MLS ASCP Vs MLT ASCP: Are Both the Same?
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) is a big certification body.
This organization has designed more than 20 certificates for lab personnel.
Here we will offer detailed information about its two degrees; MLS ASCP vs MLT ASCP.
To know all the details about the similarities and differences between MLS vs MLT ASCP; continue to read the post.
MLS ASCP Vs MLT ASCP: Comprehensive Overview
Both MLS (ASCP) and MLT (ASCP) are awarded by the ASCP Board of Certification.
MLS stands for medical laboratory scientist, and it goes to lab scientist.
MLT represents the medical laboratory technician, and it is allocated for lab technicians.
Although both of these ASCP certification certified perform the same type of duty, the ASCP MLS is considered more trusted than the ASCP MLT.
MLS ASCP Vs MLT ASCP: Similarities
Syllabus
The ASCP BOC fixed the seven subjects for both ASCP MLT and MLS.
However, there is a difference in the question percentage of a few subjects regarding the exam questions.
The following is the exam syllabus for MLS ASCP vs MLT ASCP:
| Subject Name | Question Percentage | |
| ASCP Medical Lab Scientist | ASCP Medical Lab Technician | |
| Chemistry | 17-22% | 20-25% |
| Blood Bank | 17-22% | 15-20% |
| Immunology | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Hematology | 17-22% | 20-25% |
| Microbiology | 17-22% | 15-20% |
| Laboratory Operation | 5-10% | 5-10% |
| Urine/Other Body Fluids | 5-10% | 5-10% |
Exam Format
Both exams are conducted by adopting the style of CAT (computer adaptive testing).
This computer displays 100 questions for the MLS and MLT ASCP exams.
The time to solve the entire question is 2 hours and 30 minutes.
After finishing the exam, the preliminary result will appear on the computer screen.
It will tell about pass or fail the exam only.
Within 4 business days, the board email your score report which will offer further information about your result.
Maximum and Minimum Score Range
For the ASCP MLT and ASCP MLS, the total score range is 100-999.
400 is the lowest score limit that you have to cross at any condition to become certified by the ASCP.
400 is the average score range.
The national average threshold is 465.
700 is the highest score range for both certifications; the scale that makes you able to get a standing ovation.
MLS ASCP Vs MLT ASCP: Dissimilarities
Application Fee
To apply for these credentials, you have to pay $250 for MLS (ASCP) and $225 for MLT (ASCP).
Note: MLT/MLS ASCP is for United States candidates.
If you belong to a foreign country, then your certification is MLS/MLT ASCPi.
Here “i” with ASCP shows the international identity.
To apply for non-U.S. certification, your application cost will be $210 for MLS (ASCPi) & $185 for MLT (ASCPi).
Application Requirements
The board suggests some eligibility paths for all its certifications.
The reason behind setting eligibility requirements is to monitor the applicants’ background qualifications and experiences related to their field.
The following table explains the routes for both licenses.
| ASCP Certification | Routes |
| MLS (ASCP) | 6 |
| MLS (ASCPi) | 5 |
| MLT (ASCP) | 4 |
| MLT (ASCPi) | 3 |
The academic degree is the main difference between both licenses' qualification prerequisites.
For ASCP medical lab scientist, you have to get a four-year bachelor’s degree.
For ASCP medical lab technician, you must earn a two-year degree program.
Salary
According to the ASCP Wages Survey:
The average salary for an ASCP MLS-certified professional is $63,728.26.
The following is the detail information for MLS ASCP vs MLT ASCP salary:
For MLS ASCP
| Position | Wage Per Year |
| MLS Coordinator/Lead | $72,289.96 |
| Supervisor | $85,501.95 |
| MLS Manager | $94,932.95 |
| MLS Director | $111,148.39 |
For MLT ASCP
| Position | Salary Per Year |
| Staff | $50,724.24 |
| MLT Supervisor | $52, 288.88 |
| MLT Lead/Coordinator | $60.380.65 |
However, it can be increased or decreased based on the certifier’s position, education, etc.
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.
