2 ASCP Board of Certification
In keeping with our ongoing commitment to assure the
continued competence of medical laboratory personnel, the
ASCP Board of Certication (BOC) developed the Credential
Maintenance Program (CMP). This booklet will acquaint you
with the requirements of the CMP and provide you with ev-
erything you need to know to complete the program.
The CMP provides an opportunity to obtain a wide variety
of learning experiences that demonstrate your professional
competency and dedication to excellence in the workplace.
Some of the qualifying activities include: employer offered
course work, writing journal articles, serving on committees
or boards, competence assessment by your employer, and
participating in formal continuing education courses.
In addition to helping you maintain your professional
certication, the CMP can help you stay current on de-
velopments in your eld and provide opportunities for
both professional and personal enrichment. For addi-
tional information, please refer to the BOC CMP website
www.ascp.org/cmp.
The Board of Certification does not discriminate among applicants as to age, gen-
der, race, religion, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation.
All program requirements, processes and fees as stated in this booklet are subject
to change without prior notice. Revised 4/2023
International Credential Maintenance Program 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTERNATIONAL CMP: WHAT YOU NEED TO DO .................................. 4-5
Required CMP Participation ......................................................................................4
Voluntary Participation ............................................................................................... 4
Point Allocation .........................................................................................................5
Steps for Completing the CMP..................................................................................5
CMP Application Fees ............................................................................................... 5
Failure to Participate in CMP .....................................................................................5
Documentation for Audit ...........................................................................................5
INTERNATIONAL CMP REQUIREMENTS ................................................. 6-7
Important Information Regarding NEW CMP Point Requirements .............................. 7
CMP COVID-RELATED CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) ............................8
INTERNATIONAL CMP POINT ALLOCATION ...............................................9
GUIDELINES FOR EARNING CMP POINTS ......................................... 10-11
SUGGESTED LIST OF PROVIDERS ............................................................ 12
DECLARATION AND COMPLETION OF CMP ............................................13
Online Declaration Form Process ............................................................................13
Deadline Dates ........................................................................................................13
Change of Name/Address ....................................................................................... 13
Decient CMP Declarations ..................................................................................... 13
Audit .......................................................................................................................13
Successful Completion of CMP ............................................................................... 13
AUDIT PROCEDURE ................................................................................... 14
Required Documentation ........................................................................................14
Submission Procedure ............................................................................................14
Successful Completion of CMP after Audit .............................................................. 14
Unsuccessful Audit .................................................................................................14
AUDIT APPEALS PROCESS .......................................................................15
Audit Appeals Procedure.........................................................................................15
Inactive Status for Required CMP Participation .......................................................15
Reinstatement for Expired Certication .................................................................... 15
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...........................................................16
COMPLETING INTERNATIONAL CMP— STEP BY STEP ..........................17
4 ASCP Board of Certification
The goal of the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) is to
demonstrate to the public that laboratory professionals with the
“CM” designation are completing continuing education (CE) activi-
ties to stay current in their practice.
REQUIRED CMP PARTICIPATION
The International CMP is required for all individuals who be-
came newly certied on or after January 1, 2012 in the following
categories:
The required CMP as described in this booklet must be completed
every three years to maintain certication. To successfully complete
the program, documented activities demonstrating continued
competence must be completed prior to the certication expiration
date. An online declaration form documenting your required CEs,
along with the CMP application fee must be submitted at least one
month prior to the certication expiration date.
CE activities completed before your current three-year certication
cycle begins will not be accepted. For example, if your three-year
certication cycle is January 1, 2024 through January 31, 2027,
you will need to complete your continuing education between those
dates. (See FAQ3 on page 16.) CEs or CMP points may only be
used for one certication cycle.
Upon successful completion of the program, your certication is
valid for the next three-year cycle. The superscript “CM” following
your certication credential indicates you have successfully main-
tained certication under the CMP. [e.g., MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
] If you do
not participate in the required CMP and your certication expires,
you are no longer permitted to use the ASCP certication credential
after your name. (See Reinstatement for Expired Certication
on page 15.)
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Individuals ASCP
i
certied prior to January 2012, are not required
to participate in the program; however, voluntary participation is
encouraged since continuing education (CE) provides many per-
sonal and professional benets. If you choose to participate in this
program on a voluntary basis, CEs completed three years prior to
the date you submit your online declaration form to the Board of
Certication would qualify for the program as long as they meet
the CMP requirements for your certication category. For example,
if you submit your declaration form May 15, 2024, CEs must be
completed between May 15, 2021 through May 15, 2024.
Upon successful completion of the program, the designation “CM”
in superscript, is added after your certication credential [e.g.,
MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
] for the three-year period your certication is valid
under the CMP cycle. If you choose not to continue your voluntary
participation in the program, you are no longer permitted to use the
superscript “CM” after your certication credential. However, your
original certication remains valid, with no expiration date.
International Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)
International Technologist in Chemistry (C)
International Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)
International Cytologist (CT)
International Gynecologic Cytologist (CTgyn)
International Technologist in Hematology (H)
International Histotechnician (HT)
International Histotechnologist (HTL)
International Technologist in Microbiology (M)
International Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)
International Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
International Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)
International Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)
International Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)
International Specialist in Chemistry (SC)
International Specialist in Cytology (SCT)
International Specialist in Hematology (SH)
International Specialist in Microbiology (SM)
International Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)
International Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)
Cientíco de Laboratorio Médico Internacional (CLM)
INTERNATIONAL CMP: WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
International Credential Maintenance Program 5
ASSIGNING CMP POINTS
Continuing Education Activities are awarded points based on the
Guidelines on page 6. It is the responsibility of the certi-
cant to properly assign all CMP points to the required areas
for recertication or the declaration submission will be
marked decient.
STEPS FOR COMPLETING THE CMP
1. Review the International CMP booklet and information posted
on the ASCP website for requirements and instructions for
completing the program. Please visit www.ascp.org/cmp.
2. Within your three-year certication cycle, complete the
continuing education activities required for your certication
category. (As a courtesy, the BOC sends out CMP email
reminders, however, it is your responsibility to keep track of
your certication expiration date*. Be sure to keep your email
address up to date.)
*Reinstatement of an expired certication is subject to a $125 reinstatement fee.
3. Up to three (3) months prior to your certication expiration
date, complete the online declaration process and pay
the application fee by credit card. Please allow up to 30
business days to process your declaration form. Faxed/
emailed declaration forms will not be accepted. CMP fees
are non-refundable.
PLEASE NOTE: the earliest a current (not expired)
certication cycle will update, is the rst day of the
month in which it expires.
4. Save all original certicates of attendance or any other type
of documentation of completion in the event your declaration
form is selected for audit.
5. If you receive notication that your declaration is being
audited, you will be required to submit copies of the
certicates of completion and any other documentation of
completion at that time.
6. Upon successful completion of the program, you will
receive access to an online renewal notication of your new
three-year certication cycle dates. The designation “CM” in
superscript is required after your certication credentials to
indicate you have successfully maintained your certication.
[e.g., MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
]
CMP APPLICATION FEES
CMP Application Fee: $95
CMP Reinstatement Fee: $125
(Reinstatement fee for expired certications is in addition to the
application fee.)
Reduced Fee for Multiple Certications: $15
For each additional certication with the same expiration date or
within three months of each other. To receive the reduced fee,
multiple declarations must be submitted separately on the same
business day.
PLEASE NOTE: CMP fees are non-refundable.
FAILURE TO PARTICIPATE IN CMP
If you are required to participate in the CMP, and do not participate,
your certication will no longer be valid after the three-year expira-
tion date and you will no longer be permitted to use the ASCP
i
certi-
cation credential after your name. Information on reinstatement
for expired certication is located on page 15.
DOCUMENTATION FOR AUDIT
To ensure the integrity of the CMP program, a percentage of dec-
laration forms will be audited to verify completion of the program. If
your declaration form is selected for audit, you will be notied and
required to submit documentation of completion verifying all CEs
submitted on your declaration form for recertication. (See Audit
Procedures on page 14 for further information.)
INTERNATIONAL CMP: WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
6 ASCP Board of Certification
CERTIFICATION
CATEGORY
CMP REQUIRED
FOR INDIVIDUALS
CERTIFIED
BEGINNING 1/1/2012
TOTAL
POINTS
REQUIRED
POINTS DISTRIBUTION*
International
MLS, CLM, MLT
2012 36
• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control,
quality assurance)
• 2 points in each of the following: blood banking, chemistry,
hematology, microbiology
• Remaining points in area(s) of lab specialty, immunology,
molecular diagnostics, management, education, or other
related laboratory areas of interest
International
BB, C, CG, CT,
CTgyn, H, HT,
HTL, M, MB
2012 36
• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control,
quality assurance)
• 2 points in area in which you are certied
• Remaining points in area of lab specialty, management,
education, or other related laboratory areas of interest
International PBT 2012 9
• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control,
quality assurance)
• 2 points in area in which you are certied (i.e., specimen
collection, identication, handling, transport & processing,
lab/center operations)
• Remaining points in the area of lab specialty, management,
education, or other related laboratory areas of interest
International
SBB, SC, SCT,
SCYM, SH,
SMB, SM
2012 36
• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control,
quality assurance)
• 10 points in area of specialty
• Remaining points in area of lab speciality, management,
education, or other related laboratory areas of interest
INTERNATIONAL CMP REQUIREMENTS
* It is the responsibility of the certificant to properly assign all CMP points to the required areas for recertification.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: NEW in 2023 & 2024, CMP point requirements will be changing. Please see page 7 for details.
International Credential Maintenance Program 7
INTERNATIONAL CMP REQUIREMENTS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING
NEW CMP POINT REQUIREMENTS
NEW IN 2023:
1 CMP POINT IN MEDICAL ETHICS*
CMP requirements will be revised to add 1 new CMP point in
medical ethics (e.g., HIPAA, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), sex-
ual harassment/microaggressions, compliance, condentiality, IRB,
etc.) for all certication cycles expiring beginning January 2023
and moving forward, regardless of when you submit your
completed online declaration form. This applies to all catego-
ries. This will not increase the overall total CMP points required.
*This requirement applies to ALL certication categories.
NEW IN 2024:
DEDICATED CMP POINTS IN THE AREA OF
CERTIFICATION (FROM 2 TO 8 POINTS**)
For equity in CMP requirements across all Technician and
Technologist categories CMP requirements will be revised as
follows. Dedicated CMP points in the areas of certication will
increase from 2 to 8 points for certication cycles listed in the
categories below expiring beginning January 2024 and moving
forward, regardless of when you submit your completed on-
line declaration form. This will not increase the overall total CMP
points required.
EXAMPLE: If your credential expires on January 31, 2023
and you submit your online declaration on November 15,
2022 (or sooner), you are required to complete and enter
the new CMP point in medical ethics for your January 31,
2023 expiration date.
EXAMPLE: If your credential expires on January 31, 2024
and you submit your online declaration on November 15,
2023 (or sooner), you are required to complete and enter
the new CMP points for your January 31, 2024 expiration
date.
International Technologist in Blood Banking – BB International Technologist in Hematology – H
International Technologist in Chemistry – C International Histotechnician – HT
International Technologist in Cytogenetics - CG International Histotechnologist – HTL
International Cytologist – CT International Technologist in Microbiology - M
International Gynecologic Cytologist - CTgyn International Technologist in Molecular Biology - MB
**THIS APPLIES TO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
8 ASCP Board of Certification
CMP COVID-RELATED CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE)
CMP COVID-RELATED CONTINUING EDUCATION
(CE) (CE completed March 1, 2020 - December 31, 2022)
The ASCP Board of Certication (BOC) recognizes the vital work
of laboratory professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
and the critical professional development it necessitated. Because
of concerns about obtaining continuing education during the pan-
demic due to increased workloads and/or limited availability of
in-person training or conferences, the BOC is offering a time-limited
opportunity to use COVID-related activities performed within the
normal scope of work or outside normal job duties for up to 12
CMP points/CEUs towards recertication. These points should be
self-entered as a single CMP activity and allocated under “related
areas of interest” only on the online declaration form (please see
criteria and instructions below).
CRITERIA TO CLAIM CREDITS FOR THE CMP
• To be accepted, COVID-Related continuing education (CE)
activities must have been completed between March 1, 2020
and December 31, 2022 (and be within your three-year CMP
cycle).
• Activities must be work-related and new, additional, or out-of-
specialty skills or activities.
• Your Manager/Supervisor must review, verify, and sign-off on
the completed activities indicated on the CMP COVID-related
CE Claim Form.)
• The maximum number of CMP points accepted on the Claim
Form = 12.
• These CMP points may be used for related areas of interest
only.
• The CMP COVID-related CE Claim Form may be used one-time
only and for a single CMP cycle.
To claim credits, CMP points must be self-recorded in your online
declaration form AND the COVID-Related CE Claim Form must be
emailed to the ASCP Board of Certication for review and approval.
Self-record the total number of COVID-Related CEs you are claim-
ing as one entry in your online declaration form and allocate the
points towards “Related Areas of Interest.”
Refer to this link for complete instructions and to access the Claim
form: www.ascp.org/cmp/covid-points.
International Credential Maintenance Program 9
INTERNATIONAL CMP POINT ALLOCATION
1 CMP POINT = 1 CONTACT HOUR
ACTIVITIES*
CONTACT/
CREDIT HOURS
CMP POINTS
1. Formal continuing education courses: **ACCME, ASCP CMLE,
AACC, professional societies (including state, regional and ACCENT,
ASCLS PACE, CE programs sponsored by other local societies and
chapters, universities and colleges or continuing education courses
sponsored by national or international professional societies)
1 contact hour
(50-60 minutes)
1
2. Employer-offered courses
(in-service, instrument training, vendor-sponsored, etc.)
1 contact hour
(50-60 minutes)
1
3. College/university coursework (science, education, management or other
courses relevant to your laboratory career or lab related.) Courses must be
lab related. CEs may not exceed 50% of the total number of required CMP
points
15 contact hours
15
(points not to
exceed 50% of total
required)
4. Teleconferences, subscription or online self-instructional courses
for which ACCME, CMLE, ACCENT, PACE or other professional
society credits are awarded
1 contact hour
(50-60 minutes)
1
5. Completion of advanced BOC certication or qualication:
• Specialist/Diplomate certication
• Categorical or higher level certication
• Qualication
(These points may not be used for recertication points in the category for which they were received.
See FAQ5 on page 14.)
25
12
12
6. Competence Assessment by employer
(must use ASCP BOC Employer Assessment Form)
2 (per year/max
4 pts.)
7. Documentation of Clinical Teaching: teaching students
during their clinical rotation within the scope of an accredited
laboratory training program (must use ASCP BOC Clinical Teaching
Documentation Form)
1 (per year/max
3 pts.)
8. Research & preparation for presentation or workshop
(rst time only)
each contact hour
of presentation
(50-60 minutes)
3 (points not to
exceed 50% of total
required)
9. Authoring journal articles for peer-reviewed publications
5
10. Authoring a book related to the laboratory profession
• (over 300 pages)
• (under 300 pages)
• (chapter in a book)
21
14
7
11. Editing a book related to the laboratory profession
5
12. Doctoral dissertation
10
13. Master’s thesis
4
14. Presenting posters/exhibits
3 (per year)
15. Serving on active committees/boards related to the profession
(national, state, regional, local)
3 (per year)
16. Serving on a BOC Advisory Board
2 (per year)
17. Role of on-site inspector/paper reviewer for laboratory accreditation
(CAP, The Joint Commission, AABB, COLA, state/government agency
WHO, ISO, SANAS, UKAS, and other national/international accrediting
bodies who are full members of ILAC)
2 (per year)
* Activities must be related to area of specialty and safety as indicated. ** ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education), ASCP CMLE (American Society for
Clinical Pathology–Continuing Medical Laboratory Education), AACC ACCENT (American Association for Clinical Chemistry–ACCENT programs), ASCLS PACE (American Society
of Clinical Laboratory Science–PACE programs).
PLEASE NOTE: Because of the large volume of continuing education programs available, the Board of Certication will not respond to requests for approval of individual programs
or courses. If the program/course meets the criteria as described above, it will be accepted for CMP points. Program provider must assign points or contact hours.
10 ASCP Board of Certification
1. Formal continuing education courses
These courses may be completed through the programs/
organizations listed on the chart as well as through other
professional societies such as those listed under Suggested
List of Providers on page 10. Courses offered by state/
regional/local societies and chapters are acceptable as
well as courses offered through the continuing education
departments of colleges and universities. Courses offered by
organizations approved by state licensing boards are also
acceptable.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large volume of continuing
education courses available, the Board of Certication
will not respond to requests for approval of individual
programs or courses. If the program/course meets
the criteria listed, it will be accepted for CMP points.
Program provider must assign points or contact hours.
2. Employer-offered coursework
Structured programs, workshops, and in-services offered
through your employer or sponsored by a vendor will all
qualify for the CMP. (This does not include routine staff
meetings or job orientation.) Points or contact hours must be
assigned by employer/vendor.
3. College/university coursework
For example, courses in the biological/ chemical/medical
sciences, computer management, or education. (Course
must be lab related.) CEs may not exceed 50% of
the total number of required CMP points for your
category.
4. Teleconference, subscription,
or online self-instructional courses
These courses are acceptable based on any of the following
criteria:
A. ACCME, CMLE, ACCENT, PACE credits
are awarded, OR
B. they are offered by a professional society
(including state, regional or local chapter), OR
C. the course is accepted by a state licensing board, OR
D. the course is offered through a university or college.
5. Completion of advanced ASCP certication
or qualication
Achievement of a Specialist or Diplomate certication in the
following categories is acceptable for 25 CMP points:
U.S./International Specialists in Blood Banking (SBB),
Chemistry (SC), Cytology (SCT), Cytometry (SCYM),
Hematology (SH), Microbiology (SM), Molecular Biology
(SMB), and U.S. Diplomate in Laboratory management
(DLM).
These points may not be used for recertication points in the
category for which they were received. (See FAQ5 on page
16.)
Categorical certication or higher level
certication
Achievement of a categorical or higher level certication is
acceptable for 12 CMP points:
U.S. Categorical Certication: Blood Banking, BB(ASCP);
Chemistry, C(ASCP); Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP);
Hematology, H(ASCP); Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP);
Microbiology, M(ASCP) and Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP)
International Categorical Certication: Blood Banking,
BB(ASCP
i
); Chemistry, C(ASCP
i
); Gynocologic Cytology,
CTgyn(ASCP
i
); Cytogenetics, CG(ASCP
i
); Hematology,
H(ASCP
i
); Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP
i
); Microbiology,
M(ASCP
i
); and Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP
i
).
Qualications
Achievement of a qualication is acceptable for 12 CMP
points: Qualications in Aphereis (QIA), Biorepository Science
(QBRS), Donor Phlebotomy (QPD), Immunohistochemistry
(QIHC), Laboratory Safety (QLS).
6. Competence assessment by employer
You may receive up to 2 CMP points per year (maximum
of 2 years/4 points) by submission of an Employer
Assessment Form (ASCP BOC form required). Your
employer must complete the required Employer
Assessment Form to document your continued
competency in the area(s) of your employment. The date of
the assessment must be included on this form. One form
per year submitted. Form available at www.ascp.org/
cmp.
GUIDELINES FOR EARNING CMP POINTS
The CMP Requirements chart on page 6 outlines the number of points required to complete the Credential Maintenance Program. The
CMP Point Allocation chart on page 9 lists the activities for which points are awarded. The numbers listed below relate directly to the
numbered activities in the CMP Point Allocation chart.
International Credential Maintenance Program 11
GUIDELINES FOR EARNING CMP POINTS
7. Documentation of Clinical Teaching
You may receive up to 1 CMP point per year (maximum
of 3 years/3pts) by submission of a Clinical Teaching
Documentation Form (ASCP BOC form required) for teaching
students during their clinical rotation within the scope of
an accredited laboratory training program. Documentation
form must be approved and signed to receive credit. Form
available at www.ascp.org/cmp.
8. Research & Preparation
for presentation or workshop
You may receive 3 CMP points for each contact hour of
a presentation/workshop you prepare and deliver, for the
rst time only. (Beyond the scope of your job.) Subsequent
presentations of the same workshop are not awarded any
points. Total points for presentations/workshops may
not exceed 50% of the total number of required points
for your category.
9. Authoring journal articles
for peer-reviewed publications
Points are awarded for writing articles in peer-reviewed
journals in the laboratory field or in journals for
professional associations in the areas of education and
management.
10/11. Authoring a book/chapter or editing a book
related to the laboratory profession
12. Doctoral dissertation
13. Master’s thesis
14. Presenting a poster or exhibit
Points are awarded for posters or exhibits presented at
national, state, regional, or local laboratory professional
association meetings.
15. Serving on Committees/Boards
Points are awarded for serving on committees or boards
related to the profession, including national, regional,
state, and local professional organizations or committee
appointments at your place of employment.
16. Serving on an active BOC Advisory Board
17. Lab inspector for CAP/The Joint Commission/
AABB/COLA/state agency, etc
12 ASCP Board of Certification
Below is a partial list of providers who offer continuing education
activities including workshops, teleconferences, subscription pro-
grams, online courses, etc.
This list is only a partial list to assist you in planning your activities.
State/regional/local professional societies and other organizations
recognized by state licensing boards may not be represented on
this list; however, courses provided by these groups are acceptable
for CMP points.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large volume of continuing
education programs available, the Board of Certication will
not respond to requests for approval of individual programs or
courses. If the program/course meets the criteria described
under Guidelines for Earning CMP Points, it will be acceptable
for CMP Points. Program provider must assign points or
contact hours.
ASCP CMLE—American Society for Clinical Pathology
AABB— Association for the Advancement of Blood and
Biotherapies
AACC “ACCENT”—American Association
for Clinical Chemistry
AGT—Association of Genetic Technologists
AMA—American Medical Association
ASCLS PACE—American Society
of Clinical Laboratory Science
ASC—American Society of Cytopathology
ASCT—American Society for Cytotechnology
ASFA—American Society for Apheresis
ASH—American Society of Hematology
ASM—American Society of Microbiology
CAP—College of American Pathologists
CLMA—Clinical Laboratory Management Association
CMEA—Continuing Medical Education Association
ISBER— International Society for Biological and Environmental
Repositories
Florida Excell
The Joint Commission
NSH—National Society for Histotechnology
The American Red Cross
SUGGESTED LIST OF PROVIDERS
International Credential Maintenance Program 13
DECLARATION AND COMPLETION OF CMP
The CMP points, required to complete the program, must be ob-
tained within the valid three-year period of certication. Copies of
certicates of participation, program syllabi, copies of publications,
or any other type of documentation of your continuing competence
activities, should be retained and only be submitted if requested
for audit.
ONLINE DECLARATION FORM PROCESS
Within your current three-year cycle you may enter your completed
non-ASCP credits in your online ASCP transcript. Any continuing
education courses completed through the ASCP will automatically
be recorded in your online ASCP transcript. Non-ASCP courses
must be properly categorized (i.e., specialty area, title, date, credits
awarded).
All courses that have been previously added to your ASCP tran-
script (provided they are in your three-year cycle) will automatically
populate into your online CMP Declaration Form. You will then be
able to add more credits as necessary or re-categorize any credits
to meet your recertication requirements.
All CEs must be translated and provided in the English language.
Only after your recertication requirements have been met will
you be able to submit your online CMP declaration form and
application fee. Refer to the website at www.ascp.org/cmp for
current CMP fee information. CMP fees are non-refundable.
DEADLINE DATES
Up to three (3) months prior to your certication expiration date,
complete the online CMP declaration process and submit with the
application fee payable by credit card. Please allow 30 business
days for the processing of your declaration form.
PLEASE NOTE: The earliest a current (not expired)
certication cycle will update is the rst day of the month in
which it expires.
CHANGE OF NAME/ADDRESS
The Board of Certication requires a copy of ofcial documentation
to make a name change (e.g., marriage license or court order.)
To make a name change:
• Go to www.ascp.org/login
• Click on "Prole & Settings" link
• Click on "Request Name Change" button
• Complete the form, upload documentation and submit
To update your mailing address
or demographic information:
• Go to www.ascp.org/login
• Click on “Proles & Settings” Icon
• Update information and save
DEFICIENT CMP DECLARATIONS
If you receive notication that the status of your declaration submis-
sion has been marked decient (points are not properly assigned,
CE requirements have not been met, etc.) you will have 30 days
within to which to resolve the deciency. Instructions will be provid-
ed with the notication on how to submit the required information
by email.
AUDIT
If your declaration form is selected for audit, you will be notied by
email. (See detailed information on the auditing procedures
on the next page.)
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF CMP
Upon successful completion of the Credential Maintenance
Program (CMP), you will receive access to an online renewal noti-
cation of your new valid three-year certication cycle dates.
The designation “CM”, as a superscript, is required after your certi-
cation credential to indicate that you have successfully maintained
your certication [e.g., MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
].
14 ASCP Board of Certification
AUDIT PROCESS
SUBMISSION PROCEDURE
You will be notied if your declaration form is selected for audit. You
will be requested to submit copies of the documents listed for all of
the continuing competence activities you completed to acquire the
necessary CMP points. If your documentation is provided in a lan-
guage other than English, translated English copies will be required.
DO NOT SUBMIT original documents. Copies of documentation
are accepted by email. Instructions will be provided in the audit
notication.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
OF CMP AFTER AUDIT
Upon successful completion of the audit process, you will receive
access to an online renewal notication of your new valid three-year
certication cycle dates The designation “CM”, as a superscript, is
required after your certication credential to indicate that you have
successfully maintained your certication [e.g., MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
].
UNSUCCESSFUL AUDIT
If your declaration is under audit and you are unable to submit
documentation of completed CEs, you may complete new points
within the last month of certication to meet the CMP requirements.
If you were unable to complete the required CMP points due to
extenuating circumstances, you may submit a letter of appeal to the
ASCP Board of Certication.
AUDIT PROCEDURE
To ensure the integrity of the International Credential Maintenance Program, the ASCP Board of Certification will review and audit a percentage
of declaration forms each year. If your declaration is selected for audit, you will be notified and requested to submit supporting documentation of
all activities submitted for the program.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
The following documents are required to verify your continuing competence activities. If your documentation is provided in a language
other than English, translated English copies will be required.
ACTIVITY DOCUMENTATION
Formal continuing education courses, tele-
conferences, subscription or online courses
where formal continuing education credits are
awarded
Certicate of Participation including: Name of participant, title of program, name of
provider, date of program, number of contact hours/CMLE
Employer-offered courses, in-service programs,
sponsored courses
Letter on original letterhead signed and dated by employer/certicate/signed
attendance from vendor-employer containing above information
Formal college/university coursework University Transcript/Mark Sheet
Competence assessment by employer
Employer Assessment Form completed by the employer documenting compe-
tence in particular laboratory specialty(ies) and date of assessment (form available
at www.ascp.org/cmp)
Documentation of Clinical Teaching
Completed Clinical Teaching Documentation Form documenting Academic
Institution, dates of instruction and instructional areas covered, signed and dated
by employer. (form available at www.ascp.org/cmp)
Research & preparation for presentation
or workshop
Copy of syllabus, program or letter from organization that indicates content, length
of teaching time and name of the organization
Authoring a book or book chapter,
doctoral dissertation
Title page of publication and table of contents containing author name
Editing a book Copy of cover or inside page containing editor names
Presenting posters/exhibits
Abstract identifying poster session, meeting program
or brochure identifying presentation
Journal articles, master thesis Copy of publication with authors name
Serving on committees or boards
related to the profession
Letter from organization verifying participation, in what capacity
and dates of service
Role of on-site inspector/paper reviewer
for laboratory accreditation
Letter from organization (The Joint Commission, Cap, etc.) verifying your role as
an inspector and the dates of inspection
International Credential Maintenance Program 15
AUDIT APPEALS PROCEDURE
To appeal an unsuccessful audit, you must submit a letter to the
Board of Certication. This letter must describe in detail the reasons
for your inability to complete the program and include documenta-
tion supporting your request.
Extenuating circumstances likely to be considered include: serious,
incapacitating illness over one year in duration; or military assign-
ment overseas over a one-year duration in a location with no access
to online workshops. Financial hardship and personal/family-related
responsibilities are not considered extenuating circumstances.
Your letter of appeal and all supporting documentation will be re-
viewed and you will be notied of the decision.
INACTIVE STATUS FOR
REQUIRED CMP PARTICIPATION
If you wish to request inactive status for a period of time, you must
submit a $40 fee,* a letter describing in detail the reasons for your
inactive status and documentation.
Extenuating circumstances likely to be considered include: serious,
incapacitating illness over one year in duration; or military assign-
ment overseas over a one-year duration in a location with no ac-
cess to online workshops; or reside in a location with no access to
online workshops. Financial hardship and personal/family-related
responsibilities are not considered extenuating circumstances.
* The inactive status fee will be waived for individuals residing in countries requiring
mandatory military service when that is the basis for inactive status. Documentation
is required.
To be reinstated after inactive status has expired, you must submit
a completed online declaration form documenting all points earned
within the extended period granted to you as required for your cer-
tication category. You will also be required to pay the current CMP
fee(s) (available at www.ascp.org/cmp).
At the end of the extended period, if you fail to participate and do
not submit compelling reasons for continuing inactive status as
described under the Appeals Procedure, your certication will no
longer be valid and you may no longer use the ASCP
i
certication
credential after your name.
REINSTATEMENT FOR EXPIRED CERTIFICATION
If you allow your certication to expire and then seek reinstatement,
you must submit a completed online declaration form documenting
all points earned within the previous three years as required by your
certication category. You must also pay a reinstatement fee in ad-
dition to the application fee. CMP fees are non-refundable.
The BOC will not grant extensions or waive the reinstatement fee
due to the non-receipt of emailed CMP reminder notications. The
certicant is responsible for keeping their email address information
up to date in their ASCP customer record.
If your certication has lapsed for ten (10) or more years, you will
be required to retake and pass the certication examination for
reinstatement of your certication. If this applies to you, contact
10yrexpir[email protected].
AUDIT APPEALS PROCESS
16 ASCP Board of Certification
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: If I become certied but fail to complete or participate
in the required Credential Maintenance Program (CMP),
what happens? Will my ASCP certication be revoked?
A: International certications issued on or after January 1, 2012
are valid for three years. If someone fails to participate in
the required CMP, their certication will no longer be valid
after the three-year certication expiration date. They are
no longer permitted to use the certication credential [e.g.,
MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
] after their name since their certication is no
longer valid.
Q2: How do I reinstate an expired certication?
A: If you have a time-limited certication and you allow your
certication to expire and then seek reinstatement, you must
submit a completed online declaration form documenting all
continuing education earned within the previous three years
as required by your certication category. You must also pay a
$125 reinstatement fee in addition to the application fee.
PLEASE NOTE: Individuals who allow their ASCP credential
to expire for ten or more years will be required to retake and
pass the certication examination in order to reinstate their
credential.
Q3: Will individuals be allowed to start the program before
the initial certication or re-certication date?
A: Points accumulated toward meeting the CMP requirements
must be obtained within the three-year certication cycle. (e.g.,
if the certication validation period is January 2023 through
January 2026, all points must be completed within this three-
year period.) Continuing education completed before your
re-certication validation period begins will not be accepted.
Q4: Please provide some clarication regarding BOC
certication, ASCP membership and the Credential
Maintenance Program (CMP). What is the difference
between certication and membership? There seems
to be some confusion and perhaps a misperception
that paying ASCP membership dues will go towards
renewing BOC certication.
A: Certication by the ASCP Board of Certication (BOC)
requires meeting specic eligibility requirements and
successful completion of the certi cation examination.
Individuals who was awarded international certication
beginning Janu ary 2012 and beyond are required to
maintain their certication through completion of the
Credential Mainte nance Program (CMP) every three years.
ASCP Membership is volun tary, separate and apart from
certication. Certication and mainte nance of certication
are not contingent upon membership in any professional
organization.
Q5: Can I use the 25 points I received for earning a
specialist SBB certication from the BOC towards my
SBB CMP requirements?
A: The BOC awards CMP points for the completion of an
advanced BOC certication or qualication. These points may
be used one-time towards recertication for any certication
other than the one for which the points were awarded.
For example, if an international MLS certicant earns a
specialty certication such as an SBB certication, 25
points will be awarded and can be used to meet the MLS
recertication requirements. Likewise, if a CTgyn certicant
earns a specialty certication such as an International MB, the
25 points earned cannot be used to meet the International MB
recertication requirements.
Q6: If I have further questions regarding this program,
whom do I contact?
A: Contact ASCP Customer Relations
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm ET
Phone: U.S. - 800.267.2727
International - 312.541.4886
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ascp.org/cmp
International Credential Maintenance Program 17
STEP 1
Review the International CMP booklet and the ASCP website for
details and instructions for completing the program. Please visit
www.ascp.org/cmp.
STEP 2
Complete the continuing education activities required for your
certication category and save documentation of completion for
these activities during the three-year period following certication/
recertication.
STEP 3
Up to three (3) months prior to your certication expiration date,
complete the online CMP declaration process and pay the current
application fee by credit card. Please allow 30 business days for
processing your declaration form. CMP fees are non-refundable.
PLEASE NOTE: The earliest a current (not expired)
certication cycle will update is the rst day of the month in
which it expires.
Expired Certication: if your certication has expired, you will be
required to pay a $125 reinstatement fee in addition to the CMP
application fee. CMP fees are non-refundable.
DO NOT SUBMIT any documentation of your continuing compe-
tence activities when you submit your declaration form. This docu-
mentation will only be required if your declaration form is selected
for audit.
STEP 4
You will receive email notications regarding the status of the process-
ing of your declaration form. You may login to your account at any
time to follow and view the status of your recertication application.
STEP 5
If you receive notication that your declaration form is decient or
under audit, you will have 30 business days within which to resolve
your deciency/audit. Instructions will be provided in your notication.
STEP 6
Upon successful completion of the Credential Maintenance Program
(CMP), you will receive access to an online renewal notication of
your new, valid three-year certication cycle dates.
The designation “CM”, in superscript, is required after your certi-
cation initials to indicate that you have successfully maintained your
certication [e.g., MLS(ASCP
i
)
CM
].
COMPLETING INTERNATIONAL CMP— STEP BY STEP
18 ASCP Board of Certification
International Credential Maintenance Program 19
ASCP Board of Certication | 33 W. Monroe St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603 | 800.267.2727
www.ascp.org/CMP
Revised 4/2023
3-230291-JB
CONTACT US
Our mission is to provide
excellence in certication
of laboratory professionals on
behalf of patients worldwide.
Our vision is to be
the gold standard in
global certication for all
laboratory professionals.
