ASCP Technologist Certification: MB ASCP, M ASCP, C ASCP, H ASCP, BB ASCP, CG ASCP, CT ASCP, and HTL ASCP
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) offers ASCP technologist certification for medical laboratory technologists of by monitoring their skills and knowledge in relevant content areas.
ASCP certification by BOC could be a dream of every medical technologist because it is strong proof of their skill and experience to deliver trusty and accurate lab results. Furthermore, this certificate also enhances the chances of better jobs and salaries.
In this article, we will explain technologist exam requirements, content guidelines, and ASCP Certification Preparation for each exam.
Need for Medical Technologists
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The average annual salary for medical technologists was $57,380 in May 2022. It is estimated that a medical technologist career grows five percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average of all careers.
About 24,000 openings for medical laboratory scientists are projected each year. Many of those openings are due to the exit of the labor force or the transformation of different occupations.
What is ASCP Technologist Certification?
ASCP technologist certification is the process of getting ASCP certificate by BOC in one of discipline of the medical laboratory science. BOC ASCP leverages the medical technologist's abilities by offering ASCP certificates in their relevant field.
By getting ASCP certificates, medical technologists do not need to explain their proficiency, because ASCP guarantees their skill and experience. An
ASCP technologist certificate can be obtained in a variety of fields including molecular biology, microbiology, chemistry, hematology, blood banking, cytogenetics, cytology and histotechnology.
Types of ASCP Technologist Certification
ASCP BOC offers technologist certificates for both U.S. and international candidates including the following credentials:
- MB (ASCP) Technologist in Molecular Biology Certification
- M (ASCP) Technologist in Microbiology Certification
- C (ASCP) Technologist in Chemistry Certification
- H (ASCP) Technologist in Hematology Certification
- BB (ASCP) Technologist in Blood Banking Certification
- CG (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics Certification
- CT (ASCP) Technologist in cytology, Cytologist Certification
- HTL (ASCP) Histotechnologist Certification
- CTgyn (ASCP) Gynecologic Cytologist
ASCP suggests the same certificate for international candidates like the U.S. but (CTgyn) ASCPi; the International Gynecologic Cytologist certificate is an extra that is not offered for U.S. candidates.
MB ASCP Technologist Certification
MB (ASCP) technologist certificate is for technologists who use molecular diagnostic techniques to characterize and detect inherited and acquired diseases, including, infectious diseases, metabolic and malignant.
Exam Content Area for MB ASCP Technologist Certification
- Molecular Science: 20 – 25%
- Molecular Techniques: 30 – 35%
- Applications of Molecular Testing: 30 – 35%
- Lab Operations: 15 – 20%.
Eligibility Requirements for MB ASCP Certification
BOC ASCP describes 4 routes with lab experience for MB ASCP and 5 routes with lab experience for MB ASCPi.
Eligibility Route for US Technologist
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree and Valid ASCP specialist or technologist/scientist certification.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree and complete NAACLS-approved diagnostic molecular science program.
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in chemistry and biology and one year of clinical or research experience molecular biology laboratory.
- Route 4: Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, or any related field and six months of clinical or veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology
Eligibility Route for International Technologist
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree and Valid ASCPi specialist or technologist/scientist certification.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree and complete diagnostic molecular science program with chemistry and biology
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree and two-year Medical Laboratory Science program (chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and blood banking)
- Route 4: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in chemistry and biology and one year of clinical or, veterinary, industry or research experience in the molecular biology laboratory.
- Route 5: Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, or any related field and six months of clinical or veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology
MB ASCP Certification Preparation
o pass the MB ASCP exam confidently, you must trust a conclusive prep course that offers all what you require. In this regard, the MLSIA prep course is best because it explains a content area in an easy-to-understand way.
M ASCP Technologist Certification
M (ASCP) technologist certificate is for technologist who can Identifies microorganisms and bacteria in body fluids and tissue samples to help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Exam Content Area for M ASCP Technologist Certification
- Preanalytic Procedures: 10 – 15%
- Analytic Procedures for Bacteriology: 45 – 55%
- Analytic Procedures for Mycology, Mycobacteriology, Parasitology, and Virology: 20 – 30%
- Lab Operations: 10 – 15%.
Eligibility Requirements for M ASCP Certification
ASCP BOC recommends 5 eligibility routes with lab experience for both US and international applicants.
Eligibility Route for U.S Technologist
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCP) certification and baccalaureate degree
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in microbiology
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and a structured program in microbiology under the NAACLS Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in microbiology or related field and six months of clinical experience in microbiology
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical lab science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete NAACLS as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
Eligibility Route for International Technologist
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification and baccalaureate degree
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in microbiology
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science and complete Microbiology clinical training program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in microbiology or related field and six months of clinical experience in microbiology
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical lab science and complete Medical Laboratory training program.
M ASCP Technologist Exam Prep
To pass the M ASCP exam successfully, you must have a strong knowledge of its content area. To eliminate your effort of becoming M ASCP certified, the MLSIA experts team designed a prep course for exam preparation.
C ASCP Technologist Certification
C (ASCP) Technologist certificate is for technologists who are responsible for performing analysis on body fluid including blood to determine the quantity of hormonal and chemical content in the sample. Furthermore, they help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by performing a variety of tests.
Exam Content Guideline for C ASCP Technologist
- General Chemistry: 15% – 25%
- Proteins and Enzymes: 15% – 25%
- Blood Gases, Acid-Base, and Electrolytes: 15% – 25%
- Special Chemistry: 15% – 20%
- Laboratory Operations: 15% – 20%.
Eligibility Requirement for C ASCP Technologist
BOC ASCP recommends different eligibility requirements for both C ASCP/ASCPi.
Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Certification
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCP) certification and baccalaureate degree.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in chemistry
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete a chemistry structured program with the support of NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in chemistry or related field and six months of clinical experience in chemistry
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete the NAACLS Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
Eligibility Requirements for International Certification
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCP) certification and baccalaureate degree.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in chemistry
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete chemistry clinical training program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in chemistry or related field and six months of clinical experience in chemistry
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science and complete Medical Laboratory training program
C ASCP Technologist Certification Preparation
MLSIA offers the best prep course to make it possible to pass the C ASCP exam in one sitting. Being candidates of C ASCP /ASCPi, you can get help from MLSIA comprehensive study material, MLSIA online live classes, and MLSIA practice questions.
H ASCP Technologist Certification
H (ASCP) technologist certificate is for technologists who perform analysis of body fluid including blood to monitor coagulation and hematologic disorders helping in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders.
Exam Content Area for H ASCP Technologist Certification
- Hematology Physiology: 10 – 15%
- Hematology Disease States: 20 – 25%
- Hematology Laboratory Testing: 20 – 25%
- Hemostasis: 20 – 25%
- Laboratory Operations: 15 – 20%.
Eligibility Requirement for H ASCP Technologist Certification
H ASCP and H ASCPi have different eligibility routes and clinical lab experience that are necessary to qualify for the exam.
Eligibility Requirement for US Technologist
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCP) certification and baccalaureate degree
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in hematology
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete the structured program in hematology under NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.
- Route 4: Master’s degree in chemistry or an appropriately related field and six months of clinical experience in hematology
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete the NAACLS Medical Laboratory Scientist Program.
Eligibility Requirement for International Technologist
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification and baccalaureate degree
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience in hematology
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete Hematology clinical training program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in chemistry or an appropriately related field and six months of clinical experience in hematology
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science and complete Medical Laboratory training program
H ASCP Technologist Certification Prep
After meeting the H ASCP/ASCPi exam eligibility requirement, your first task is to find the best study material for preparation. To save your time and effort searching for the best, MLSIA offers an outstanding prep course.
BB ASCP Technologist Certification
BB (ASCP) Technologist is for lab professionals who are responsible for performing specialized and routine tests in transfusion services and blood banking to identify antibodies, determine blood types, and choose blood components to assist providers in blood transfusion therapy.
Exam Content Guideline for BB ASCP Technologist
- Blood Products: 15 – 20%
- Blood Group Systems: 15 – 20%
- Immunology and Physiology: 10 – 20%
- Serologic and Molecular Testing: 20 – 25%
- Transfusion Practice: 15 – 20%
- Laboratory Operations: 5 – 10%.
Requirement for BB ASCP Technologist Certification
BOC offers eligibility routes to qualify for exams for both U.S. and international candidates.
Exam Requirements for U.S Certification
- Route 1: Valid MLS (ASCP) certification and baccalaureate degree.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience.
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and NAACLS-approved Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
- Route 4: Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field and six-month clinical experience in blood banking.
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and NAACLS-approved Medical Laboratory Scientist Program
Exam Requirements for International Certification
- Route 1: Valid MLS(ASCPi) certification and baccalaureate degree.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience.
- Route 3: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and blood banking clinical training program.
- Route 4: Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, chemistry, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field and six-month clinical experience in blood banking.
- Route 5: Baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory science and completed Medical Laboratory training program.
BB ASCP Technologist Certification Preparation
MLSIACADEMY offers the best prep course for BB ASCP Technologist exam preparation which is;
- BB ASCP unified learning material
- BB ASCP live classes
- BB ASCP questions & answers
CG ASCP Technologist Certification
CG (ASCP) Technologists in Cytogenetic for technologists who perform a variety of techniques for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of acquired and inherited genetic diseases. They are responsible for slide preparations, harvesting, culturing, and analysis of biological specimens including tumors, bone marrow, tissue, and amniotic fluid.
Exam Content Area for CG ASCP Technologist
- Specimen Preparation: 20 – 25%
- Molecular Cytogenetic Testing: 15 – 20%
- Chromosome Analysis and Imaging: 45 – 50%
- Laboratory Operations: 10 – 15%.
Eligibility Route for CG ASCP Technologist
BOC ASCP recommends 3 eligibility routes for the U.S. and 3 routes for international candidates.
Eligibility Route for US Certification
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree and complete NAACLS cytogenetic education program
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience
- Route 3: Master’s degree in molecular biology or genetics and six months of clinical experience.
Eligibility Route for International Technologist
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree and complete cytogenetic clinical training program
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical experience.
- Route 3: Master’s degree in molecular biology or genetics and six months of clinical experience.
CG ASCP Technologist Certification Preparation
Passing the CG ASCP exam can be difficult, but MLSIACADEMY offers an effective prep course that is compiled by experts, helping you to pass the exam effortlessly.
CT (ASCP) Cytologist Certification
CT ASCP Cytologists are responsible for following the instructions of pathologists for preparing and evaluating human cellular specimens from the entire body to detect inflammatory processes, infectious agents, benign tumors, cancer, and pre-cancerous changes.
Furthermore, they are also responsible for attending to fine needle aspirations, preparing specimens, and assisting in quality assurance activities.
Exam Content Area for CT ASCP Technologist Certification
- Gynecological Cytology: 40 – 45%
- Fine Needle Aspiration and Other: 10 – 15%
- Laboratory Operations: 15 – 20%
- Non-Gynecological Cytology: 25 – 35% (Respiratory System: 8 – 12% | Genitourinary System: 8 – 12% | Body Cavity Fluids: 8 – 12%).
Eligibility Requirements for CT ASCP Certification
To qualify for the exam, candidates need to meet BOC ASCP recommended eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements may candidate’s education, experience, or skill in relevant content areas.
Eligibility Requirements for U.S Certification
BOC ASCP offers only one eligibility route for U.S. candidates.
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree from an approved institution and within the last five years, successful completion of a CAAHEP-approved Cytotechnologist program.
Eligibility Requirements for International Certification
BOC ASCP recommends four eligibility routes and lab experience for international candidates.
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree and complete a cytotechnology clinical training program.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree and three years of clinical experience.
- Route 3: CT (IAC) certification and Baccalaureate degree
- Route 4: Valid CTgyn (ASCPi) certification, baccalaureate degree, and two years of clinical experience.
- Lab experience: gynecological cytology, non-gynecological cytology, fine needle aspiration (FNA), and laboratory operations procedures are also vital to the route.
ASCP Cytologist Exam Preparation
Every task can be possible if you have firm determination. To take your CT ASCP exam preparation next level, MLSIA offers an amazing online prep course.
HTL ASCP Histotechnologist
HT (ASCP) Technologist certificate is for technologists who perform both complex and routine histologic techniques such as in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, enzyme histochemistry, and immunofluorescence on tissue samples to diagnose of disease. Histotechnologists have strong knowledge of pathology areas including regulations, education, and management that impact the field of histotechnology.
Exam Content Area for HTL ASCP
- Fixation: 15 – 25%
- Processing: 10 – 20%
- Embedding/Microtomy: 15 – 25%
- Staining: 30 – 40%
- Laboratory Operations: 10 – 15
Eligibility Requirement for HTL ASCP
BOC ASCP recommends 3 routes with lab experience for international candidates and 4 routes with lab experience for U.S. residents.
Routes for US Technologists
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biology or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete Histotechnologist or Histotechnician program.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical or research experience in a histopathology laboratory or one year of veterinary experience
- Route 3: Valid HT(ASCP) certification, Baccalaureate degree, and six months of clinical or research experience in a histopathology laboratory or six months of veterinary experience
- Route 4: Baccalaureate degree in biology and chemistry or with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and U.S. military histotechnician training course (50 weeks)
Routes of International Technologists
- Route 1: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry and biology with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and complete Histotechnologist or Histotechnician program.
- Route 2: Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science with 30 semester hours in biology & chemistry and one year of clinical or research experience in a histopathology laboratory or one year of veterinary experience
- Route 3: Valid HT(ASCP/ASCPi) certification, Baccalaureate degree, and six months of clinical or research experience in a histopathology laboratory or six months of veterinary experience
HTL ASCP Prep
MLSIA is the best destination that offers extraordinary prep course for HTL ASCP exam preparation. MLSIA offers HTL ASCP study material, HTL ASCP Questions and Answers and HTL ASCP live online classes.
CTgyn (ASCPi) Gynecologic Cytologist
CTgyn is responsible for detecting inflammatory processes, cancer, tumors, benign, infectious agents, and pre-cancerous changes. They collect, process, and detect human cell samples from the female genital tract.
Exam Content Area for (CTgyn) ASCPi
- Anatomy, Embryologic Origins and Physiology: 5%
- Histology & Normal Cellular Morphology: 10%
- Pathology, Biologic Behavior and Cytopathology: 75%
- Laboratory Operations: 10%
Eligibility Route for (CTgyn) ASCPi
BOC offers three routes for (CTgyn) ASCPi. This certificate is only for international candidates.
- Route 1: Two-year diploma or equivalent and complete Cytotechnology program (with practice in gynecologic cytology and study incorporates theory).
- Route 2: Gynecologic cytology one year of clinical experience and current employment cytology field.
- Route 3: CT (IAC) certification
(CTgyn) ASCPi, International Gynecologic Cytologist Exam Preparation
If you are searching prep course for (CTgyn) ASCPi preparation then choose the MLSIA PREP course, which offers an all-in-one solution prep course. What MLSIA offers for (CTgyn) ASCPi preparation.
- CTgyn ASCPi questions and answers
- CTgyn ASCPi live classes
- CTgyn ASCPi one unified study material
ASCP Technologist Certification Prep Courses
The ASCP BOC awards the ASCP technologist certification by monitoring the candidate's skills in their relevant field. But how can you prepare yourself for this challenging exam?
MLSIA offers you the best solution by offering the ultimate preparation courses. Each technologist prep course includes live online classes, recording of classes, one unified study source, and Q&A bank.
ASCP Technologist Live Classes
Visual illustration has a deep impact on memory, and the knowledge that you learn visually stays in your mind for a long time. This is why MLSIACADEMY offers video lectures on each content area of ASCP technologist certification. In interactive classes, you can ask questions from professors and other classmates regarding your confusion.
Recording of Live Classes
If you have no time to attend the live classes or you have to skip your live lectures due to some reason. You do not need to worry about losing your lectures because the academy offers you recordings of live classes that you can watch during your convenience hours.
ASCP Technologist Study Material
To eliminate your effort to cover the ASCP BOC content area in the minimum time frame, MLSiACADEMY.com’s hard work is appreciable.
MLSIA experts encompass the BOC reading list resources in one unified study material. This study material describes all essential content areas with no fluff, which helps to cover 100% of the exam syllabus in the minimum period.
ASCP Technologist Q&A Bank
To give a final look to your preparation, MLSIACADEMY.com also offers you practice questions related to all content areas. By practicing these questions, you can better prepare yourself for the exam.
How to Get an ASCP Technologist Certificate?
BOC ASCP selects eligible candidates by conducting a challenging test. You have to prove yourself to get this certificate in your area of specialty. Here are some tips for ASCP technologists' certificates preparation.
Total Time: 1 minute
Choose Certificate
After deciding to get an ASCP technologist certificate, you have to choose one certificate from all given. BOC offer nine certificates for U.S. candidates and eleven for international.
Check Eligibility
Before applying for the test, you must check your eligibility. You can check your exam eligibility from the examination eligibility assistant.
Get Fully Prepared
Subscribe to MLSiACADEMY.com's ASCP technologist prep courses to get fully prepared for your exam the easy way with the minimum effort in the shortest time.
Submit all Required Documents
Academic transcript, acceptable foreign transcript evaluation, graduation certificate, experience and training documentation form with a letter of authenticity are common requirements for all technologist certificates.
Letter(s) of authenticity and completed documentation form must be uploaded in PDF format within the online application. Electronic signatures are not acceptable, so all signatures must be original.
Create an Account on the ASCP Official Website
Go to ASCP's official website and create your account by adding the required information.
Submit Application
After creating an account, you can submit your application for the ASCP exam.
Frequently Asked Question
How many certificates does BOC offer for technologists?
BOC offers 9 technologist certificates for U.S. candidates and 11 for international.
Which online resource is best for the ASCP technologists' test preparation?
MLSIA could be the best choice for ASCP technologists' exam preparation because MLSi Academy offers unified study material, questions and answers, and online live classes for all exams.
Why should I get an ASCP Technologist certificate?
The ASCP Technologist certificate is a great opportunity to change your life professionally and financially. You can perform your job in any worldwide hospital with double salaries.
Is the ASCP technologist certificate difficult to pass?
BOC selects eligible candidates for patient care by monitoring their skills and knowledge in relevant subjects. You can only pass this if you have strong knowledge in your area of specialty.
Are all ASCP technologist certificates the same for U.S. and international candidates?
ASCP certificates are the same for both U.S. and international candidates. However, names are different due to the candidates' residence. Therefore, ASCP certificate for U.S candidates and ASCPi for international candidates. Eligibility requirements are also a little different for both.
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.
I hold a diploma in medical laboratory technology. I want to obtain an ASCPI certificate. Which route do i fit in
kindly send your cv @ ASCPiCourse@mlsiacademy.com
https://mlsiacademy.com/get-ascp-en/