AUGUST 2023

ASCP International
Procedures for Examination
and Credentialing
CERTIFICATION

GENERALIST SPECIALIST
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP ) i CM
International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCPi)CM
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP ) i CM
International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCPi)CM
Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCP ) i CM
International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCPi)CM
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCPi)CM
CATEGORICAL
International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCPi)CM
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP ) i CM
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCPi)CM
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCP )
i CM
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCPi)CM
International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCP ) i

International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCPi)CM

International Cytologist, CT(ASCPi)CM
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCPi)CM
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCPi)CM
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCPi)CM
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCPi)CM
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi)CM
International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCPi)CM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

About the ASCP Board of Certification....................................2 Eligibility for Examination.......................................................6

The Gold Standard...................................................................2 Verification of Academic Education........................................6
Credentialing and Credential Maintenance.............................2 Verify Education from an Approved Program..........................6
Verification of Experience.......................................................6
CREDENTIALING PROCESS - CERTIFICATION Experience Documentation Forms............................................................. 6

Fradulent Use of Any ASCP Credential....................................3 Verification of Training............................................................6

Revocation of Credentials ........................................................................ 3 Training Documentation Forms................................................................. 6

Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).................................3

APPLICATION PROCESSING
ASCPi CERTIFICATION Completion of Online Application............................................7
Determine Category and Route................................................................. 7
Technician Certification...........................................................4
Submit Online Application, Documentation................................................ 7
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCP ).................................................... 4
i
Change of Email, Mailing Address, and/or Name Change........................... 7
International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCPi)............................ 4
Submitting an Application........................................................................ 7
International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCPi)....................................... 4
Requesting Testing Modifications.............................................................. 7
Technologist Certification........................................................4 Study Materials....................................................................................... 7
International Cytologist, CT(ASCPi)............................................................ 4
International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCPi).................................... 4 CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCPi) ............................................... 4
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCPi).............................. 4 Scheduling Your Examination..................................................7
Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCPi)........................ 4
Examination Administration....................................................7
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCPi) ............................. 4
The Testing Center.................................................................................. 7
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCPi) ...................................... 4 The Examination...................................................................................... 7
International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCPi)................................ 4 After the Examination ............................................................................. 7
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCPi) ................................... 4 Examination Results................................................................................ 7
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCPi) ................................. 5
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi) ........................ 5
Specialist Certification............................................................5
International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCPi) ................................ 5
International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCPi)......................................... 5
International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCPi).......................................... 5
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCPi).................................... 5
International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCPi)....................................... 5
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCPi)..................................... 5
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCPi) .......................... 5

2 | ASCP Board of Certification

 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
The ASCP Board of Certification is an online application and fee.

administratively independent credentialing agency Category of Certification Examination Application Fee*

that prepares relevant standards and develops TECHNICIAN
procedures that will assure the competence of International Histotechnician, HT(ASCPi)..........................................$185
medical laboratory professionals. International Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCPi).................$185

The ASCP Board of Certification credentials International Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCPi)............................$135

those individuals who meet the academic and TECHNOLOGIST

clinical prerequisites and who achieve acceptable International Cytologist, CT(ASCPi)..................................................$210
performance levels on examinations. International Gynecologic Cytologist, CTgyn(ASCPi)..........................$135
International Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCPi).....................................$210
International Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCPi)....................$210
Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional,CLM(ASCPi)..............$210
International Technologist in Blood Banking, BB(ASCPi)....................$210
International Technologist in Chemistry, C(ASCPi).............................$210
International Technologist in Cytogenetics, CG(ASCPi)......................$210
International Technologist in Hematology, H(ASCPi)..........................$210
International Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCPi)........................$210
International Technologist in Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi ..............$210
The ASCP Board of Certification does not
discriminate as to age, gender, race, religion, national SPECIALIST
origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation. International Specialist in Blood Banking, SBB(ASCPi) .....................$260
All requirements, processes and fees as stated in International Specialist in Chemistry, SC(ASCPi) ..............................$260
this booklet are subject to change without notice. International Specialist in Cytology, SCT(ASCPi) ..............................$260
International Specialist in Cytometry, SCYM(ASCPi) .........................$260
* ASCP BOC Scholarship Funding available for
Resource-Limited Countries International Specialist in Hematology, SH(ASCPi) ...........................$260
International Specialist in Microbiology, SM(ASCPi) .........................$260
International Specialist in Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCPi) ................$260

July 2023 | 1
 ASCP BOARD OF CERTIFICATION

About the ASCP Board of Certification The Gold Standard

Founded in 1928 by the American Society for Clinical Pathology The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) represents the gold standard
(ASCP), the Board of Certification is widely accepted as the most for certification of medical laboratory professionals. Through their
influential leader in the field of credentialing of medical laboratory professional contributions to various scientific and examination
professionals. To date over 610,000 individuals have been committees, over 100 volunteer laboratory scientists, technologists
credentialed. The ASCP Board of Certification understands the and technicians, specialists, physicians, researchers, educators,
importance of impartiality in conducting certification and qualification and experts in psychometrics ensure that ASCP BOC examination
activities. The ASCP BOC manages conflict of interest and ensures processes, as well as certification and qualification credentials,
objectivity by representative membership on its Board of Governors continue to maintain the highest standards of the laboratory medicine
from other associations and societies. and pathology professions. ASCP BOC examination committees and
qualification work groups are responsible for examination development
• Five pathologists (nominated by the ASCP) including one with dual and review, determining accuracy and relevancy of the examinations,
membership in the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and establishing the competence level for each laboratory medicine
• Five laboratory professionals (nominated by the ASCP) including and pathology specialty.
one with dual membership in the American Association for Clinical
Chemistry (AACC) Credentialing and Credential Maintenance
• Four representatives from the American Society for Clinical Credentialing is the process by which a non-governmental agency or
Laboratory Science (ASCLS) association grants recognition of competence to an individual who has
• Two representatives from the Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) met certain predetermined requirements, as specified by the agency
• One representative from each of the following participating or association.
societies:
The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) credentials individuals in the
» Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB)
field of medical laboratory science. ASCP BOC credentials are time-
» American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) limited for three years. To remain valid, certification or qualification
» American Society for Microbiology (ASM) must be maintained by completing the Credential Maintenance
» American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) Program (CMP) as described on our website: www.ascp.org/cmp.
» National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)
• One public member

Our mission is to provide Our vision is to be

excellence in certification the gold standard in
of laboratory professionals on global certification for all
behalfof patients worldwide. laboratory professionals.
2 | ASCP Board of Certification
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 notification to login and view your Admission Notification 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 Notification. 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 notification to login and view your examination score report.

STEP 8: Receive your wall certificate in approximately 4 to 8 weeks after receiving your passing score report.

Your certification is valid for a three-year period. To maintain valid certification, 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 certification by the ASCP Board of Certification.
We wish you success on your examination.

Fradulent Use of Any ASCP Credential Credential Maintenance Program (CMP)

To maintain your credential, you are required to complete the
Revocation of Credentials
Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. For
Credentials, if granted, may be revoked at any time due complete information, see www.ascp.org/cmp.
to inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete
information, click here.

July 2023 | 3
ASCPi CERTIFICATION
For more information, including eligibility Technologist Certification Científico de Laboratorio Médico
requirements, documentation forms, content Internacional, CLM(ASCPi)
outline and reading lists visit the links provided International Cytologist, CT(ASCPi)
Realiza una amplia gama de pruebas de laboratorio,
for each certification. Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples desde rutinarias hasta complejas, en bancos
from all body sites, under the direction of a de sangre, química, hematología, inmunología,
pathologist, to detect pre-cancerous changes, microbiología, biología molecular y/o uroanálisis
Technician Certification cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, and en espécimen biológico para proporcionar
inflammatory processes. May also prepare la información necesaria para el diagnóstico
International Histotechnician, HT(ASCPi) specimens, attend fine needle aspirations, and assist y tratamiento de enfermedades. Resuelve
Prepares and processes tissue samples for routine in quality assurance activities. problemas relacionados con muestras, pruebas
histologic techniques to be examined under e instrumentación. Evalúa, desarrolla y valida las
a microscope by a pathologist. The histologic www.ascp.org/boc/ict pruebas de diagnóstico y la instrumentación.
techniques include the following: fixation,
processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining of www.ascp.org/boc/iclm
human and animal tissue for evaluation. International Gynecologic Cytologist,
www.ascp.org/boc/iht CTgyn(ASCPi)
Prepares and evaluates human cellular samples International Technologist in Blood
from the female genital tract. Detects pre-cancerous Banking, BB(ASCPi)
changes, cancer, benign tumors, infectious agents, Performs routine and specialized tests in blood
International Medical Laboratory
and inflammatory processes. May also assist in banking and transfusion services to determine
Technician, MLT(ASCPi) quality assurance activities. blood types, identify antibodies, and select
Collects, processes, and performs routine laboratory blood components to support providers in blood
tests in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, www.ascp.org/boc/ictgyn transfusion therapy.
immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, and/
or urinalysis on biologic specimens to provide www.ascp.org/boc/ibb
information necessary for the diagnosis and International Histotechnologist,
treatment of disease.
HTL(ASCPi)
www.ascp.org/boc/imlt Performs both routine and complex histologic International Technologist in Chemistry,
techniques such as enzyme histochemistry, C(ASCPi)
immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization, Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to
and immunofluorescence on tissue samples determine the quantity of chemical and/or hormonal
International Phlebotomy Technician,
for microscopic examination by a pathologist to content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and
PBT(ASCPi) diagnose disease. Knowledgeable in the areas of treatment of diseases.
Works face-to-face with patients to draw blood pathology, management, education, and regulations
samples. Collects, transports, and processes that impact the field of histotechnology. www.ascp.org/boc/ic
blood and other specimens to be analyzed in the
laboratory. www.ascp.org/boc/ihtl

www.ascp.org/boc/ipbt International Technologist in

International Medical Laboratory Cytogenetics, CG(ASCPi)
Performs various techniques for the diagnosis,
Scientist, MLS(ASCPi)
prognosis, and treatment of inherited and acquired
Conducts a full range of laboratory tests, from genetic diseases. Responsibilities include culturing,
routine to complex, in blood banking, chemistry, harvesting, slide preparations, and analysis of
hematology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biologic samples including peripheral blood,
biology, and/or urinalysis on biologic specimens to amniotic fluid, tissue, bone marrow, and tumors.
provide information necessary for the diagnosis and
For more information, including treatment of disease. Problem solves issues with
Performs chromosome analysis, fluorescence insitu
hybridization, and other molecular assays.
eligibility requirements, specimens, testing, and instrumentation. Evaluates,
documentation forms, content outline develops, and validates diagnostic testing and www.ascp.org/boc/icg
instrumentation.
and reading lists visit the links
provided for each certification. www.ascp.org/boc/imls

4 | ASCP Board of Certification

 For more information, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms,
content outline and reading lists visit the links provided for each certification.

International Technologist in International Specialist in Chemistry, International Specialist in Hematology,

Hematology, H(ASCPi) SC(ASCPi) SH(ASCPi)
Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to Performs analysis on blood and body fluids to Performs analyses of blood and body fluids to
identify hematologic and coagulation disorders determine the quantity of chemical and/or hormonal identify hematologic and coagulation disorders
aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and
www.ascp.org/boc/ih knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and
leaders, educators, and advisors within their advisors within their specialty area.
specialty area.
International Technologist in www.ascp.org/boc/ish
www.ascp.org/boc/isc
Microbiology, M(ASCPi)
Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue
International Specialist in Microbiology,
samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and
International Specialist in Cytology, SM(ASCPi)
treatment of infectious diseases.
SCT(ASCPi) Identifies bacteria and microorganisms in tissue
www.ascp.org/boc/im Skilled in examining cellular specimens from samples and body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and
all body sites including rapid on-site evaluation treatment of infectious diseases. Specialists have
of needle aspirates, endoscopic/bronchoscopic advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve
International Technologist in ultrasound-guided fine needle aspirations, use of as leaders, educators, and advisors within their
fluorescence in-situ hybridization, and advanced specialty area.
Molecular Biology, MB(ASCPi) cancer diagnostics. May also direct quality
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and assurance programs in cytopathology. Specialists www.ascp.org/boc/ism
characterize acquired and inherited diseases, have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they
including malignant, metabolic, and infectious serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within
diseases. Uses advanced techniques, including their specialty area. International Specialist in
sequencing and genomic analysis, with applications
in personalized medicine. www.ascp.org/boc/isct Molecular Biology, SMB(ASCPi)
Uses molecular diagnostic methods to detect and
www.ascp.org/boc/imb characterize acquired and inherited diseases,
including malignant, metabolic, and infectious
International Specialist in Cytometry,
diseases. Possesses specialized skills in molecular
SCYM(ASCPi) methodologies and operates at an advanced level,
Specialist Certification
Knowledgeable in all aspects of flow cytometry. providing support in high complexity testing, test
International Specialist in Performs and/or oversees flow cytometry assays in development, and troubleshooting. Has advanced
clinical, research or reference laboratories. Able to knowledge of molecular testing methods, clinical
Blood Banking, SBB(ASCPi) lead the development and implementation of new applications, and regulatory standards. Able to
Performs all operations in blood banking and assays. Proficient in all aspects of flow cytometry assume supervisory responsibilities; specialists
transfusion services, from routine testing to the most including technical, quality, and regulatory issues. serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within
advanced procedures, to determine blood types, Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and their specialty area.
identify antibodies, and select blood components abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and
to support providers in blood transfusion therapy. advisors within their specialty area. www.ascp.org/boc/ismb
Specialists are often technical supervisors and
laboratory managers who serve as leaders, www.ascp.org/boc/iscym
educators, and advisors.

www.ascp.org/boc/isbb

July 2023 | 5
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Eligibility for Examination Verify Education from an Approved Program

Eligibility to take a certification examination is established by: Applicants that have completed education from an approved program
must review country specific information on verification of academic
• Meeting all the requirements for category and route education to determine necessary documentation needed to establish
(go to Get Credentialed) their eligibility.
• Submission of the online application
For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
• Payment of the application fee
and choose “Documentation from an Approved Program.”
• Submission of all required documentation

Before your examination eligibility can be determined, you must submit Verification of Experience
documentation verifying that you meet the current ASCP Board of
Certification requirements.
Experience Documentation Forms
If required for the route under which you are applying, experience must
Verification of Academic Education be completed and documented before you will be determined eligible for
examination.
Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States or
Canada* must have their academic degree evaluated by an acceptable Download and print the appropriate experience documentation form
evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. The foreign transcript evaluation corresponding to your category and route of application
may be sent via email to ascpinternational@ascp.org. (go to International Certifications).

The foreign transcript evaluation must: For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation

and choose “Verify Laboratory or Teaching Experience.”
• be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency.
• show a U.S. educational equivalency statement. Verification of Training
• contain a course by course breakdown.
Training Documentation Forms
Important note: A foreign degree must be equivalent If required for the route under which you are applying, training must be
to a U.S. degree. completed and documented before you will be determined eligible for
examination.
For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation Download and print the appropriate experience documentation form
and choose “Verify Academic Education.” corresponding to your category and route of application
(go to International Certifications).
The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript
evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S. For complete information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-documentation
and choose “Verify Training.”
*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. Certifications.”

6 | ASCP Board of Certification

APPLICATION PROCESSING

Completion of Online Application

Determine Category and Route Change of Email, Mailing Address, and/ Requesting Testing Modifications
For complete information, see Determine or Name Change Requested modifications to the examination
Category and Exam Route. Keeping your contact information current with environment due to a documented disability
the ASCP BOC is imperative. For complete must be reviewed and approved before
Submit Online Application, information, see Update Email or Mailing an application is submitted. For complete
Documentation Address or Name Change Request. information, go to www.ascp.org/boc/intl-
documentation and choose “Documentation
For complete information, see
Submitting an Application for Applicants with a Disability.”
Application Process and
Gather and Submit Documentation. For complete information,
see Submit Application. 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 Examination Administration After the Examination

All scheduling, cancelling, and re-scheduling The ASCP Board of Certification uses computer Complete information about accessing your
of examination appointments is between the adaptive testing (CAT) for most certification passing score report, receiving your wall
examinee and Pearson VUE. For complete examinations. For complete information, see certificate, verifying your credential, and how to
information, see Schedule or Reschedule a www.ascp.org/boc/the-exam. protect your credential from fraudulent use can
Test Date. be found here. Make sure you can view your
The Testing Center passing score report before ordering verification
LAST CANCEL / CHANGE DAY of your credential.
TEST DAY A valid (not expired) ID with your photograph and
At least 24 hours before appointment
signature must be presented in order to test. If you did not successfully pass the examination,
Monday Friday of the preceding week
For complete information about what to expect information about accessing your score report
Tuesday Monday of the same week at the Pearson VUE Testing Center and details and reapplying for an examination can be found
Wednesday Tuesday of the same week regarding acceptable forms of identification, see here.
Thursday Wednesday of the same week www.ascp.org/boc/test-center.
Friday Thursday of the same week
Examination Results
Saturday Friday of the same week The Examination
For complete information about receiving
For complete information about exam examination results, see www.ascp.org/boc/
administration and duration, as well as taking the-exam.
the exam, see www.ascp.org/boc/the-exam.

July 2023 | 7
 Our mission is to provide Our vision is to be
excellence in certification the gold standard in
of laboratory professionals on global certification for all
behalfof patients worldwide. laboratory professionals.

33 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603

800.267.2727 | ascpinternational@ascp.org

Revised 8/2023
3-230588-JB