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.
- Determine your examination category and eligibility route.
- Use the BOC Examination Eligibility Assistant for U.S. Certification. - 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. - Select category and route of application.
- Verify your contact information.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload appropriate documentation as PDF files within the online application.
- Incomplete applications can be saved and completed later. - 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. - Request official transcripts be sent from your academic institution to the ASCP BOC
- 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. - Resolve any deficiencies with your application.
- Incomplete or missing information will delay processing. - Schedule your exam date.
- Prepare for exam day.
- Sit for the exam.
- Receive official exam results.
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:
- Go to www.ascp.org/login
- Click on “Profile & Settings”
- Update information and save
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.
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.
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
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
- Login or create an ASCP online account.
- Make sure that your first and last name match your valid ID.
- Determine your category of examination and route of eligibility.
- Gather the necessary documentation.
- Choose “Apply Now” to access the online application.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload training and/or experience documentation.
- Submit online application.
- Pay application fee.
- 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
Comparison of ASCP and ASCPi (International) Certification
ASCPi is the ASCP Board of Certification’s (BOC’s) credential for applicants educated outside of the U.S.
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.
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.
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.
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) 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.
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.
Comparison of U.S. & International Exam Eligibility
ASCP-ASCPi Certification & Qualification Comparison Chart
Comparison of U.S. & International Exam Eligibility Requirements
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
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
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:
- 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
As of January 1, 2023, MLT Route 2, requiring valid CLA(ASCP) certification, has been discontinued.
- 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.
- 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 biologic 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
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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
*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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Valid MLS(ASCP) or MLT(ASCP) certification.
- 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.
- 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
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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
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
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
Application Fee
$145
Note: Once submitted, your application fee is non-refundable.
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.
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.
| 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.