ASCP Pass Rates: Your Probability to Pass the BOC Exam
Are you worried about passing the ASCP exam?
Do you want to know how candidates pass this exam to become certified?
Or maybe, you want to familiarize yourself with the previous ASCP pass rates?
There is nothing to panic.
This article will help you to understand the ASCP pass rates and the efforts involved to achieve the passing threshold.
Just to give you an idea, the ASCP pass rates depend on Topnotch preparation.
You will also get to know about the ASCP exam completion rates and ASCP test performance statistics from the past.
So, let’s get started!
Importance of ASCP Certification
Healthcare professionals in the US highly consider and recognize the ASCP certification.
Medical laboratory professionals who are planning to start their career in the USA or are already living there must get this certification.
ASCP validates the medical laboratory sciences knowledge and skills, which makes the candidate eligible for potential employment and career opportunities in the USA.
Overview of ASCP Pass Rates
ASCP – American Society for Clinical Pathology is developed for a career in pathology and offers exams and certificates to qualifying candidates.
ASCP pass rates define the success of the candidate for the certification.
It is the minimum threshold for achieving excellence in the exam.
Understanding ASCP Pass Rates
CAT (Computer Adaptive Testing) technology is used in the ASCP examination.
It is a computer-based model that writes the test for the candidate.
How does it function?
In the CAT system, every correct answer is given a point.
The point’s value differs according to the difficulty level of the question.
A difficult question with a correct answer earns more points than a correct answer on an easy question.
In this way, a correct answer moves you a step forward towards the ASCP pass rate.
Definition of ASCP Pass Rates
ASCP pass rate is defined as the percentage at which the examinee is called successful in the exam.
You will get a computer-generated result once you have finished the test.
The score in this result is the total value of points you earned on correct answers.
Your test is not compared to another candidate as it evaluates the individual knowledge and skills.
Calculation of ASCP Pass Rates
If you are unsuccessful in the test, you can see the overall analysis of your performance in each content area where you scored less.
This will help you analyze where you need to practice more for the next attempt.
Factors Influencing ASCP Pass Rates
ASCP pass rates depend on one of the major factors which is preparation for the exam.
To get higher scores in ASCP exam you need to access the study materials including quizzes and lessons, in case you are appearing in the test for the first time.
You can also use these study resources to compare them with your score report if you are reappearing in the ASCP exam.
Historical ASCP Pass Rate Trends
This section will highlight the ASCP test pass ratios of the past year.
Candidates will have an insight into the difficulty level of the ASCP examination and ASCP qualification attainment figures.
ASCP Pass Rates over the years
ASCP Pass rate differs between certificates!
The lowest rate was for specialist in molecular biology exam (SMB ASCP) by 6% and was the highest for Phlebotomy technician exam (PBT ASCP) by 93%.
The table below mentions the test result percentages of the previous four years.
2021 Examination Statistics for ASCP Credential Per ASCP BOC
FIRST | MEAN | TOTAL # | 1ST TIME | ||||||||||
EXAM | YEAR | STANDARD | RANGE | TAKING | TOTAL | TOTAL | CAAHEP/NAACLS | 2021 | |||||
TYPE | CERTIFIED | DEVIATION | OF SCORES | EXAM | PASS | FAIL | PASS | CERTIFIED | |||||
MLS | 1931 | 462 | 114 | 100 | 939 | 5,411 | 3,741 | 69% | 1,670 | 31% | 3,021 | 79% | 277,380 |
MLT | 1969 | 483 | 133 | 148 | 966 | 3,087 | 2,214 | 72% | 873 | 28% | 1,957 | 78% | 106,250 |
PBT | 1989 | 550 | 119 | 163 | 959 | 1,452 | 1,309 | 90% | 143 | 10% | 246 | 93% | 69,565 |
BB | 1983 | 472 | 120 | 182 | 849 | 103 | 77 | 75% | 26 | 25% | 3,631 | ||
SBB | 1954 | 413 | 112 | 147 | 687 | 179 | 99 | 55% | 80 | 45% | 58 | 73% | 6,072 |
C | 1948 | 372 | 103 | 100 | 762 | 245 | 95 | 39% | 150 | 61% | 5,758 | ||
SC | 1954 | 421 | 112 | 188 | 664 | 45 | 25 | 56% | 20 | 44% | 1,886 | ||
CT | 1957 | 526 | 120 | 157 | 806 | 130 | 111 | 85% | 19 | 15% | 105 | 88% | 16,475 |
SCT | 1959 | 535 | 62 | 394 | 624 | 13 | 12 | 92% | 1 | 8% | 739 | ||
CG | 2009 | 441 | 101 | 174 | 676 | 145 | 99 | 68% | 46 | 32% | 23 | 74% | 4,702 |
DLM | 1989 | 398 | 81 | 190 | 618 | 49 | 23 | 47% | 26 | 53% | 1,135 | ||
DPT | 2003 | 444 | 93 | 306 | 588 | 19 | 14 | 74% | 5 | 26% | 430 | ||
H | 1971 | 464 | 126 | 140 | 736 | 101 | 70 | 69% | 31 | 31% | 4,037 | ||
SH | 1968 | 441 | 107 | 273 | 690 | 36 | 20 | 56% | 16 | 44% | 2,836 | ||
HT | 1948 | 460 | 131 | 100 | 817 | 572 | 391 | 68% | 181 | 32% | 212 | 81% | 26,733 |
HTL | 1980 | 442 | 103 | 100 | 749 | 423 | 295 | 70% | 128 | 30% | 113 | 85% | 5,575 |
M | 1948 | 417 | 111 | 139 | 754 | 256 | 146 | 57% | 110 | 43% | 6,962 | ||
SM | 1953 | 429 | 100 | 243 | 677 | 61 | 33 | 54% | 28 | 46% | 3,358 | ||
MB | 2003 | 452 | 117 | 100 | 837 | 890 | 612 | 69% | 278 | 31% | 71 | 92% | 6,371 |
SMB1 | 2018 | 290 | 96 | 119 | 720 | 69 | 4 | 6% | 65 | 94% | 19 | ||
MLA | 2016 | 411 | 127 | 220 | 749 | 63 | 29 | 46% | 34 | 54% | 1 | 50% | 205 |
PA | 2005 | 573 | 101 | 337 | 818 | 178 | 169 | 95% | 9 | 5% | 164 | 96% | 2,858 |
SCYM | 2017 | 441 | 126 | 178 | 689 | 47 | 28 | 60% | 19 | 40% | 1,034 | ||
Other2 | 25,532 | ||||||||||||
TOTAL | 13,574 | 9,616 | 71% | 3,958 | 29% | 5,971 | 80% | 579,543 |
Analysis of pass rate variations
The analysis of the ASCP pass rates has been done based on the 2018 to 2021 ASCP exam data of five exam committees including hematology, blood bank, molecular biology, chemistry, and microbiology.
Each of these committees developed the analysis section parallel to their disciplines.
The analysis of ASCP certification outcome statistics has been reviewed and approved by the members of the representatives of each exam committee involved in the joint generalist committee.
Impact of changes in exam format on pass rate
Research studies in various fields highlight that any change in the format of the American Society for Clinical Pathology examination can negatively impact the candidate's performance in the exam.
License for laboratory personnel is required by around 13 US states.
To get the license one needs to pass the certification examination.
However, those states that do not demand licenses have certification requirements, they hire employees who have certificates in their respective fields.
Factors Affecting ASCP Pass Rates
ASCP examination success rates highly depend on the candidate's preparation for the exam.
You should check out the study materials available online at MLSiAcademy.com and join different courses for the preparation of the ASCP examination if you are applying for the first time.
This material will also be helpful if you are unsuccessful in the first attempt to compare your results and weak areas of study with the material and better prepare for the next attempt.
Student preparation and study strategies
To pass the exam and get the ASCP certification, candidates will put in all their efforts as the ASCP certification exam is difficult and comes with many benefits.
Two simple strategies need to be followed to pass the exam such as understanding and preparing for the certification exam:
Understanding the ASCP certification exam: You should understand what ASCP exam is. The exam uses CAT technology, where you will get the exam questions selected by the machines based on the difficulty level and your abilities.
Preparing for the ASCP exam: You can get all the exam information from the MLSiAcademy.com website. You can also purchase courses for preparation. We also offer study guides, practice exams, and reading materials.
Quality of MLS programs
With interest and sound knowledge in science and technology, the senior MLS are good corresponds.
To skillfully analyze and perform the lab tests, one needs to have skills, eye-hand management, and visual accuracy.
The medical laboratory science field is perfect for those who are interested in research and science but prefer to have much interaction with patients.
Impact of GPA on pass rate
Research studies suggest that ASCP pass rates include CGPA, admission GPA, and overall GPA, prep courses completion, and course grades.
Other factors that influence the ASCP exam success metrics are grit, participating and practicing in monitoring courses, and age.
Influence of age and experience on pass rate
Candidate’s performance in the exam may decline due to delay in taking the certification exam.
However, 13 states in the US require certification or licenses for laboratory staff.
Strategies to improve ASCP Pass Rate
To cover the full syllabus, you need to spend some time looking for different study resources and materials.
Here are some features an efficient study material should have to meet ASCP pass benchmarks:
- Comprehensive: A comprehensive preparation material explains all the necessary information rather than including all the irrelevant information.
- All-in-One study plan: To increase the ASCP exam clearance rates you should access a study plan where you get all the exam information in one package.
- Extra notes: We provide access to comprehensive and conclusive study materials.
The plan must include the list of readings by BOC for exam preparation.
All the above-mentioned strategies have proven to increase the ASCP pass rates.
Effective study techniques
The most important tip to cover all the exam topics before the ASCP exam day is to make a schedule and organize yourself to follow that schedule.
You need to devote 4 to 6 hours per day to exam preparation.
You can also include the seven subject’s content offered by MLSi Academy in your schedule.
Utilizing resources and study materials
Candidates can access all the study material in the reading list and content guidelines at the BOC website.
However, candidates cannot understand the information without any professional help.
For this, we offer all the study material in a versatile format, online lectures, and questions and answers, with professional instructors' help in the live classes.
You need to have faith in us to achieve the ASCP pass percentage.
Mock exams and practice questions
Practicing the exam content is more efficient than any other strategy.
You can memorize things and understand the concepts when you practice more.
Use writing techniques to practice for ASCP exam questions.
Select some questions you think are difficult for you and practice.
This will help you successfully achieve certification.
Seeking guidance from mentors and professionals
To get support and professional guidance, candidates must join the ASCP mentorship program.
In this program, the candidates looking for a mentor and learning opportunities can meet skilled and experienced individuals.
Comparison of ASCP Pass Rates with Other Certification Exams
This section will highlight the passing rates for other certifications such as USMLE.
Comparison with other medical certification exams
After careful comparison of the entire data of the USMLE certification, only short differences were noted.
It seems like that students were equally interested to participate in this certification as well.
According to the AMA, more than 95% of MD and DO candidates passed the exam in 2020 on their first attempt.
The pass rate for Step 1 of USMLE in 2022 was 93% in the US.
Implications of ASCP Pass Rate on Career Opportunities
You can get the certification on the first attempt if you achieve passing grades in the ASCP exam.
You will have a lot of career development opportunities with this certification.
Importance of ASCP certification for job prospects
You will have more efficiency in the field with an ASCP BOC certification.
You will have more job opportunities, career satisfaction, and a higher salary with an ASCP BOS license.
Impact of pass rate on employment opportunities
According to the surveys, having a professional credential opens professional growth and career development gates for individuals.
Employer preferences and requirements
According to the ASCP certification completion data, most individuals have attained certification for career development.
Almost all the candidates with advanced certifications in their respective fields have reported that they got the certification for career growth.
However, some of the candidates with advanced certifications mentioned that they got the license because it was an employer requirement.
While the entry-level certification holders (medical laboratory technician, Histotechnician, medical laboratory scientist, phlebotomist, etc.) reported that the certification was the employer's requirement.
However, to the question of the benefits of certification, most responded that it increased career growth with higher salaries.
Conclusion
Wow… we’ve reached the end.
We hope this article was helpful for our readers and all the candidates who want to prepare for the ASCP exams.
We provide the best resources and materials to our students for preparation and achieving above pass rate success in the ASCP examination.
ASCP Pass Rates FAQs
What are the passing criteria for the ASCP examination?
The ASCP exam is scored on a0 to 900 score scale, 400 points are set as minimum criteria for passing ASCP.
How to access the exam results?
Once you have finished the exam, the computer screen will display a pass or fail based on your scores. You will also receive an official result after 4 days.
How many answers should be marked correct to pass ASCP?
There is no percentage or specific number of questions to pass. If you achieve 400 or more scores at the end you will pass.
Abdelhalim Elshawadfy is an ASCP certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS ASCP), Specialist in Microbiology (SM ASCP), and Molecular Biology Technologist (MB ASCP) with a distinguished career marked by expertise, continuous learning, and a commitment to elevating the standards of clinical laboratory science. As an ASCP Certification Expert and American Board Certification Expert, Abdelhalim Elshawadfy continues to make invaluable contributions to the field, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.