GENERALIST
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP
i
)
CM
Cientíco de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCP
i
)
CM
CATEGORICAL
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCP
i
)
International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Cytologist, CT(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP
i
)
CM
SPECIALIST
International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP
i
)
CM
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP
i
)
CM
AUGUST 2023
ASCP International
Procedures for Examination
and Credentialing
CERTIFICATION
2 | ASCP Board of Certication
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION
About the ASCP Board of Certification ...................................2
The Gold Standard ..................................................................2
Credentialing and Credential Maintenance ............................2
CREDENTIALING PROCESS - CERTIFICATION
Fradulent Use of Any ASCP Credential ...................................3
Revocation of Credentials ....................................................................... 3
Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) ................................3
ASCP
i
CERTIFICATION
Technician Certification .......................................................... 4
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCP
i
) ................................................... 4
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP
i
) ........................... 4
International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP
i
) ...................................... 4
Technologist Certification .......................................................4
International Cytologist, CT(ASCP
i
) ........................................................... 4
International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCP
i
) ................................... 4
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP
i
) .............................................. 4
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP
i
) ............................. 4
Cientíco de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCP
i
) ....................... 4
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP
i
) ............................ 4
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP
i
) ..................................... 4
International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP
i
)................................ 4
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP
i
) ................................... 4
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP
i
) ................................. 5
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP
i
) ....................... 5
Specialist Certification ...........................................................5
International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP
i
) ............................... 5
International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP
i
) ........................................ 5
International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP
i
) ......................................... 5
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP
i
) ................................... 5
International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP
i
) ...................................... 5
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP
i
) .................................... 5
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP
i
) ......................... 5
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Eligibility for Examination ......................................................6
Verification of Academic Education........................................6
Verify Education from an Approved Program .........................6
Verification of Experience ......................................................6
Experience Documentation Forms ............................................................ 6
Verification of Training ...........................................................6
Training Documentation Forms ................................................................ 6
APPLICATION PROCESSING
Completion of Online Application ...........................................7
Determine Category and Route ................................................................ 7
Submit Online Application, Documentation ............................................... 7
Change of Email, Mailing Address, and/or Name Change .......................... 7
Submitting an Application........................................................................ 7
Requesting Testing Modications ............................................................. 7
Study Materials ...................................................................................... 7
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Scheduling Your Examination .................................................7
Examination Administration ...................................................7
The Testing Center.................................................................................. 7
The Examination ..................................................................................... 7
After the Examination ............................................................................. 7
Examination Results ............................................................................... 7
July 2023 | 1
The ASCP Board of Certication is an
administratively independent credentialing agency
that prepares relevant standards and develops
procedures that will assure the competence of
medical laboratory professionals.
The ASCP Board of Certication credentials
those individuals who meet the academic and
clinical prerequisites and who achieve acceptable
performance levels on examinations.
The ASCP Board of Certication does not
discriminate as to age, gender, race, religion, national
origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.
All requirements, processes and fees as stated in
this booklet are subject to change without notice.
* ASCP BOC Scholarship Funding available for
Resource-Limited Countries
CREDENTIAL CATEGORIES
AND APPLICATION FEES
Application fees are non-refundable. Be sure you meet the
eligibility requirements for the category and route as stated and are
able to provide the required documentation when submitting your
online application and fee.
Category of Certication Examination Application Fee*
TECHNICIAN
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCP
i
) .........................................$185
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP
i
) ................$185
International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP
i
) ...........................$135
TECHNOLOGIST
International Cytologist, CT(ASCP
i
) .................................................$210
International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCP
i
) .........................$135
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP
i
) ....................................$210
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP
i
) ...................$210
Cientíco de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCP
i
) .............$210
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP
i
) ...................$210
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP
i
) ............................$210
International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP
i
) .....................$210
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCP
i
) .........................$210
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP
i
) .......................$210
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP
i
..............$210
SPECIALIST
International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP
i
) ....................$260
International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCP
i
) .............................$260
International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCP
i
) .............................$260
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCP
i
) ........................$260
International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCP
i
) ..........................$260
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCP
i
) ........................$260
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP
i
) ...............$260
2 | ASCP Board of Certication
ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION
About the ASCP Board of Certification
Founded in 1928 by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
(ASCP), the Board of Certication is widely accepted as the most
inuential leader in the eld of credentialing of medical laboratory
professionals. To date over 610,000 individuals have been
credentialed. The ASCP Board of Certication understands the
importance of impartiality in conducting certication and qualication
activities. The ASCP BOC manages conict of interest and ensures
objectivity by representative membership on its Board of Governors
from other associations and societies.
• Five pathologists (nominated by the ASCP) including one with dual
membership in the American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• Five laboratory professionals (nominated by the ASCP) including
one with dual membership in the American Association for Clinical
Chemistry (AACC)
• Four representatives from the American Society for Clinical
Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
• Two representatives from the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT)
• One representative from each of the following participating
societies:
» Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)
» American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA)
» American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
» American Society of Cytopathology (ASC)
» National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
• One public member
The Gold Standard
The ASCP Board of Certication (BOC) represents the gold standard
for certication of medical laboratory professionals. Through their
professional contributions to various scientic and examination
committees, over 100 volunteer laboratory scientists, technologists
and technicians, specialists, physicians, researchers, educators,
and experts in psychometrics ensure that ASCP BOC examination
processes, as well as certication and qualication credentials,
continue to maintain the highest standards of the laboratory medicine
and pathology professions. ASCP BOC examination committees and
qualication work groups are responsible for examination development
and review, determining accuracy and relevancy of the examinations,
and establishing the competence level for each laboratory medicine
and pathology specialty.
Credentialing and Credential Maintenance
Credentialing is the process by which a non-governmental agency or
association grants recognition of competence to an individual who has
met certain predetermined requirements, as specied by the agency
or association.
The ASCP Board of Certication (BOC) credentials individuals in the
eld of medical laboratory science. ASCP BOC credentials are time-
limited for three years. To remain valid, certication or qualication
must be maintained by completing the Credential Maintenance
Program (CMP) as described on our website: www.ascp.org/cmp.
Our vision is to be
the gold standard in
global certication for all
laboratory professionals.
Our mission is to provide
excellence in certication
of laboratory professionals on
behalf of patients worldwide.
July 2023 | 3
CREDENTIALING PROCESS - CERTIFICATION
STEP 1: Determine your examination category and route and gather required documentation to meet the eligibility requirements.
The ASCP BOC does not consult with an applicant, review documentation, or determine an applicant’s eligibility prior
to application. Eligibility is determined only after an applicant’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.
STEP 2: Complete the online application (see page 7) and submit:
• Application fee (credit card or check) Application fees are non-refundable.
• Required documentation to verify your eligibility.
See www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation for complete information.
STEP 3: Monitor the status of your submitted application online. (www.ascp.org/login)
STEP 4: Receive email notication to login and view your Admission Notication to schedule your examination at a Pearson VUE
Professional Center.
STEP 5: Schedule an appointment to take the computer-based examination within the eligibility period indicated in your
Admission Notication. See www.ascp.org/boc/schedule-date for complete information.
STEP 6: Take the examination at a Pearson VUE Professional Center.
See www.ascp.org/boc/test-center for complete information.
STEP 7: Receive email notication to login and view your examination score report.
STEP 8: Receive your wall certicate in approximately 4 to 8 weeks after receiving your passing score report.
Your certication is valid for a three-year period. To maintain valid certication, completion of the Credential Maintenance
Program (CMP) is required every three years. Please visit www.ascp.org/cmp for program details.
Congratulations on your decision to apply for certication by the ASCP Board of Certication.
We wish you success on your examination.
Fradulent Use of Any ASCP Credential
Revocation of Credentials
Credentials, if granted, may be revoked at any time due
to inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete
information, click here.
Credential Maintenance Program (CMP)
To maintain your credential, you are required to complete the
Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. For
complete information, see www.ascp.org/cmp.
4 | ASCP Board of Certication
ASCP
i
CERTIFICATION
For more information, including eligibility
requirements, documentation forms, content
outline and reading lists visit the links provided
for each certication.
Technician Certification
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCP
i
)
Prepares and processes tissue samples for routine
histologic techniques to be examined under
a microscope by a pathologist. The histologic
techniques include the following: xation,
processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining of
human and animal tissue for evaluation.
www.ascp.org/boc/iht
International Medical Laboratory
Technician, MLT(ASCP
i
)
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.
www.ascp.org/boc/imlt
International Phlebotomy Technician,
PBT(ASCP
i
)
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood
samples. Collects, transports, and processes
blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the
laboratory.
www.ascp.org/boc/ipbt
Technologist Certification
International Cytologist, CT(ASCP
i
)
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
inammatory processes. May also prepare
specimens, attend ne needle aspirations, and assist
in quality assurance activities.
www.ascp.org/boc/ict
International Gynecologic Cytologist,
CTgyn(ASCP
i
)
Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples
from the female genital tract. Detects pre-cancerous
changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents,
and inammatory processes. May also assist in
quality assurance activities.
www.ascp.org/boc/ictgyn
International Histotechnologist,
HTL(ASCP
i
)
Performs both routine and complex histologic
techniques such as enzyme histochemistry,
immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization,
and immunouorescence 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 eld of histotechnology.
www.ascp.org/boc/ihtl
International Medical Laboratory
Scientist, MLS(ASCP
i
)
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.
www.ascp.org/boc/imls
Cientíco de Laboratorio Médico
Internacional, CLM(ASCP
i
)
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.
www.ascp.org/boc/iclm
International Technologist in Blood
Banking, BB(ASCP
i
)
Performs routine and specialized tests in blood
banking and transfusion services to determine
blood types, identify antibodies, and select
blood components to support providers in blood
transfusion therapy.
www.ascp.org/boc/ibb
International Technologist in Chemistry,
C(ASCP
i
)
Performs analysis on blood and body uids to
determine the quantity of chemical and/or hormonal
content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and
treatment of diseases.
www.ascp.org/boc/ic
International Technologist in
Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP
i
)
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 uid, tissue, bone marrow, and tumors.
Performs chromosome analysis, uorescence insitu
hybridization, and other molecular assays.
www.ascp.org/boc/icg
For more information, including
eligibility requirements,
documentation forms, content outline
and reading lists visit the links
provided for each certication.
July 2023 | 5
International Technologist in
Hematology, H(ASCP
i
)
Performs analyses of blood and body uids to
identify hematologic and coagulation disorders
aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
www.ascp.org/boc/ih
International Technologist in
Microbiology, M(ASCP
i
)
Identies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue
samples and body uids to aid in the diagnosis and
treatment of infectious diseases.
www.ascp.org/boc/im
International Technologist in
Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP
i
)
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.
www.ascp.org/boc/imb
Specialist Certification
International Specialist in
Blood Banking, SBB(ASCP
i
)
Performs all operations in blood banking and
transfusion services, from routine testing to the most
advanced procedures, to determine blood types,
identify antibodies, 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/isbb
International Specialist in Chemistry,
SC(ASCP
i
)
Performs analysis on blood and body uids to
determine the 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/isc
International Specialist in Cytology,
SCT(ASCP
i
)
Skilled in examining cellular specimens from
all body sites including rapid on-site evaluation
of needle aspirates, endoscopic/bronchoscopic
ultrasound-guided ne needle aspirations, use of
uorescence 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/isct
International Specialist in Cytometry,
SCYM(ASCP
i
)
Knowledgeable in all aspects of ow cytometry.
Performs and/or oversees ow cytometry assays in
clinical, research or reference laboratories. Able to
lead the development and implementation of new
assays. Procient in all aspects of ow 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/iscym
International Specialist in Hematology,
SH(ASCP
i
)
Performs analyses of blood and body uids 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/ish
International Specialist in Microbiology,
SM(ASCP
i
)
Identies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue
samples and body uids 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.
www.ascp.org/boc/ism
International Specialist in
Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCP
i
)
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.
www.ascp.org/boc/ismb
For more information, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms,
content outline and reading lists visit the links provided for each certication.
6 | ASCP Board of Certication
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Eligibility for Examination
Eligibility to take a certication examination is established by:
• Meeting all the requirements for category and route
(go to Get Credentialed)
• Submission of the online application
• Payment of the application fee
• Submission of all required documentation
Before your examination eligibility can be determined, you must submit
documentation verifying that you meet the current ASCP Board of
Certication requirements.
Verification of 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 via email to [email protected].
The foreign transcript evaluation must:
• be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency.
• 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 complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
and choose “Verify Academic Education.”
The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript
evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.
*Applicants with education or training in Canada, go to www.ascp.
org/boc/documentation and choose “Canadian Education and Clinical
Training Programs” under “Gather Documentation - U.S. Certications.”
Verify Education from an Approved Program
Applicants that have completed education from an approved program
must review country specic information on verication of academic
education to determine necessary documentation needed to establish
their eligibility.
For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
and choose “Documentation from an Approved Program.”
Verication of Experience
Experience Documentation Forms
If required for the route under which you are applying, experience must
be completed and documented before you will be determined eligible for
examination.
Download and print the appropriate experience documentation form
corresponding to your category and route of application
(go to International Certications).
For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
and choose “Verify Laboratory or Teaching Experience.”
Verification of Training
Training Documentation Forms
If required for the route under which you are applying, training must be
completed and documented before you will be determined eligible for
examination.
Download and print the appropriate experience documentation form
corresponding to your category and route of application
(go to International Certications).
For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
and choose “Verify Training.”
July 2023 | 7
APPLICATION PROCESSING
Completion of Online Application
Determine Category and Route
For complete information, see Determine
Category and Exam Route.
Submit Online Application,
Documentation
For complete information, see
Application Process and
Gather and Submit Documentation.
Change of Email, Mailing Address, and/
or Name Change
Keeping your contact information current with
the ASCP BOC is imperative. For complete
information, see Update Email or Mailing
Address or Name Change Request.
Submitting an Application
For complete information,
see Submit Application.
Requesting Testing Modications
Requested modications to the examination
environment due to a documented disability
must be reviewed and approved before
an application is submitted. For complete
information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-
documentation and choose “Documentation
for Applicants with a Disability.”
Study Materials
Study materials and recommended reading
lists are available to prepare for examination.
Visit the ASCP BOC website at www.ascp.org/
examprep for details.
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
Scheduling Your Examination
All scheduling, cancelling, and re-scheduling
of examination appointments is between the
examinee and Pearson VUE. For complete
information, see Schedule or Reschedule a
Test Date.
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
Examination Administration
The ASCP Board of Certication uses computer
adaptive testing (CAT) for most certication
examinations. For complete information, see
www.ascp.org/boc/the-exam.
The Testing Center
A valid (not expired) ID with your photograph and
signature must be presented in order to test.
For complete information about what to expect
at the Pearson VUE Testing Center and details
regarding acceptable forms of identication, see
www.ascp.org/boc/test-center.
The Examination
For complete information about exam
administration and duration, as well as taking
the exam, see www.ascp.org/boc/the-exam.
After the Examination
Complete information about accessing your
passing score report, receiving your wall
certicate, verifying your credential, and how to
protect your credential from fraudulent use can
be found here. Make sure you can view your
passing score report before ordering verication
of your credential.
If you did not successfully pass the examination,
information about accessing your score report
and reapplying for an examination can be found
here.
Examination Results
For complete information about receiving
examination results, see www.ascp.org/boc/
the-exam.
Our vision is to be
the gold standard in
global certication for all
laboratory professionals.
33 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603
800.267.2727 | [email protected]
Revised 8/2023
3-230588-JB
Our mission is to provide
excellence in certication
of laboratory professionals on
behalf of patients worldwide.
