
  • AND successful completion of a nursing or other acceptable biomedical science program from an accredited/approved* educational institution which includes phlebotomy training with a minimum performance of 100 successful, unaided blood collections, including venipunctures and skin punctures.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) or MLT(ASCPi) certification.

Applicants with training in the United States must apply through the United States PBT(ASCP) eligibility routes.

Role of a PBT(ASCPi)

International Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood samples. Collects, transports, and processes blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the laboratory.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation
Route 2 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Note on Training Documentation-Route 3: You must submit a notarized copy of proof of completion/graduation from your nursing program; or a notarized copy of certificate of completion from the biomedical science program you completed along with your application form.

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$135

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Technologist/Scientist Certifications

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a Blood Banking (Immunohematology) clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, medical laboratory science or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science***,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory training program*.

*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.

***Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Technologist in Blood Banking examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience in ALL of the following procedures:

Serologic and/or Molecular Testing

  • ABO grouping and Rh typing
  • Antibody detection and identification
  • Crossmatching
  • Direct antiglobulin tests
  • Tests for other blood group antigens

Routine Problem Solving

  • Transfusion adverse reactions
  • Immune hemolytic anemias
  • Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)*
  • Rh immune globulin studies*
  • Indications for transfusion

Quality Control/Assurance

  • Reagents, equipment

Laboratory Operations

Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing*

  • Donor selection, preparation, and collection
  • Processing and donor testing
  • Component preparation for storage and administration

*Competency for the tasks indicated by the asterisks may be demonstrated through performance, observation, or simulation.

Role of a BB(ASCPi)

International Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)
Performs routine and specialized tests in blood banking and transfusion services to determine blood types, identify antibodies, and prepare and select blood components to support providers in blood transfusion therapy.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Route 3 Training Documentation Form
Route 5 Training Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a chemistry clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science***,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory training program*.

*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.

***Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Technologist in Chemistry examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience in 8 of the 15 procedures listed:

  • Blood gases
  • Carbohydrates
  • Electrolytes
  • Electrophoresis
  • Enzymes
  • Heme compounds
  • Hormones/vitamins
  • Immunochemistry
  • Lipids/lipoproteins
  • Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  • Point-of-care
  • Proteins
  • Quality management
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Toxicology

Role of a C(ASCPi)

International Technologist in Chemistry (C)
Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or quantity of chemical and/or hormonal content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Route 3 Training Documentation Form
Route 5 Training Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional, CLM(ASCPi)

Para ser elegible para dicha categoría de examen, el candidato deberá cumplir con los requisitos mínimos (para títulos, el título especificado o mayor) de al menos una de las siguientes rutas:

Ruta 1
  • Título universitario, de mínimo 4 años de duración, de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada* en Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico**, ciencia biológica, o química,
  • Y haber culminado con éxito un programa de formación* en Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico. El programa de formación debe incluir Banco de Sangre (Inmunohematología), Química, Hematología, y Microbiología.

*Acreditado/aprobado por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuentan con un sistema prevalente de acreditación/aprobación deben tener programas/instituciones educativas aprobadas por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP, o elegibilidad será determinada mediante una evaluación curricular aceptable. Su título extranjero debe ser equivalente a un título de los Estados Unidos.

**Títulos/Diplomas en Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico incluyen Tecnología Médica, Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico, Ciencia de Laboratorio Clínico y Ciencia de Laboratorio Biomédico.

Ruta 2
  • Título universitario, de mínimo 4 años de duración, de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada* en Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico**,
  • Y poseer tres años de experiencia clínica aceptable*** de un laboratorio acreditado/aprobado. Dicha experiencia debe incluir banco de sangre (inmunohematología), química, hematología, y microbiología.

*Acreditado/aprobado por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuentan con un sistema prevalente de acreditación/aprobación deben tener programas/instituciones educativas aprobadas por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP, o elegibilidad será determinada mediante una evaluación curricular aceptable. Su título extranjero debe ser equivalente a un título de los Estados Unidos.

**Títulos/Diplomas en Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico incluyen Tecnología Médica, Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico, Ciencia de Laboratorio Clínico y Ciencia de Laboratorio Biomédico.

***Laboratorio clínico acreditado por JCI, CAP, ISO 15189 o por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuenten con un sistema prevalente de acreditación deben tener laboratorios aprobados por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP.

Ruta 3
  • Título universitario, de mínimo 4 años de duración, de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada*,
  • Y haber culminado con éxito un programa de Ciencia de Laboratorio Médico de dos años*. El programa de formación debe incluir banco de sangre (inmunohematología), química, hematología, y microbiología.

*Acreditado/aprobado por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuentan con un sistema prevalente de acreditación/aprobación deben tener programas/instituciones educativas aprobadas por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP, o elegibilidad será determinada mediante una evaluación curricular aceptable. Su título extranjero debe ser equivalente a un título de los Estados Unidos.

Ruta 4
  • Título universitario, de mínimo 4 años de duración, de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada* en cualquier ciencia biológica o química,
  • Y poseer cinco años de experiencia clínica aceptable*** en un laboratorio acreditado/aprobado. Dicha experiencia debe incluir banco de sangre (inmunohematología), química, hematología, y microbiología.

*Acreditado/aprobado por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuentan con un sistema prevalente de acreditación/aprobación deben tener programas/instituciones educativas aprobadas por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP, o elegibilidad será determinada mediante una evaluación curricular aceptable. Su título extranjero debe ser equivalente a un título de los Estados Unidos.

***Laboratorio clínico acreditado por JCI, CAP, ISO 15189 o por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuenten con un sistema prevalente de acreditación deben tener laboratorios aprobados por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP.

Ruta 5
  • Título universitario, de mínimo 4 años de duración, de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada*,
  • Y poseer un diploma de dos años de una institución educativa acreditada/aprobada* en ciencia biológica o química,
  • Y poseer cinco años de experiencia clínica aceptable*** en un laboratorio acreditado/aprobado. Dicha experiencia debe incluir banco de sangre (inmunohematología), química, hematología, y microbiología.

*Acreditado/aprobado por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuentan con un sistema prevalente de acreditación/aprobación deben tener programas/instituciones educativas aprobadas por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP, o elegibilidad será determinada mediante una evaluación curricular aceptable. Su título extranjero debe ser equivalente a un título de los Estados Unidos.

***Laboratorio clínico acreditado por JCI, CAP, ISO 15189 o por una asociación o Ministerio regulador. Países que no cuenten con un sistema prevalente de acreditación deben tener laboratorios aprobados por una Junta de Asesores Internacional elegida por la Junta de Certificación de la ASCP.

Rol de un CLM(ASCPi)

Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional (CLM)
Realiza una amplia gama de pruebas de laboratorio, desde rutinarias hasta complejas, en bancos de sangre, química, hematología, inmunología, microbiología, biología molecular y/o uroanálisis en espécimen biológico para proporcionar la información necesaria para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades. Resuelve problemas relacionados con muestras, pruebas e instrumentación. Evalúa, desarrolla y valida las pruebas de diagnóstico y la instrumentación.


Recursos para Postulantes

Formulario de Formación para las Rutas 1 & 3
Formulario de Experiencia para las Rutas 2, 4, & 5
Guía de Contenido
Lista de Lectura
Asistencia en Español para la Postulación
Agencias de Evaluación Aceptables para Expedientes Académicos Extranjeros
Procedimientos para el Examen y la Certificación

Postule Ahora


Información Sobre el Examen Para Postulantes

Para asegurarse que el proceso de aplicación sea sencillo y fluya, haga clic en el siguiente botón para aprender más información sobre:

  • Prepararse Para Postular
  • Antes del Día del Examen
  • Día del Examen
  • Luego del Examen

Información Sobre el Examen


Tarifa de Aplicación

$210

Nota: Una vez enviada la solicitud, la tarifa no es reembolsable.

Postulantes que (a) obtuvieron su educación de laboratorio clínico en ciertos países elegibles, Y (b) actualmente residen alguno de esos países elegibles, accederán al precio reducido de $95 para todas las categorías de certificación internacional. Haga clic aquí para leer la Política sobre Tarifas Internacionales aplicable a los países elegibles.

Eligibility Routes for International Cytologist, CT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* Cytotechnology clinical training program which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory within the last six years.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND CT(IAC) certification.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid CTgyn(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Cytologist examination, you must have laboratory experience in ALL of the procedures listed:

  • Gynecological cytology
  • Non-gynecological cytology
  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA)
  • Laboratory operations
Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) - CLIA & CAAHEP Regulatory Requirements

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: According to U.S. law (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 with the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) certifications are not qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA ’88 legislation.

Role of a CT(ASCPi)

International Cytologist (CT)
Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples from all body sites, under the direction of a pathologist, to detect pre-cancerous changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, and inflammatory processes. May also prepare specimens, attend fine needle aspirations, and assist in quality assurance activities.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation Form
Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Two-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* Cytotechnology program in which the program of study incorporates theory and practice in gynecologic cytology.

*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.

Route 2
  • Current employment in the field of cytology,
  • AND one year of clinical** experience in gynecologic cytology in an accredited/approved laboratory within the last three years.

**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.

Route 3
  • CT(IAC) certification.
Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) - CLIA & CAAHEP Regulatory Requirements

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: According to U.S. law (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 with the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) certifications are not qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA ’88 legislation.

Role of a CTgyn(ASCPi)

International Gynecologic Cytologist (CTgyn)
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.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation Form
Route 2 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$135

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a Hematology clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biology, chemistry, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical**experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science***,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory training program*.

*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.

***Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Technologist in Hematology examination, you must have clinical laboratory experience in ALL of the following procedures:

  • Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  • Complete blood count
  • Quality control: performance and evaluation
  • Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)

Experience is also required in 2 of the 3 procedures listed:

  • Instrument maintenance / troubleshooting
  • Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count, reticulocyte)
  • Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays, hypercoagulability)

Role of an H(ASCPi)

International Technologist in Hematology (H)
Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to identify hematologic and coagulation disorders aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Route 5 Training Documentation
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of a Microbiology clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 4
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in microbiology or an appropriately related field,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science***,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory training program*.

*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.

***Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Clinical Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirements for the International Technologist in Microbiology examination, you must have experience in 3 of 6 of the following areas:

  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Role of an M(ASCPi)

International Technologist in Microbiology (M)
Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.


Applicant Resources

Routes 2 & 4 Experience Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Route 5 Training Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now

Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid ASCPi technologist/scientist or specialist certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* diagnostic molecular science program which includes an internship. The academic education or molecular science program must include courses in biology and chemistry.

*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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of a two-year Medical Laboratory Science program**. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which can be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical*** experience in a molecular biology laboratory OR one year of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory****.

*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.

Route 5
  • 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 six months of acceptable clinical*** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR six months of acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory****.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

***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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Technologist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory experience in at least one of the following areas:

  • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
  • Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid tumor gene markers)
  • Infectious Disease (molecular microbiology/virology, molecular epidemiology)
  • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., engraftment, paternity, forensic)
  • Clinical laboratory test interpretation and reporting (e.g., genetics/genomics, oncology, histocompatibility, infectious disease, or molecular identity testing)

Role of an MB(ASCPi)

InternationalTechnologist in Molecular Biology (MB)
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and characterize acquired and inherited diseases, including malignant, metabolic, and infectious diseases. Uses advanced techniques, including sequencing and genomic analysis, with applications in personalized medicine.


Applicant Resources

Route 2 Training Documentation
Route 3 Training Documentation
Routes 4 & 5 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science**, biological science, or chemistry,
  • AND successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Science training program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in Medical Laboratory Science**,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

**Degrees/Diplomas in Medical Laboratory Science include Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, and Biomedical Laboratory Science.

***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.

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of a two-year Medical Laboratory Science program*. The training program must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

*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.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND five years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Route 5
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND a two-year diploma from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND five years of acceptable clinical*** experience in an accredited/approved laboratory. Experience must include blood banking (immunohematology), chemistry, hematology, and microbiology.

    An applicant must have experience in all required areas; however, they do not need to have five full years of experience in each area.

*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.

Role of an MLS(ASCPi)

International Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
Conducts a full range of laboratory tests, from routine to complex, in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/or urinalysis on biologic specimens to provide information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Problem solves issues with specimens, testing, and instrumentation. Evaluates, develops, and validates diagnostic testing and instrumentation.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1 & 3 Training Documentation
Routes 2, 4 & 5 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline

Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* cytogenetics clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in an acceptable cytogenetics*** laboratory.

*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 cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in clinical cytogenetics such as primary cell culture and harvest, slide preparation and staining, chromosome analysis, microscopic and image analysis, and molecular techniques (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microarray).

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in genetics or molecular biology,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical** experience in an acceptable cytogenetics*** laboratory.

*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 cytogenetics laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in clinical cytogenetics such as primary cell culture and harvest, slide preparation and staining, chromosome analysis, microscopic and image analysis, and molecular techniques (e.g., fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and microarray).

Role of a CG(ASCPi)

International Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)
Performs various techniques for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of inherited and acquired genetic diseases. Responsibilities include culturing, harvesting, slide preparations, and analysis of biologic samples including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, tissue, bone marrow, and tumors. Performs chromosome analysis, fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and other molecular assays.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation Form
Routes 2 & 3 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND successful completion of an accredited/approved* Histotechnician or Histotechnologist clinical training program which includes an internship in histotechnology.

*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.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory OR one year of acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory.

*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.

Route 3
  • Valid HT(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND six months of acceptable clinical** experience in a histopathology laboratory OR six months of acceptable veterinary, industry, or research experience in a histopathology laboratory.

*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.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Histotechnologist examination, you must have experience in ALL of the following areas:

FIXATION
  • Tissue Identification
  • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
  • Reagents
  • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
  • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
PROCESSING
  • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
  • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
  • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
EMBEDDING / MICROTOMY
  • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
  • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
  • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
  • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
STAINING
  • Selection of appropriate control material
  • Reagent preparation
  • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
  • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
  • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
  • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
  • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
  • Immunohistochemistry
LABORATORY OPERATIONS
  • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
  • Troubleshooting
  • Quality control
  • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of an HTL(ASCPi)

International Histotechnologist (HTL)
Performs both routine and complex histologic techniques such as enzyme histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence on tissue samples for microscopic examination by a pathologist to diagnose disease. Knowledgeable in the areas of pathology, management, education, and regulations that impact the field of histotechnology.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation
Routes 2 - 3 Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Specialist Certifications

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological science or chemistry,
  • AND successful completion of a one-year post baccalaureate Blood Banking (Immunohematology) clinical training program* which includes an internship.

*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.

Route 2
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or BB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or BB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 5
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking (immunohematology) in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Specialist in Blood Banking examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience in all of the following procedures:

Serologic Testing

  • ABO grouping and Rh typing
  • Antibody detection and identification
  • Crossmatching
  • Direct antiglobulin tests
  • Tests for other blood group antigens

Molecular Testing*

Routine Problem Solving

  • Transfusion adverse reactions
  • Immune hemolytic anemias
  • Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
  • Rh immune globulin studies
  • Indications for transfusion

Quality Control/Assurance

  • Reagents, equipment
  • Component quality control
  • Regulatory compliance

Laboratory Operations*

Donor Collection, Processing, and Testing*

  • Donor selection, preparation, and collection
  • Processing and donor testing
  • Component preparation for storage and administration

*Proficiency for the tasks indicated by the asterisks may be demonstrated through performance, observation, or simulation.

Role of an SBB(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
Performs all operations in blood banking and transfusion services, from routine testing to the most advanced procedures, to determine blood types, identify antibodies, and prepare and select blood components to support providers in blood transfusion therapy. Specialists are often technical supervisors and laboratory managers who serve as leaders, educators, and advisors.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Training Documentation
Routes 2 & 3 Experience Documentation Form
Routes 4 & 5 Educator Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or C(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or C(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** laboratory experience in chemistry in an accredited/approved laboratory OR one year of acceptable research experience in chemistry. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or C(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or C(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Specialist in Chemistry examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience in 8 of the 15 procedures listed:

  • Blood gases
  • Carbohydrates
  • Chromatography
  • Electrolytes
  • Electrophoresis
  • Enzymes
  • Heme compounds
  • Hormones/vitamins
  • Immunochemistry
  • Lipids/lipoproteins
  • Non-protein nitrogen compounds
  • Point-of-care
  • Proteins
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Toxicology

Laboratory or teaching experience is also required in 2 of the 6 areas listed:

  • Selection of laboratory equipment
  • Quality control program management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Supervisory experience
  • Test development/validation
  • Method verification

Role of a SC(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to determine the presence or quantity of chemical and/or hormonal content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Routes 5 & 6 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid CT(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in cytology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be obtained following CT(ASCPi) certification.

*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.

Route 2
  • Valid CT(ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical cytology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be obtained following CT(ASCPi) certification.

*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.

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) - CLIA & CAAHEP Regulatory Requirements

Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: According to U.S. law (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 with the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) certifications are not qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA ’88 legislation.

Role of an SCT(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Cytology (SCT)
Skilled in examining cellular specimens from all body sites including rapid on-site evaluation of needle aspirates, endoscopic/bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations, use of fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and advanced cancer diagnostics. May also direct quality assurance programs in cytopathology. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Experience Documentation Form
Route 2 Educator Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline 
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or H(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or H(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** laboratory experience in hematology in an accredited/approved laboratory OR one year of acceptable research experience in hematology. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or H(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical hematology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or H(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical hematology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Specialist in Hematology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience in ALL of the following procedures:

  • Blood smear, evaluation and differential
  • Complete blood count
  • Instrument maintenance / troubleshooting (laboratory)
  • Instrument methodology / troubleshooting (teaching)
  • Miscellaneous tests (e.g., ESR, sickle screen, manual cell count, reticulocyte)
  • Quality control: performance and evaluation
  • Routine coagulation tests (e.g., PT, APTT, D-dimer)
  • Other coagulation tests (e.g., fibrinogen, factor assays)

Experience in performing, supervising or teaching 5 of the 12 procedures listed is also required:

  • Advanced coagulation (e.g., inhibitor assays, hypercoagulability)
  • Body Fluid evaluation
  • Bone marrow prep or evaluation
  • Budgeting/inventory control/purchasing
  • Cytochemical stains
  • Flow cytometry
  • Hemoglobinopathy evaluation
  • Method evaluation
  • Personnel management
  • Platelet function studies
  • QA/QI

Role of a SH(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Hematology (SH)
Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to identify hematologic and coagulation disorders aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-4 Experience Documentation
Routes 5-6 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or M(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 2
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or M(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable clinical** experience in microbiology in an accredited/approved laboratory OR one year of acceptable research experience in microbiology. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 5
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or M(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical microbiology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 6
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi) or M(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science***, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND one year of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical microbiology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. This year of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Specialist in Microbiology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience in 4 of 6 of the following areas:

  • Bacteriology
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Mycology
  • Parasitology
  • Virology

Role of an SM(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-4 Experience Documentation
Routes 5 & 6 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field, OR a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology, chemistry, and/or physics, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND four years of acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR four years of acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory.

*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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 2
  • Valid technologist/scientist (ASCP or ASCPi) or specialist (ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR three years of acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory.

*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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR three years of research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory.

*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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Route 4
  • Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in biological/life science, physics, engineering, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory OR two years of acceptable research, industry, or veterinary experience in a flow cytometry*** laboratory.

*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 flow cytometry laboratory is defined as one capable of providing individuals with knowledge and practical experience in flow cytometry including sample processing, data acquisition, data analysis, quality assurance/control, instrument operation, and laboratory operations/management.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirements for the Specialist in Cytometry, you must have experience in flow cytometry applications, cytometric analysis, and quality assurance as described below.

Flow Cytometry Applications
Experience is required in at least one of the following:

  • Immunophenotyping (e.g., CD4, leukemia/lymphoma, transplant)
  • Cell sorting
  • Cell cycle / DNA ploidy testing
  • Cell death (e.g., apoptosis, necrosis)
  • Red blood cell analysis (e.g., PNH, fetal hemoglobin)
  • Progenitor/stem cells
  • Therapeutic drug monitoring
  • Small particle analysis
  • Functional assays
  • Non-mammalian cell assays
  • Imaging flow cytometry
  • Rare event analysis

Cytometric Analysis
Experience is required in at least three of the following:

  • Specimen processing
  • Instrument set-up
  • Specimen analysis
  • Data management
  • Interpretation of results

Quality Assurance
Experience is required in at least three of the following:

  • Specimen collection, processing, storage
  • Reagent selection, preparation, and quality control
  • Assay selection, validation, documentation
  • Instrument operation, maintenance, and quality control
  • Proficiency testing
  • Laboratory safety practices

Role of an SCYM(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)
Knowledgeable in all aspects of flow cytometry. Performs and/or oversees flow cytometry assays in clinical, research or reference laboratories. Able to lead the development and implementation of new assays. Proficient in all aspects of flow cytometry including technical, quality, and regulatory issues. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty area.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 4 Experience Documentation Form
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Eligibility Routes for International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCPi)

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR three years of veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory***. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 2
  • 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 three years of acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR three years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory***. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 3
  • Doctorate from an accredited/approved* educational institution in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science****, or an appropriately related field,
  • AND two years of acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR two years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory***. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 4
  • Valid MB(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND a baccalaureate degree from an accredited/approved* educational institution,
  • AND three years of acceptable experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology in an accredited/approved* educational institution or an accredited/approved laboratory**. These three years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Route 5
  • 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 one 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.

*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.

Route 6
  • 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 two years of acceptable clinical** experience in a molecular biology laboratory*** OR two years of acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a molecular biology laboratory***. These two years of experience must be acquired post baccalaureate degree.

*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.

Laboratory or Teaching Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the International Specialist in Molecular Biology examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience in at least two of the following areas. Although experience is required in only two of the areas, 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.

  • Genetics/Genomics (e.g., genotyping, genetic disorders, pharmacogenomics, genome-wide analysis)
  • Oncology (e.g., hematologic lymphoid neoplasms/neoplasia, solid tumor gene markers)
  • Histocompatibility (DNA-based)
  • Infectious Disease (e.g., molecular microbiology/virology, molecular epidemiology)
  • Molecular Identity Testing (e.g., engraftment, paternity, forensic)
  • Clinical laboratory test interpretation and reporting (e.g., genetics/genomics, oncology, histocompatibility, infectious disease, or molecular identity testing)

Experience is also required in at least two of the following procedures. Although experience is required in only two of the areas, 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.

  • Test development/validation
  • Procurement of laboratory equipment
  • Quality management
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Supervisory experience
  • Education/training

Role of an SMB(ASCPi)

International Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)
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.

It is highly recommended that candidates successfully pass the Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP) or MB(ASCPi) certification exam prior to attempting the SMB(ASCPi) certification exam.


Applicant Resources

Routes 1, 2, 3, & 6 Experience Documentation
Routes 4-5 Educator Experience Documentation
Content Guideline
Reading List
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Procedures for Exam & Certification
Specialist Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information


Application Fee

$260

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants who both (a) obtained medical laboratory education in, AND (b) currently reside in select nations will receive discounted pricing of $95 for all international certification examination categories. Click here to review the International Pricing Policy for select nations.

Get Ready to Apply

General Information

You are taking an important step in your professional career, and it is critical to understand the process to become credentialed by the ASCP BOC. Learning about the application and examination processes, and staying connected, are essential to your success. Requirements and fees as stated are subject to change without notice.

Find Information

To quickly navigate the ASCP BOC website, click on the large purple “Board of Certification” tab at the top of the page. You will have access to a menu of all website content.

For complete information about the application and examination processes, see information on this page, or click the links below:

For complete information about a specific qualification, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms, topic outline, and reading list see information on this page, or click the links below:

  • QBRS (Qualification in Biorepository Science)
  • QDP (Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy)
  • QIA (Qualification in Apheresis)
  • QIHC (Qualification in Immunohistochemistry)
  • QLS (Qualification in Laboratory Safety)

For complete information about certifications, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms, content outline, and reading list, click on the purple buttons above, or the links below:

Use the booklets below as an overview, and to find links to the appropriate information on the website:

Stay Connected with the BOC

All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email so keeping your email address current is vital to staying informed. Update your email address under account settings in your online account.

Update your Email Address

Application Process
  1. Determine your examination category and eligibility route
  2. Login or create an ASCP account online
    • Do not create a duplicate account.
  3. Select category and route of application
  4. Verify your contact information
  5. Complete the online application
    • Upload appropriate documentation as PDF files within the online application.
    • Incomplete applications can be saved and completed later.
  6. Submit the application fee.
    • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 90 days from the date started.
    • Applications are not complete until payment has been received and processed.
    • Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.
  7. Request official transcripts be sent from your academic institution to the ASCP BOC
  8. Monitor application status
    • Login at any time to View the Status of your application.
    • An email notification will be sent when there is a change in the status of your application.
    • Keep your email address current with the ASCP BOC.
  9. Resolve any deficiencies with your application
    • Incomplete or missing information will delay processing.
  10. Prepare for exam day
  11. Take the exam
  12. Receive official exam results
Update Email or Mailing Address

Email Address
All notifications from the ASCP Board of Certification are delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Failure to keep the Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of important information.

Mailing Address
A valid mailing address must be provided in order to receive your wall certificate. If your address is not valid, it will be your responsibility to order and pay for a replacement wall certificate.

To update your email or mailing address:

Name Change Request

The first name and last name in your ASCP account is the name that will appear on your examination application and Admission Notification.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Name changes or name corrections received in the ASCP Board of Certification office after the day you take the examination will not be reflected on your wall certificate. A fee will be charged if you request a new wall certificate.

Name change requests must be accompanied by a photocopy of official documentation (i.e., marriage license or court order).

To request a name change:

  • Go to: www.ascp.org/login
  • Click on the “Profile & Settings”
  • Click on “Request Name Change” button
  • Fill out the online form
  • Upload name change document as a PDF and submit

Please allow 7-10 business days for processing. You will be notified when your name change request has been completed.

Determine Your Eligibility

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) offers several qualifications, and each one has its own set of eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to determine if your education, training and/or experience meet current eligibility requirements. Make sure to apply for the appropriate category and eligibility route; once an application is submitted to the ASCP BOC, the category and route cannot be changed.

Choose the Correct Exam Category and Route

For each qualification category, you will find a choice of routes. You are required to choose a route of eligibility depending on the education, training and experience you have completed. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements as stated and are able to provide the appropriate documentation before submitting your application and application fee.

You may take the examination five times under one eligibility route, provided that you continue to meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, you must meet the current requirements for eligibility for that particular examination category under an alternate route of eligibility.

Eligibility is Determined After an Application is Submitted

The Examination Eligibility Assistant will help you determine the appropriate certification and route before submitting an application.

The ASCP BOC does not consult with a candidate, review documentation, or determine a candidate’s eligibility prior to application. Eligibility is determined only after a candidate’s application, fee, and all required documentation has been received and all items have been reviewed by an evaluator. Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.

How to Apply for Qualification

  1. Login or create an ASCP online account
  2. Determine your category of examination and route of eligibility
  3. Gather the necessary documentation
  4. Choose “Apply Now” to access the online application
  5. Complete the online application
  6. Upload training and/or experience documentation
  7. Submit online application
  8. Pay application fee
  9. Have official transcript sent to the ASCP BOC

Set up an ASCP Account

Input the following information:

  • Applicant’s first and last name
  • Birth date
  • Email address
  • Answer required questions

Additional suggested information

Create Your Account

Gather Documentation

In order to apply for a BOC examination, an applicant must verify that they meet the specific eligibility requirements for academic, training, and/or experience, based on the category and route of application.

For complete information, click here.

Verify Education, Experience or Training

For complete information, click here.

Examination

Taking the Exam

You will receive an email notification to login to view your Admission Notification. Your Admission Notification will include an authorization number to the online qualification examination.

  • When you receive email notification, login to your ASCP account to view your Admission Notification.
  • Verify all information for accuracy.
  • Your Admission Notification will identify a 60 day time period in which you must complete the exam.
  • The test is self-administered on your own computer at the date and time of your choosing within the 60 day time period indicated on your Admission Notification.
  • To access your online examination, click on this link to the testing site.
  • Failure to complete the exam within your 60 day time period will require you to reapply for the exam, and submit a full application and fee. Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

Study Materials

Examination Topic Outlines and Reading Lists can be found under each qualification category.

Taking the Exam

  • Qualification exams are self-administered at the date and time of your choosing within the 60 day time period indicated on your Admission Notification.
  • Read all directions carefully on entering responses before beginning the test.
  • The examinations consist of 50 multiple choice questions.
  • The examinations must be completed within a 90 minute time period.
  • You may not access any study materials, textbooks, or notes at any time during the 90 minute exam period.
  • You may not receive assistance from any other individual while taking the exam, nor exchange information with anyone during the 90 minute exam period.

Exam Results

  • Notification to view your exam score report will be emailed to you within four business days after you have taken the exam.
  • Your score report will indicate your “pass” or “fail” status and scaled score on the exam.
  • A scaled minimum passing score of 400 is required to pass the exam.

Email Notification of Exam Score

Ensure that your email address is current by logging into your ASCP account. A notification to view your examination score will be emailed to you within four business days after completing your exam.

You are not qualified until your passing score report is made available to you; this score report includes your valid three-year credential cycle dates.

Manage Your ASCP Account

Requesting Verification of Credential for Submission to a Third Party

Until you can access your passing score report, your qualification will not be available for verification. See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.

A Third-Party Verification Request link is available on your passing score report with instructions for requesting verification of certification for a third party, such as a state licensing board or an employer. There is a $16 service fee associated with each verification of certification order.

Verification of Credentials

After Your Exam

  • Follow the email instructions to review your score report.
  • Watch for your wall certificate to arrive.
  • Order verification of your certification to be submitted to a 3rd party, if necessary.
    • See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.
  • Set a reminder to participate in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) prior to the three-year expiration date.

Wall Certificate

For complete information about wall certificates, receiving your wall certificate, and replacement wall certificates, click here.

Fraudulent Use of Credentials

For complete information about how to protect your credential, and about why a credential may be revoked, click here.

Credential Maintenance Program

To maintain your credential, you are required to complete the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. Click the button below to learn about the Credential Maintenance Program.

Learn More About CMP

Re-Examination

If you are unsuccessful in passing your exam, information on re-testing will be included with your score report.

  • Do not submit a new application, including application fee, to retake the exam until after receiving email notification to login to view your score report.
  • Once your application to retake the exam is processed, your new eligibility period will begin at least 60 days after your last eligibility period began.

Reapplying for Examination

If you are unsuccessful in passing an examination:

  • You can take an examination five times under one eligibility route.
  • After five unsuccessful attempts under one route:
    • You must meet the requirements under an alternate route.
    • If you do not meet the alternate requirements, you will no longer be eligible to apply for that particular exam.
  • Each time you apply to take the exam, you must pay the full application fee.
  • Documentation does not need to be re-submitted unless requested.
  • Your laboratory experience must be within the required time limit from the date of application.
  • Your new eligibility period will begin at least 60 days after your previous eligibility period began.

If you do not test within your assigned eligibility period, or are determined ineligible, you must submit a full application fee and reapply for examination.

After Your Exam

  • Follow the email instructions to review your score report.
  • Review re-testing procedures provided in email.
  • Apply for the correct examination and pay full application fee.

Examination Results

The BOC does not rescore examinations or disclose content or answers for specific test items. Incorrect responses will not be reported when requesting a review.

To request a review of your examination due to specific administration or content irregularities, (i.e., technical issues with the test administrator, irregularities in the display of exam content) you must notify the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of scores. Requests received after this date will not be accepted. A $25.00 fee is required. The check or money order must be enclosed with your request.

The review verifies the overall exam administration (i.e., that the examinee viewed the questions, the answers were recorded, the proper amount of time was given, questions were administered according to the topic outline percentages, etc.).

Requests should be mailed to:

ASCP Board of Certification
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603

If you have questions, please review the appeal procedures page.

Review the Appeals Process

Qualifications

Qualification in Apheresis, QIA

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

Education does not need to be from the U.S. A degree from a non-U.S. institution must be verified as equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

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:

Route 1
  • RN, LPN, or LVN with U.S. state license, certificate, or diploma*,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in apheresis OR five years of part time acceptable experience in apheresis within the last ten years.

*Applicants must submit a copy of their official certificate, diploma, or license.

Route 2
  • Professional nurse diploma or equivalent received outside of the U.S.*,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in apheresis OR five years of part time acceptable experience in apheresis within the last ten years.

*Applicants must submit a copy of their official certificate, diploma, or license.

Route 3
  • Valid MLS(ASCP or ASCPi), BB(ASCP or ASCPi), SBB(ASCP or ASCPi), or MLT(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in apheresis OR five years of part time acceptable experience in apheresis within the last ten years.
Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree** from an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university with a combination of 24 semester hours (36 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in apheresis OR five years of part time acceptable experience in apheresis within the last ten years.

**The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 5
  • MD*, DO*, or MBBS*,
  • AND one year of acceptable experience as an apheresis physician within the last five years.

*Applicants must submit a copy of their official certificate, diploma, or license.

Route 6
  • MD*, DO*, or MBBS*,
  • AND training in a post graduate medical education program which includes apheresis (e.g., transfusion medicine, hematology/oncology, nephrology, clinical pathology) within the last five years.

*Applicants must submit a copy of their official certificate, diploma, or license.

Route 7
  • High school graduation** or equivalent,
  • AND five years of full time acceptable experience in apheresis within the last ten years.

**The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

Apheresis Experience and Training

Routes 1 – 4 & 7:
To fulfill the experience requirement for the Qualification in Apheresis examination, you must have experience within the time frame required in at least one of the following apheresis areas:

  • Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE)
  • Red blood cell exchange
  • Cellular reductions
  • Selective adsorptions
  • Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP)
  • Mononuclear cell collections (MNC)
  • Hematopoietic progenitor cell collection (HPC)
  • Automated red blood cell collections (RBC)
  • Donor platelet collections
  • Donor plasma collections
  • Granulocyte collections

Routes 5 & 6:
To fulfill the experience/training requirement for the Qualification in Apheresis examination, you must have experience/training in all of the following areas. Experience must be completed within the last five years.

  • Evaluating patients and/or donors for suitability to undergo apheresis procedures
  • Writing orders for apheresis procedures
  • Supervising apheresis procedures
  • Evaluating and managing adverse events during apheresis procedures

Role of a QIA

Apheresis (QIA)
Expert in one or more areas of apheresis, both in the donor and therapeutic arenas. Areas of expertise include therapeutic procedures, collection of blood components, cellular reductions, and cellular collections..


Applicant Resources

Routes 1-4 & 7 Experience Documentation
Route 5 Experience Documentation
Route 6 Training Documentation
Topic Outline
Resource List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Qualification
Qualification Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Qualification in Immunohistochemistry, QIHC

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid HT(ASCP or ASCPi) or HTL(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in immunohistochemistry within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in immunohistochemistry in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*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
.

Route 2
  • Valid technologist/scientist (ASCP or ASCPi) or specialist (ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in routine histotechnology within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in routine histotechnology in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in immunohistochemistry within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in immunohistochemistry in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*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
.

Route 3
  • Valid MLT(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in routine histotechnology within the last five years OR six months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in routine histotechnology in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years,
  • AND twelve months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in immunohistochemistry within the last five years OR twelve months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in immunohistochemistry in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*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
.

Route 4
  • Baccalaureate degree** from an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university,
  • AND nine months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in routine histotechnology within the last five years OR nine months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in routine histotechnology in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years,
  • AND fifteen months of full time acceptable clinical* experience in immunohistochemistry within the last five years OR fifteen months of full time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in immunohistochemistry in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

*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
.

**The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

Experience Requirements

To fulfill the experience requirements for the Qualification in Immunohistochemistry, the applicant must have experience in ALL of the following areas:

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY (IHC) EXPERIENCE

Direct performance, training and/or management/supervision of IHC procedures are acceptable in meeting the experience requirements.

  • Immunohistochemical and/or Immunofluorescence
    • Selection of proper control material
    • Performance of staining technique
    • Titration of immunologic reagents
  • Quality Control and Assurance
    • Method selection, validation, documentation, optimization
    • Reagent selection, preparation, storage, disposal
    • Safety
    • Specimen fixation, processing, microtomy
    • Interpretation of normal staining patterns
    • Troubleshooting


HISTOTECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

  • Fixation
    • Tissue Identification
    • Parameters (e.g., pH, time, temperature)
    • Reagents
    • Selection, preparation, and use of fixatives for various applications
    • Troubleshooting/problem solving of fixation artifacts
  • Processing
    • Selection, preparation, and use of decalcification reagents
    • Selection of appropriate processing methods (e.g., routine histology, immunohistochemistry, cytology)
    • Operation and maintenance of a tissue processor
  • Embedding / Microtomy
    • Tissue identification and orientation for embedding
    • Operation and maintenance of an embedding center
    • Microtomy (e.g., paraffin, frozen)
    • Operation and maintenance of a microtome / water bath and cryostat
  • Staining
    • Selection of appropriate control material
    • Reagent preparation
    • Operation and maintenance of staining equipment
    • Mounting and coverslipping procedures
    • Identification of tissue structures and their staining characteristics
    • Routine staining (i.e., H&E)
    • Special staining (e.g., carbohydrates and amyloid, connective tissue, microorganisms, pigments and minerals)
  • Laboratory Operations
    • Operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective action for equipment
    • Troubleshooting
    • Quality control
    • Application of laboratory safety protocols

Role of a QIHC

Immunohistochemistry (QIHC)
Experience in immunohistochemistry preparation to include varying detection systems, specimen handling techniques, antigen retrieval methods, staining mechanisms, antibody optimization, assay validation, and related laboratory operations.


Applicant Resources

Route 1 Experience Documentation
Routes 2–4 Experience Documentation
Topic Outline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Qualification
Qualification Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Qualification in Laboratory Safety, QLS

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid technologist/scientist (ASCP or ASCPi) or specialist (ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND six months of full time acceptable experience in laboratory safety within the last five years in any of the following disciplines:
    • clinical*
    • academic educator in an accredited laboratory professional program** at an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university
    • academic educator in an accredited, hospital-based* laboratory professional program**
    • veterinary**
    • industry**
    • research**

*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
.

**in the U.S. or Canada

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 2
  • Valid HT(ASCP or ASCPi) or MLT(ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND twelve months of full time acceptable experience in laboratory safety within the last five years in any of the following disciplines:
    • clinical*
    • academic educator in an accredited laboratory professional program** at an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university
    • academic educator in an accredited, hospital-based* laboratory professional program**
    • veterinary**
    • industry**
    • research**

*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
.

**in the U.S. or Canada

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

Route 3
  • Baccalaureate degree**** from an accredited (regionally or nationally)*** college/university,
  • AND eighteen months of full time acceptable experience in laboratory safety within the last five years in any of the following disciplines:
    • clinical*
    • veterinary**
    • industry**
    • research**

*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
.

**in the U.S. or Canada

***Accredited Colleges and Universities

****The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Qualification in Laboratory Safety examination, you must have laboratory or teaching experience, within the last five years, in 4 of the 7 following areas:

  • Biohazard control (e.g., bloodborne pathogens, infection control)
  • Chemical safety
  • Ergonomics
  • Fire safety
  • Physical environment (e.g., electrical, equipment, spills, waste management, emergency preparedness, shipping)
  • Safety management (e.g., risk assessment, monitoring, safety committee)
  • Training and education

Direct performance, training and/or management/supervision of laboratory safety procedures are acceptable in meeting the experience requirements.

Role of a QLS

Laboratory Safety (QLS)
Professionals involved in any phase of laboratory safety, including compliance, training, developing, and/or managing safety programs for laboratory employees, trainees, and/or students.


Applicant Resources

Experience Documentation
Topic Outline
Reading List  
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Qualification
Qualification Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Qualification in Biorepository Science, QBRS

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, and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

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:

Education does not need to be from the U.S. A degree from a non-U.S. institution must be verified as equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

Route 1
  • Valid technologist/scientist (ASCP or ASCPi) or specialist (ASCP or ASCPi) certification,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last five years.

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Route 2
  • Baccalaureate degree* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with a major in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field, OR a baccalaureate degree* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree,
  • AND two years of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last five years.

*The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Route 3
  • Master’s degree* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university with a major in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, or a related field,
  • AND one year of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last five years.

*The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Route 4
  • Valid technician certification (ASCP or ASCPi),
  • AND two years of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last five years.

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Route 5
  • An associate degree* or two-year diploma* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, OR 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry,
  • AND three years of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last six years.

*The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Route 6

As of October 1, 2023, QBRS Route 6, requiring high school graduation and five years of experience, has been discontinued.

Route 7
  • Master’s degree* from an accredited (regionally or nationally)** college/university in biobanking or biorepository science,
  • AND a minimum of six months of full time acceptable experience in a biorepository*** within the last five years. This experience may be obtained within, or outside of, the degree program.

*The foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree which will be determined by an acceptable transcript evaluation.

**Accredited Colleges and Universities

***For the purposes of the QBRS credential, specimens are procured only from humans or other animals. A biorepository is defined as a formally managed physical or virtual entity that may receive, process, store, and/or distribute specimens and/or samples and their associated data as appropriate in support of current or future use. All repositories should be planned, organized, and managed in accordance with applicable ethical and legal frameworks and comply with national/federal, regional, and local regulations.

Biorepository Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Qualification in Biorepository Science, you must have experience within the time frame required in at least 4 of the 9 following areas:

  • Subject Consent
  • Specimen/Data Collection
  • Specimen/Data De-identification
  • Specimen/Data Processing
  • Sample/Data Storage
  • Sample/Data Distribution
  • Sample/Data Quality Control
  • Equipment Quality Control (e.g., maintenance, validation, calibration)
  • Enhanced Technical Areas (e.g., histology, tissue microarray, slide imaging, microdissection, viable cell isolation, nucleic acid/protein extraction)

Role of a QBRS

Biorepository Science (QBRS)
Professionals involved in any phase of a formally managed biospecimen collection, including specimen processing and storage, data management, laboratory safety, compliance, and business operations. Works in various areas of the biobank, which may include consenting, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples. May process samples to include centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping.


Applicant Resources

Experience Documentation Form (Routes 1-7)
Program Completion Documentation Form (Route 7)
Topic Outline
Reading List
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Qualification
Qualification Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Application Fee

$250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

Eligibility Routes for Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy, QDP

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent. For complete information, see Verification of Education for PBT, MLA and QDP applicants and/or the links under “Applicant Resources” on the right hand side of this page.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Effective July 1, 2024, the Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy, QDP, will be discontinued. The last qualification examination for QDP will be administered June 30, 2024, with a deadline date of April 30, 2024 for receipt of all application materials, including required documentation.

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:

Route 1
  • Valid PBT(ASCP) certification,
  • AND 50 successful donor collections in an acceptable facility* within the last year.

*FDA licensed or registered.

Route 2
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND completion of one year of full time acceptable experience as a donor phlebotomy technician with 50 successful donor collections in an acceptable facility* within the last two years.

*FDA licensed or registered.

Route 3
  • High school graduation or equivalent,
  • AND successful completion of RN, LPN or other accredited allied health professional/occupational education,
  • AND donor phlebotomy training with 50 successful donor collections in an acceptable facility* within the last two years.

    Applicants must submit a copy of their current state/provincial license for RN or LPN or a copy of a certificate of completion from the accredited allied health program they completed.

*FDA licensed or registered.

Role of a QDP

Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy (QDP)
Works in a blood donor center, collecting blood products for patient transfusion. Performs health history screenings, uses large gauge phlebotomy collection sets, and prepares blood products for blood bank processing.


Applicant Resources

Accredited Colleges and Universities
Procedures for Qualification
Qualification Exam Interview Videos

Apply Now


Application Fee

$145

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.

California State Licensure

California State Licensure Only

This option is for Licensure ONLY. If you choose this option you will not be ASCP Certified.

MLS, MLT, BB, C, CG, CT, H, M, MB, SBB, SC, SH, SM

These ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes ONLY by the state of California. This requires applying for the ASCP California Licensure Examination Only. You will not be ASCP certified under this choice.

If you choose this option you must meet the licensure requirements established by the state of California and successfully pass the appropriate ASCP Board of Certification examination for California Licensure Only.

Steps to Complete California Licensure

STEP 1: Review the CDPH Laboratory Field Service website for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California.

STEP 2: Apply online for California state licensure examination only.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 3: You will receive an email notification to login to view your Admission Notification. Verify all information for accuracy.

STEP 4: A notification to view your examination score by logging in to your ASCP account will be emailed to you within four (4) business days. California Licensure examination results are automatically submitted to the CDPH Laboratory Field Services electronically on a weekly basis. It is not necessary for you to place a verification order through the ASCP website to submit your licensure exam result to the California State Licensing Board.

Application Fee

MLS, BB, C, CT, H, M - $250
SBB, SC, SH, SM - $300
MLT - $225
MB, CG - $250

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

CDPH Laboratory Field Service website
MLT Content Guideline for California licensure ONLY. 
For all other exams, access suggested reading lists and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

ASCP Certification and California State Licensure

If you choose this option you will have ASCP Certification AND California Licensure.

ASCP: MLS, MLT, BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, PBT, SBB, SC, SH, SM

ASCPi: MLS

These ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by California State.

Steps to Complete Certification and Licensure

STEP 1: You must meet the eligibility requirements established by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) and successfully complete the appropriate ASCP certification examination (as listed above). It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements for the state of California. Contact the CDPH Laboratory Field Service web site for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California.

STEP 2: Review the eligibility requirements for ASCP Certification for the appropriate ASCP certification examination category (as listed above) to be sure you have met these requirements.

STEP 3: Complete the Online Application for ASCP Certification.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 4: Upon successful completion of the examination and notice of certification, place an online order through the ASCP website for verification of your certification to be submitted to the California LFS office.

Application Fee

ASCP:
MLS, BB, C, H, M - $250
SBB, SC, SH, SM - $300
MLT - $225
PBT - $145
MB, CG - $250

ASCPi:
MLS - $210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

CDPH Laboratory Field Service website
Access eligibility requirements, suggested reading lists, and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification

Apply for Certification


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

Already ASCP Certified

This option is for individuals already certified by the BOC, but it is dependent upon if you were certified before or after a specific date.

The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by California State. It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements for the state of California.

MLS, BB, C, H, M, SBB, SC, SH, SM

Steps for Before Specified Dates

If you choose this option, you are already ASCP Certified before the dates as shown below. It will be necessary for you to retake and successfully complete the appropriate certification examination.

  • MLS(ASCP) certified BEFORE October 1, 2002
  • C(ASCP), SC(ASCP), M(ASCP), SM(ASCP) certified BEFORE March 1, 2004
  • BB(ASCP), SBB(ASCP), H(ASCP), SH(ASCP) certified BEFORE July 1, 2005
  • ASCPi MLS certified AFTER June, 2007

If you do not pass the examination for CA Licensure, it will not affect your certification status.

STEP 1: Contact the CDPH Laboratory Field Service web site for information on completing the licensure process and submit an application to California.

STEP 2: Apply online for California state licensure examination only.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 3: You will receive an email notification to login to view your Admission Notification. Verify all information for accuracy.

STEP 4: A notification to view your examination score by logging in to your ASCP account will be emailed to you within four (4) business days. California Licensure examination results are automatically submitted to the CDPH Laboratory Field Services electronically on a weekly basis. It is not necessary for you to place a verification order through the ASCP website to submit your licensure exam result to the California State Licensing Board.

Steps for After Specified Dates

If you choose this option, you are already ASCP Certified after the dates shown below. You do not need to reapply or retake the ASCP certification examination.

  • MLS(ASCP) certified AFTER October 1, 2002
  • C(ASCP), SC(ASCP), M(ASCP), SM(ASCP) certified AFTER March 1, 2004
  • BB(ASCP), SBB(ASCP), H(ASCP), SH(ASCP) certified AFTER July 1, 2005

STEP 1: Contact the CDPH Laboratory Field Service web site for information on completing the licensure process, and submit an application to California.

STEP 2: Place an online order through the ASCP website for verification of your certification to be submitted to the California LFS office.

Application Fee

MLS, BB, C, H, M - $250
SBB, SC, SH, SM - $300

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

CDPH Laboratory Field Service website
Access suggested reading lists, and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification
Verification of Certification Process

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

(Already ASCP Certified applicants before 2002, 2004 or 2005)
To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

New York State Licensure

New York State Licensure Only

This option is for New York State Licensure ONLY.  If you choose this option, you will not be ASCP Certified.

MLS, MLT, CT, HT

These ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes ONLY by the state of New York.  This requires applying for the ASCP New York State Licensure only Examination.  You will not be ASCP certified under this choice.

If you choose this option, you must meet the licensure requirements established by the state of New York and successfully pass the appropriate ASCP Board of Certification examination for New York State Licensure Only.

Steps to Complete New York State Licensure

STEP 1: Review the state of New York website for information on completing the licensure process, and submit an application to the state of New York.

STEP 2: When you have been determined eligible for licensure by the state of New York, you will receive a qualification letter from the state.

STEP 3: After you receive the qualification letter, apply online for the ASCP New York state licensure only examination.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 4: You will receive an email notification to login to view your Admission Notification. Verify all information for accuracy.

STEP 5: A notification to view your examination score by logging in to your ASCP account will be emailed to you within four (4) business days. Results for New York Licensure only examination are automatically submitted to the state of New York State Licensing Board on a weekly basis. It is not necessary to place a verification order through the ASCP website to submit your licensure exam result to the New York State Education Licensing Board.

Application Fee

MLT, HT - $245
MLS, CT - $270

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

New York state website
Access suggested reading lists and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

ASCP/ASCPi Certification and New York State Licensure

If you choose this option, you will have ASCP/ASCPi Certification AND will be meeting the New York State Licensure requirement for examination.

ASCP - MLT, MLS, CT, HT, HTL, PA

ASCPi - MLT, MLS, CT, HT, HTL

These ASCP and ASCPi Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure examination purposes by the state of New York. It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements (including the professional education requirements) for the state of New York.

Steps to Complete Certification and Licensure

STEP 1: Review and complete all licensure requirements (including the professional education requirements) for the state of New York.  Review the state of New York website for information on completing the licensure process

STEP 2: You must also meet the eligibility requirements established by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) and successfully pass the appropriate ASCP/ASCPi certification examination (MLS, MLT, CT, HT, HTL, PA).  Review the eligibility requirements for ASCP Certification for the appropriate ASCP/ASCPi certification examination category (MLS, MLT, CT, HT, HTL, PA) to be sure you have met these requirements. (Link to BOC Certification)

STEP 3: Complete the Online Application for ASCP Certification.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application.  Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 4: Upon successful completion of the examination and notice of certification, place an online order through the ASCP website for verification of your ASCP certification and exam result to be submitted to the New York State Education Department.

Application Fee

ASCP
MLT, HT - $225
MLS, CT, HTL - $250
PA - $540

ASCPi
MLT, HT - $185
MLS, CT, HTL - $210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

New York state website
Access eligibility requirements, suggested reading lists, and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification

Apply for Certification


Exam Information for Applicants

To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

Already ASCP Certified

This option is for individuals already ASCP certified by the ASCP Board of Certification in the following categories MLT, MT/MLS, CT, HT, HTL.

These ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure examination purposes by the state of New York. It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements (including the professional education requirements) for the state of New York.

New York State Licensure Steps – ASCP Certified

STEP 1: Review the state of New York website for information on completing the licensure process, and submit an application to the state of New York.

STEP 2: Place an online order for verification of your ASCP certification to be submitted to the New York State Education Department for licensure.

Already ASCPi Certified

This option is for individuals already ASCPi certified by the ASCP Board of Certification in the following categories MLT, MLS, CT, HT, HTL, but it is dependent upon if you were certified before or after a specific date.

These ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure examination purposes by the state of New York. It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements (including the professional education requirements) for the state of New York.

ASCPi Certification Exam Date ASCPi Exam Accepted for
New York Licensure
*
MLS January 1, 2015
MLT, HTL October 1, 2014
CT, HT April 1, 2015

*It is your responsibility to review and complete all licensure requirements (including the professional education requirements) for the state of New York

New York State Licensure Steps – ASCPi Certified Before Specified Dates

If you choose this option, you are already ASCPi certified before the specified dates in the chart above. It will be necessary for you to retake and successfully complete the appropriate certification examination (MLT, MLS, CT, HT, HTL). If you do not pass the examination for New York Licensure purposes, it will not affect your certification status.

STEP 1: Review the New York website for information on completing the licensure process, and submit an application to the state of New York.

STEP 2: When you have been determined eligible, you will receive a qualification letter from the state of New York.

STEP 3: After you receive a qualification letter from the state, apply online for the ASCP New York State Licensure only examination.

  • Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 30 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
  • Check payments need to be mailed, with the invoice, to the address indicated on the invoice within 30 days of starting the application.

STEP 4: You will receive an email notification to login to view your Admission Notification. Verify all information for accuracy.

STEP 5: A notification to view your examination score by logging in to your ASCP account will be emailed to you within four (4) business days after examination. Results for the New York State Licensure only examination are automatically submitted to the New York State Licensing Board on a weekly basis. It is not necessary to place a verification order through the ASCP website to submit your licensure exam result to the New York State Licensing Board.

New York State Licensure Steps – ASCPi Certified After Specified Dates

If you choose this option you are already ASCPi certified (MLT, MLS, CT, HT, HTL) after the specified dates in the chart above. You do not need to reapply or retake the ASCPi certification examination.

STEP 1: Review the state of New York website for information on completing the licensure process, and submit an application to the state of New York.

STEP 2: Place an online order for verification of your ASCP certification to be submitted to the New York State Education Department for licensure.

Application Fee

ASCPi
MLT, HT - $185
MLS, CT, HTL - $210

Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.


Applicant Resources

New York state website
Access suggested reading lists and content guidelines by clicking on the appropriate certification
Verification of Certification Process

Apply Now


Exam Information for Applicants

(Already ASCP Certified applicants before 2014, 2015)
To ensure the application process is smooth and easy to manage, click the button below to learn more information about:

  • Getting Ready to Apply
  • Before Exam Day
  • Exam Day
  • After the Exam

Exam Information

Additional Licensure States

Florida

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Florida. Please contact the Florida Department of Health to review and complete all licensure requirements.

 
Florida Department of Health
Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel
Division of Medical Quality Assurance
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin#C07
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3257
T 850.245.4355
F 850.922.8876

Hawaii

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Hawaii. Please contact the Hawaii Department of Health to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
Hawaii Department of Health
State Laboratory Division
2725 Waimano Home Road
Pearl City, HI 96782-1496
T 808.453.6653
F 808.453.6662

Louisiana

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Louisiana. Please contact the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
Licensure Division
P. O. Box 30250
New Orleans, LA 70190-0250
T 504.568.6820
F 504.599.0503

Montana

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Montana. Please contact the Montana Board of Clinical Laboratory to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
Montana Board of Clinical Laboratory
Science Practitioners
301 South Park, 4th Floor
P. O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620-0513
T 406.841.2395
F 406.841.2305

Nevada

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Nevada. Please contact the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Medical Laboratory Services
727 Fairview Dr, Suite E 
Carson City, NV 89701
T 775.687.4475
F 775.687.6588
 

North Dakota

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of North Dakota. Please contact the North Dakota Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
North Dakota Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice
P. O. Box 4103
Bismarck, ND 58502-4103
T 701.530.0199
 

Tennessee

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of Tennessee. Please contact the Tennessee State Licensure Board to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 
Tennessee State Licensure Board
Medical Laboratory Board
665 Mainstream Drive
Nashville, TN 37243-1003
T 615.532.5128

West Virginia

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the state of West Virginia. Please contact the West Virginia Office of Laboratory Science to review and complete all licensure requirements.

West Virginia Office of Laboratory Science

Department of HHS
167 Eleventh Ave
South Charleston, WV 25303-1114
T 304.558.3530
F 304.558.2006

Puerto Rico

The U.S. has several states which require licensure or certification. The ASCP Board of Certification examinations have been approved for licensure purposes by the Puerto Rico Department of Health. Please contact the Puerto Rico Department of Health to review and complete all licensure requirements.
 

Puerto Rico Department of Health
Junta Examinadora de Tecnologos Medicos de Puerto Rico
Box 10200
Santurce, PR 00908-0200
T 787.792.6400
F 787.792.6627