General Information
You are taking an important step in your professional career, and it is critical to understand the process to become credentialed by the ASCP BOC. Learning about the application and examination processes, and staying connected, are essential to your success. Requirements and fees as stated are subject to change without notice.
Find Information
To quickly navigate the ASCP BOC website, click on the large purple “Board of Certification” tab at the top of the page. You will have access to a menu of all website content.
For complete information about the application and examination processes, see information on this page, or click the links below:
For complete information about a specific category of credential, including eligibility requirements, documentation forms, content outline, and reading list, click on the purple buttons above, or the links below:
Use the booklets below as an overview, and to find links to the appropriate information on the website:
Stay Connected with the BOC
All correspondence from the ASCP Board of Certification is delivered via email so keeping your email address current is vital to staying informed. Update your email address under account settings in your online account.
Application Process- Determine your examination category and eligibility route.
- Use the BOC Examination Eligibility Assistant for U.S. Certification. - Login or create an ASCP account online.
- Do not create a duplicate account.
- The name (first and last) in your ASCP account must match a valid form of ID. - Select category and route of application.
- Verify your contact information.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload appropriate documentation as PDF files within the online application.
- Incomplete applications can be saved and completed later. - Submit the application fee.
- Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 90 days from the date started.
- Applications are not complete until payment has been received and processed.
- Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable. - Request official transcripts be sent from your academic institution to the ASCP BOC
- Monitor application status.
- Login at any time to View the Status of your application.
- An email notification will be sent when there is a change in the status of your application.
- Keep your email address current with the ASCP BOC. - Resolve any deficiencies with your application.
- Incomplete or missing information will delay processing. - Schedule your exam date.
- Prepare for exam day.
- Sit for the exam.
- Receive official exam results.
Email Address
All notifications from the ASCP Board of Certification are delivered via email. It is your responsibility to keep your email address current. Failure to keep the Board of Certification informed of your current email address will result in non-receipt of important information.
Mailing Address
A valid mailing address must be provided in order to receive your wall certificate. If your address is not valid, it will be your responsibility to order and pay for a replacement wall certificate.
To update your email or mailing address:
- Go to www.ascp.org/login
- Click on “Profile & Settings”
- Update information and save
The first name and last name in your ASCP account is the name that will appear on your examination application and Admission Notification. This name (first and last) must match your valid driver’s license/state ID that you present at the test center to take the examination. If your name does not match your valid ID, you must submit a name change request before scheduling your examination. (See The Test Center for complete information about ID requirements.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Name and/or address changes may not be made at the test center. Name changes or name corrections received in the ASCP Board of Certification office after the day you take the examination will not be reflected on your wall certificate. A fee will be charged if you request a new wall certificate.
Name change requests must be accompanied by a photocopy of official documentation (i.e., marriage license or court order).
To request a name change:
- Go to: www.ascp.org/login
- Click on the “Profile & Settings”
- Click on “Request Name Change” button
- Fill out the online form
- Upload name change document as a PDF and submit
Please allow 7-10 business days for processing. You will be notified when your name change request has been completed.
Determine Your Eligibility
The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) offers many certifications, and each one has its own set of eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to determine if your education, training and/or experience meet current eligibility requirements. Make sure to apply for the appropriate category and eligibility route; once an application is submitted to the BOC, the category and route cannot be changed.
Choose the Correct Exam Category and RouteFor each certification category, you will find a choice of routes. You are required to choose a route of eligibility depending on the education, training and experience you have completed. Be sure you meet the eligibility requirements as stated and are able to provide the appropriate documentation before submitting your application and application fee.
Education received from a NAACLS, CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program is acceptable for a period of five years from the date of completion of that program. After five years, eligibility will be based on clinical laboratory experience (except Cytologist and Pathologists’ Assistant).
You may take the examination five times under one eligibility route, provided that you continue to meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, you must meet the current requirements for eligibility for that particular examination category under an alternate route of eligibility.
The Examination Eligibility Assistant will help you determine the appropriate certification and route before submitting an application.
- Start by selecting an ASCP certification
- Answer a series of Yes/No questions about your education, training, and/or experience
- View your results
The ASCP BOC does not consult with a candidate, review documentation, or determine a candidate’s eligibility prior to application. Eligibility is determined only after a candidate’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.
How to Apply for Certification
- Login or create an ASCP online account.
- Make sure that your first and last name match your valid ID.
- Determine your category of examination and route of eligibility.
- Gather the necessary documentation.
- Choose “Apply Now” to access the online application.
- Complete the online application.
- Upload training and/or experience documentation.
- Submit online application.
- Pay application fee.
- Have official transcript sent to the ASCP BOC.
Set up an ASCP Account
Input the following required information:
- Applicant’s first and last name
- For testing purposes, your name (first and last) must match the first and last name on your valid ID.
- Birth date
- Email address
- Answer required questions
Additional suggested information
- Maiden / Alternate name
- Last four of SSN
Comparison of ASCP and ASCPi (International) Certification
What is ASCPiASCPi is the ASCP Board of Certification’s (BOC’s) credential for applicants educated outside of the U.S.
As more and more ASCPi certified individuals enter the U.S. and global workforce it is essential for governments, laboratories, hiring managers, international certificants, U.S. certificants, and others to understand the similarities and differences between ASCP and ASCPi.
All ASCPi applicants take the same examination as their U.S. counterparts for all the international examinations. But there are some important differences. For example, CT(ASCPi), SCT(ASCPi) and CTgyn(ASCPi) certification cannot be used to practice in the U.S. Also, ASCPi certificants receive their education from outside of the U.S.
While every country has differing requirements for employment as a laboratory professional, ASCP BOC recommends anyone that is interested in using an ASCPi credential for immigration purposes to any country be certain they are aware of government requirements. For individuals immigrating or seeking permanent residence in the United States of America, the ASCPi credential does not circumvent state or federal work regulations; though employers and licensure agencies in several states recognize select ASCPi credentials for practice.
In recognition of the foreign educated and trained laboratory professionals who are working in the United States, the ASCP Board of Certification now offers a formal process for International MLS(ASCPi) certificants to transition their credential to MLS(ASCP) through a new U.S. certification route. Based on previous successful completion of the MLS examination, these MLS(ASCPi) certificants will not be required to retake the MLS examination. However, in order to transition, they must have five years of full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience in all required areas in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited laboratory within the last ten years. This transition does not circumvent federal work regulations and state licensure regulations and individuals seeking employment in the U.S. will still need to meet all the U.S. immigration visa requirements.
In all states, most laboratories choose to hire only certified individuals to ensure their employees are competent. The U.S. also has several states which require licensure or certification to practice. These states have their own rules and guidelines. You must contact the licensure agency in each state for information about these requirements.
Cytologists (previously Cytotechnologists) Employment in the U.S.: According to U.S. law (CLIA ’88-Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988), all individuals practicing cytology in the United States must have completed a Cytology / Cytotechnology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Thus, a cytologist with the CT(ASCPi), CTgyn(ASCPi), or SCT(ASCPi) certifications are not qualified to practice in the United States per CLIA ’88 legislation.
Científico de Laboratorio Médico Internacional, CLM(ASCPi), is the Spanish version of the MLS examination. However, individuals that have earned CLM(ASCPi) credential are not eligible to transition their ASCPi credential to ASCP, nor are they eligible for licensure in the U.S.
Comparison of U.S. & International Exam Eligibility
ASCP-ASCPi Certification & Qualification Comparison Chart
Comparison of U.S. & International Exam Eligibility Requirements
Gather Documentation
In order to apply for a BOC examination, an applicant must verify that they meet the specific academic, training, and/or experience eligibility requirements based on the category and route of application.
- Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
If verification of education is required, the educational institution(s) or acceptable foreign evaluation agency from which transcripts will be sent must be indicated on the online application.
- When entering educational information, you will be asked to indicate from which institution(s) a transcript will be sent.
Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them. See the information below for complete information.
Common Required Documents- Academic transcript
- Graduation certificate
- Acceptable foreign transcript evaluation
- Experience documentation form with Letter of Authenticity
- Training documentation form with Letter of Authenticity
All documentation submitted must:
- Be uploaded within the online application as PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
- Be no larger than 10 MB.
- Contain original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- Contain the name of the applicant as it appears on their examination application / ASCP customer record.
Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
All documentation submitted with an application becomes the property of the ASCP BOC.
Applicants that have completed education from an approved program should select their country of education below to determine necessary documentation needed to establish their eligibility.
An applicant who wishes to request modifications in the examination environment because of a disability must notify the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing before submitting an application. All candidates must provide appropriate documentation of their condition and how it is expected to affect their ability to take the test under standard conditions. A letter of diagnosis from an appropriate professional specifying the needed modification and other supporting documentation must be included. Documentation must be original (no copies) and emailed in a PDF format.
Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation (e.g. extra time) would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities. Simply demonstrating that an individual meets diagnostic criteria for a particular disorder does not mean that the person is automatically entitled to test accommodations.
The ASCP Board of Certification will work directly with the applicant and proctors at the test centers to make modifications in the testing environment which make it possible for an individual with a disability to take an examination under conditions which will accurately reflect the individual’s aptitude or achievement level. Such modifications may include providing auxiliary aids and services to an applicant with a disability. Documentation must be original (no copies) and emailed in PDF format. Email request and documentation to: testaccommodations@ascp.org
Note: Once a candidate has received their Admission Notification, requests for testing modifications will not be accepted.
Documentation Forms & Letters of Authenticity
- Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
If verification of education is required, the educational institution(s) or acceptable foreign evaluation agency from which transcripts will be sent must be indicated on the online application.
- When entering educational information, you will be asked to indicate from which institution(s) a transcript will be sent.
Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them. See the information below for complete information.
Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
Submission of Transcripts or Transcript Evaluations
If required, academic transcripts or transcript evaluations for all ASCPi categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org
All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.
All documentation submitted with an application, including transcript evaluations and documentation forms, are subject to audit to verify authenticity.
Application Assistance and Information for International Applicants
Spanish Application Assistance
JAMT’s ASCPi Overview Video in Japanese 日本語
Verify Education, Experience or Training
Verify Academic EducationApplicants who have completed education outside of the United States or Canada* must have their academic degree evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. The foreign transcript evaluation may be sent to the ASCP BOC International by email. All foreign transcript evaluations are subject to audit.
The foreign transcript evaluation must:
- be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency (see link below).
- show a U.S. educational equivalency statement.
- contain a course by course breakdown.
Important note: A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree.
For more information on how to complete your transcript evaluation, please contact one of the acceptable evaluation agencies for foreign transcripts.
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
*Applicants with education or training in Canada should see “Canadian Education and Clinical Training Programs” under "Gather Documentation - U.S. Certifications."
If required for the category and route under which you are applying, clinical laboratory training must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.
- All eligible clinical laboratory training must be completed outside of the United States.
- Countries without a prevalent system of accreditation must have laboratories approved by an International Advisory Board appointed by the ASCP Board of Certification.
- Training programs which do not grant university credit as part of a Medical Laboratory program will be counted as experience.
To document your clinical laboratory training (if required) you must:
- Download the training documentation form corresponding to your category and route.
- Have your program director complete and sign this form
- An original signature is required; typed or electronic signatures are not accepted.
- Have your program director complete a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity” below.
- Upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
- Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
If required for the category and route under which you are applying, clinical laboratory experience must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.
- Experience must be completed at a laboratory accredited/approved by JCI, CAP, ISO 15189, or authorized by a governing regulatory association or Ministry.
- Countries without a prevalent system of accreditation must have laboratories approved by an International Advisory Board appointed by the ASCP Board of Certification.
To document your clinical laboratory experience (if required) you must:
- Download the experience documentation form corresponding to your category and route.
- Have your laboratory management or your employer complete and sign this form.
- An original signature is required; typed or electronic signatures are not accepted.
- Have your program director complete a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity” below.
- Upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application. Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
- Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
All training and experience documentation forms must be submitted with a Letter of Authenticity.
A Letter of Authenticity must:
- Be printed on institutional letterhead.
- Be completed by authorized personnel (i.e. Program Director, manager, employer).
- State that the person submitting the Letter of Authenticity also completed the documentation form.
- Contain a handwritten signature (not typed or electronic) and date.
The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
Gather Documentation
In order to apply for a BOC examination, an applicant must verify that they meet the specific eligibility requirements for academic, training, and/or experience, based on the category and route of application.
The first application for a specific category and route cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.
If verification of training or experience is required for a certification, download the appropriate documentation forms. Qualification documentation forms may be found under the appropriate category here.
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the educational institution to the ASCP BOC. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.
For step by step instructions on how to apply online, go to “Apply for Credential.”
Commonly Required DocumentsDocumentation is required to verify that an applicant meets the education, training, and/or experience requirements for the category and route of application. For detailed information about the types of documentation listed below, see the appropriate section on the right-hand side of this page.
- Official transcript(s) verifying the stated academic requirement or higher (for education within the U.S. or Canada):
- high school graduation or equivalent or
- college/university credits and/or
- college/university degree conferred
- An acceptable foreign transcript evaluation (required for education outside of the U.S. or Canada)
- Experience documentation form with Letter of Authenticity
- Notarized or official certificate of military training
- Training documentation form with Letter of Authenticity
Please note: Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
All documentation submitted with an application becomes the property of the ASCP BOC.
Requested modifications to the examination environment due to a documented disability must be reviewed and approved before an application is submitted. This requirement is in place so that the applicant knows whether they will be receiving the requested accommodations before paying their application fee. In addition, managing the logistics to schedule an exam date at a test center that meets the applicant’s needs may require additional time. As application fees are not refundable, requests for testing modifications will not be accepted once a candidate has submitted a paid application.
Required Documentation
Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Consequently, no single type of test accommodation (e.g., extra time) would necessarily be appropriate for all individuals with disabilities. Simply demonstrating that an individual meets diagnostic criterion for a particular disorder does not mean that the person is automatically entitled to test accommodations.
All candidates must provide acceptable documentation of their condition and how it is expected to affect their ability to take the test under standard conditions. A letter of diagnosis, signed and dated from an appropriate professional specifying the needed modification, and other supporting documentation, must be included. Original documents (no copies) must be scanned and sent in PDF format. All information and documentation regarding a candidate’s testing accommodation will be kept confidential.
A written request, including appropriate documentation, must be sent to testaccommodations@ascp.org.
Approved Accommodations
If approved, ASCP Board of Certification staff will notify the applicant and Pearson Vue to make modifications in the testing environment which make it possible for an individual with a disability to take an examination under conditions which will accurately reflect the individual’s aptitude or achievement level. Such modifications may include providing auxiliary aids and services to an applicant with a disability.
All documentation submitted with an application, including transcripts and documentation forms, is subject to audit to verify authenticity.
Verify Education, Experience or Training
Verify Academic Education from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited ProgramThe education received from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited program is acceptable for five years from the date of completion of that program.
Verification of program completion versus academic requirements
The program director will electronically verify a student’s successful completion of all program requirements before the applicant is provided information about how to schedule an examination.
In addition, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that an official transcript is submitted to the ASCP BOC to verify that all education requirements have been met. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.
Please note that applicants for HT, Route 1, do not need to submit any transcripts to the ASCP BOC.
Applicants from NAACLS accredited programs outside of the United States should contact their program director for the appropriate documentation for verification of your degree.
Application process for program graduates
All education requirements must be completed before sitting for the examination. You may schedule and sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by the ASCP BOC.
If you do not appear for your scheduled exam date, or fail the examination, your official transcript, verifying completion of high school graduation, college coursework, and/or degree conferral, must be received and processed by the ASCP BOC in order for you to schedule another examination date.
If you pass the examination, an official transcript must be submitted to the ASCP BOC in order for you to become certified.
Important: You will not have access to your examination score, and are not certified, until an official transcript is received and processed. If your official transcript is not fully processed within one year of your examination date, your score will be invalidated. To become certified, you will need to reapply, submit a new application and fee, and pass the certification examination.
Specific Coursework Requirements
- The courses completed as part of your accredited program will be counted towards any required chemistry and biology coursework.
- 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.
- A passing grade, which results in credit being earned, is necessary for coursework to count towards the meeting of academic requirements.
- The use of “Pass” on an official transcript can be used in lieu of a passing grade, provided the quarter or semester hour credits assigned to the course are also indicated.
If eligibility requirements specify that coursework and/or a degree must be completed at an Accredited College/University, click below for complete information.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Helpful Tips
Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.
All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.
An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including proof of high school graduation or equivalent.
- Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution (high school, State Department of Education, etc.) to the ASCP BOC.
- OR an acceptable foreign transcript evaluation (required for education outside of the U.S. or Canada) must be sent to the ASCP BOC.
Please note:
- Acceptance into a program or institution does not verify high school graduation or equivalency.
- College coursework, without a degree conferred, does not verify high school graduation or equivalency.
In summary, an official transcript requires:
- Date degree was conferred (if required)
- Seal of academic institution
- Signature of Registrar
Helpful Tips
Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.
All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.
See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.
NAACLS accredited PBT and MLA program graduates
Students who have completed a NAACLS accredited PBT or MLA program are able to sit for the exam one time before an official transcript has been received in the ASCP BOC office. However, it is important to note that you will not have access to your exam score, and are not certified, until your official transcript has been received and processed by the BOC office.
If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree are required to establish eligibility to sit for an exam, you must submit an official transcript to the ASCP BOC to verify completion of these requirements. See sections titled “Official Transcript Requirements” and “Submitting Official Transcripts” for complete information.
Specific Coursework Requirements
- If the eligibility requirements state courses are required in biology and chemistry, the course titles listed on the official transcript must be clearly identified as being within the biology and chemistry departments. Courses with unfamiliar names should be identified as being within BIO, CHEM, or other acceptable departments. Courses which the applicant feels should be considered as biological science or chemistry may be deemed acceptable if the applicant submits proof.
- Acceptable science courses, completed as part of a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited laboratory program, are counted towards required chemistry and biology coursework.
- 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.
- A passing grade, which results in credit being earned, is necessary for coursework to count towards the meeting of academic requirements.
- The use of “Pass” on an official transcript can be used in lieu of a passing grade, provided the quarter or semester hour credits assigned to the course are also indicated.
If eligibility requirements specify that coursework and/or a degree must be completed at an accredited college/university, click below for complete information.
Please note that Continuing Education courses are not acceptable for fulfilling academic requirements.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Education or Training in Canada
A three-year baccalaureate degree from a Canadian University is not acceptable for technologist/scientist level examinations or higher. A baccalaureate degree equivalent to a U.S. four-year baccalaureate degree is required.
Applicants who have completed their education in Quebec must submit original transcripts verifying completion of a CEGEP / DEC program as well as college credits and/or degree requirements. Otherwise, a foreign transcript evaluation must be submitted.
Canadians applying for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Cytotechnologist (CT) certification examination must have completed a CMA accredited Medical Laboratory Technology training program.
The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.
Helpful Tips
Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.
All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.
If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree, obtained outside of the United States or Canada, are required to establish eligibility to sit for an exam, you must have these academics evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts.
The foreign transcript evaluation must:
- be completed by an acceptable transcript evaluation agency (see link below).
- be sent directly from the acceptable foreign transcript evaluation agency to the ASCP BOC.
- show a U.S. educational equivalency statement.
- contain a course by course breakdown.
- be an original or certified copy* of the transcript evaluation.
- *A certified copy is a photocopy of the original transcript evaluation, stamped and signed by the evaluation agency.
Important notes:
- A foreign degree must be equivalent to a U.S. degree.
- All foreign transcript evaluations are subject to audit.
- The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.
For more information on how to complete your transcript evaluation, please contact one of the acceptable evaluation agencies for foreign transcripts.
Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts
Submitting Foreign Transcript Evaluations to the ASCP BOC
Transcript evaluations for all ASCP categories should be sent to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.
Transcript evaluations for all ASCPi categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org.
Only if you are unable to submit your foreign transcript evaluation electronically, have it mailed to the address below. Do not send items through the mail if you have already submitted them electronically as this will slow the processing of all applications. Allow for an additional 2 weeks for processing of all foreign transcript evaluations submitted by mail.
ASCP BOC
Attn: Jackie Sanders
33 W. Monroe St, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.
If high school graduation, college credits, and/or a degree are required to meet the eligibility requirements, you must request that an official transcript be sent to the ASCP BOC.
Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution or a third-party vendor, such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, and require:
- Date degree was conferred (if required)
- Seal of academic institution
- Signature of Registrar
Foreign Transcript Evaluation
Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States or Canada must have their academics evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. See “Verify Academic Education from an Accredited College/University outside of the United States and Canada” for complete information.
The ASCP BOC reserves the right to request a foreign transcript evaluation from any applicant with education outside of the U.S.
When applying for an ASCP BOC credential that has valid certification as an eligibility requirement, the applicant’s prior ASCP BOC credential must be in a current CMP cycle.
If you are previously ASCP BOC credentialed, and have a legible, official transcript already on file from a previous application that verifies a degree or specific coursework requirements have been met, you may not be required to submit an additional transcript. For all applications, staff has the right to request the submission of an official transcript verifying the academic requirements for the category and route of application have been met.
VERIFY EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING
If required for the category and route under which you are applying, laboratory experience must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.
To document your laboratory experience (if required) you must:
- download and print the appropriate training documentation form corresponding to your category and route of application (go to U.S. Certifications or Qualifications).
- have your immediate supervisor or laboratory management complete and sign this form, along with a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity Requirements” below.
- upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
- Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
- Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
Clinical experience must be completed at an acceptable clinical laboratory:
CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
DoD CLIP certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
JCI accreditation; OR
Accreditation under ISO 15189.
Full and Part Time Experience Defined
Full time experience is defined as a minimum of 35 hours per week. Individuals who have part time experience may be permitted to utilize prorated part time experience to meet the experience requirements.
For example, if you are employed part time 20 hours per week for one year, your experience would be computed as 20 divided by 35 multiplied by 52 weeks, or the equivalent of 29.7 weeks of full time employment.
The number of years of experience required must be completed within the time frame specified in the eligibility requirements, calculated from the date of application (e.g., application submitted March, 2022; experience acceptable from March, 2012 for a ten year time frame).
Completion of an Accredited Training Program may qualify as 1 year of experience
Successful completion of one of the following programs within the last five years can be used in place of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience for the MLT or MLS examination. In addition, completion of this program will count as one semester of organic or biochemistry.
- NAACLS accredited MLS program
- NAACLS accredited MLT program
- ABHES accredited MLT program
- Foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program
The other years of acceptable clinical laboratory experience for the MLS or MLT examination must be completed in an acceptable laboratory.*
Clinical experience must be completed at an acceptable clinical laboratory:
CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
DoD CLIP certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
JCI accreditation; OR
Accreditation under ISO 15189.
Verify Laboratory Training
If required for the category and route under which you are applying, laboratory training must be completed and documented before submitting your application and application fee.
To document your laboratory training (if required) you must:
- download and print the appropriate training documentation form corresponding to your category and route of application (go to U.S. Certifications or Qualifications).
- have your program director complete and sign this form, along with a Letter of Authenticity. See “Letter of Authenticity Requirements” below.
- upload the completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity as PDF documents within the online application.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- All documents must be PDF documents; pictures are not acceptable.
- Documents must be no larger than 10 MB.
- Applications may be started and “saved for later” for up to 30 days.
- Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
Clinical experience must be completed at an acceptable clinical laboratory:
CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
DoD CLIP certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; OR
JCI accreditation; OR
Accreditation under ISO 15189.
Structured Training Programs (PBT, MLA)
If your formal structured PBT or MLA training program is not NAACLS accredited, you must submit a training documentation form. To document completion of your structured training program, see “Verify Laboratory Training” above.
Structured Categorical Training Programs (BB, C, H, M)
Some NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) programs offer structured categorical programs in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology, in addition to the traditional, complete MLS program. Individuals who complete structured training programs in a single area under the auspices of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, with the requisite education, qualify for the technologist examination (BB, C, H, or M) under Route 3. Applicants applying for BB, C, H, M under Route 3 should not submit an application until after successful completion of the structured program.
To document completion of your structured training program, see “Verify Laboratory Training” above.
All training and experience documentation forms must be submitted with a Letter of Authenticity. The purpose of this letter is to verify that the person who completed and signed the documentation form is an authorized representative of the institution.
A Letter of Authenticity must:
- state that the person submitting the Letter of Authenticity also completed the documentation form.
- be completed by authorized personnel (i.e. Program Director, manager, supervisor).
- contain a handwritten signature (not typed or electronic) and date.
- be printed on institutional letterhead.
**The same person must complete and sign the documentation form and complete the Letter of Authenticity. All documentation must be originals, with handwritten signatures, scanned and saved as a PDF file.
Military Certifications
Provided they are in good standing, active military personnel enrolled in military laboratory specialist courses and in NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited/approved training programs can sit for the appropriate ASCP BOC certification examination within the last three weeks of Phase II training.
Certification Examinations OfferedIf required for your route of application, one of the following must be uploaded as a PDF document in the training section of the online application:
- Official documentation of your military code (NEC, MOS or AFSC code or 68K)
- Official certificate verifying completion of training
- Official copy of your DD214 form, SRB or ERB
Please note that the first application for a specific category cannot be completed without uploading appropriate documentation. Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.
Application Resources
Application Fee Covered by the U.S. MilitaryIf your application fee is being paid by the military, upon completing the online application, follow the pay-by-mail instructions.
- At the end of the online application process, you’ll be prompted to print your pay-by-mail documents. Submit these completed documents to the appropriate military personnel to be submitted to the ASCP BOC office.
- When payment is received from the military and authorized, processing of your application will begin. Processing of your application will take 45 business days from the date payment is authorized.
Please note that application fees are non-refundable.
Tips:
- Applications need to be submitted online, and payment received, within 90 days from the date you started the application. Applications are not considered complete until payment has been received and processed.
- Credit card payments need to be submitted, with the invoice(s), to the ASCP BOC office within 90 days of starting the application(s).
Mail invoice(s) to:
ASCP Board of Certification
3462 Eagle Way
Chicago, IL 60678
Military personnel and their families can take ASCP BOC certification examinations at military bases and any other Pearson VUE Preferred test centers. To gain access to on-base military test centers, an examinee must have both a valid government ID and authorization to enter the base. Make sure that you have proper authorization for access to the military base before scheduling your exam. You can find a site near you at the Pearson Vue website.
Military candidates should schedule an appointment for the date and time of their choice within their eligibility window by following the instructions on their Admission Notification.
If high school graduation, or college credits and/or a degree, is required to meet the eligibility requirements, you must request that an official transcript be sent electronically to the ASCP BOC.
Official transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution and require:
- Date degree was conferred (if required)
- Seal of academic institution
- Signature of Registrar
The ASCP BOC has partnered with Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse to more quickly and efficiently receive electronic transcripts. If your academic institution utilizes one of these third party vendors, you must follow the instructions provided to choose the ASCP BOC as the recipient of your electronic transcript. If you do not follow these instructions, you may be required to order, pay for, and submit another transcript to be processed by the ASCP BOC.
If your institution manages electronic transcripts independently they should be sent from an official representative of your academic institution to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.
Multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met. All academic requirements are a minimum requirement, so a higher degree can be used to verify eligibility. For example, if high school graduation is required, an Associate’s degree would meet that requirement. If a baccalaureate degree is required, a Master’s degree or Doctorate would meet that minimum requirement.
Specific Coursework Requirements
If the eligibility requirements state courses are required in biology and chemistry, the courses listed on the official transcript must be in the biology and chemistry departments. This allows those courses with unfamiliar names to be identified as acceptable. Courses which the applicant feels should be considered as biological science or chemistry may be acceptable if the applicant submits proof. 100 level or above courses will count towards the required college course work.
Please note: Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited MLS program, NAACLS or ABHES accredited MLT program, or a foreign medical laboratory science clinical training program within the last five years can be used in lieu of one year of full time acceptable clinical experience. In addition, this will count as completion of one semester of organic or biochemistry.
Students from NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Programs
Taking the examination is dependent upon successful completion of your program and all academic requirements. You may sit for the exam one time before an official transcript verifying completion of high school graduation, college coursework, and/or your degree has been received by the ASCP BOC office.
Important note: you will not have access to your examination score and are not certified until your official transcript has been received and processed by the ASCP BOC. If an official transcript is not received and processed within one year of your examination date, your score will be invalidated and you will not be certified.
For additional information see below.
Submit Application
For step by step instructions on how to apply online, go to “Apply for Credential.”
ASCP BOC Application PoliciesThe ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or refund application fees due to non-receipt of BOC email notifications, being found ineligible, personal/family-related responsibilities, lack of study, failure to make an appointment or appear for a scheduled examination.
Applicants must verify that they meet the current eligibility requirements to be made eligible to sit for an examination. All eligibility requirements, and necessary documentation, are available on the ASCP BOC website. Applicants must be able to verify that they meet the academic, training, and/or experience requirements for the category and route for which they have applied.
Applicants should only apply when they are ready to sit for the examination. Students completing an accredited program should not apply more than six weeks before successful program completion.
Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. This fee covers the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of documentation. If you cancel, do not appear, miss your scheduled appointment, or are determined ineligible, you must submit a full application fee and reapply for examination.
Eligibility is determined after a paid application is submitted. The ASCP BOC does not consult with a candidate, review documentation, or determine a candidate’s eligibility prior to application. Eligibility is determined only after a candidate’s application, fee, and all required documentation has been received and all items have been reviewed by an evaluator.
Eligibility periods will not be extended. The eligibility period is currently 120 days. Once an application has been reviewed and made eligible, the applicant receives an Admission Notification indicating their eligibility period. Applicants must take their examination within the eligibility period. Failure to complete the exam within this time frame will require a new application and application fee.
Applicants are responsible for making and keeping their scheduled examination appointment. If an applicant cancels without rescheduling, or misses their exam appointment, a new application must be submitted. To verify your appointment, contact Pearson VUE.
Applicants are responsible for keeping their email address current with the ASCP BOC. An email address is verified when submitting an application; all communication and notifications are sent via email. As necessary, an applicant must update their email address in their ASCP record.
An applicant may sit for an examination up to five times under one eligibility route, provided that they meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, they must meet the current requirements under an alternate eligibility route.
Certification, if granted, may be revoked at any time for inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete information, click here.
For information about the ASCP BOC Appeals Policy, click here.
All applications are processed in the order received. An application is not officially submitted until payment has been fully processed. To determine your eligibility for examination, all required documentation must be submitted and reviewed by ASCP BOC staff.
- Log in to your account at any time to view the status of your application.
- Upon review of submitted documentation, you will be notified to log in to your account to view the status of your application.
- Allow an average of 4 weeks after submission to receive a status update regarding your application.
- Missing or deficient documentation must be submitted as soon as possible. If documents are not received by ASCP BOC staff within 8 weeks of the initial application date, your application may be deleted.
Do not submit duplicate documents, including transcripts, as it delays the processing of all applications. ASCP Customer Relations will not be able to provide information regarding the status of submitted documents, including transcripts.
Graduates of accredited programs may sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by ASCP BOC staff. Go to www.ascp.org/boc/us-documentation and choose “Verify Academic Education from a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited Program” for complete information.
All electronic transcripts must be manually downloaded and connected to an application before processing and review can begin. ASCP BOC staff receive a high volume of transcripts daily, particularly during the months of March – August.
- Once received by the ASCP BOC, electronic transcripts will be downloaded within 2 weeks.
- From September – February, allow up to 6 weeks after a transcript has been downloaded for processing.
- From March – August, allow up to 8 weeks after a transcript has been downloaded for processing.
Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify all academic requirements. Do not submit duplicate transcripts as it delays the processing of all applications.
The timelines above only apply to transcripts that were submitted correctly. For complete information, see “Submitting Transcripts” and “Was My Transcript Submitted Correctly?” on the right-hand side of this page.
ASCP Customer Relations will not be able to provide information regarding the status of submitted transcripts.
All information regarding the status of your application (from submission to examination results) is available by logging into your ASCP account. (Go to “Apply for Credential” for instructions.) Any time there has been a change in the status of your application, an email notification is sent with instructions to log in to your account.
Please note that you may log in to your account at any time to view the current status of your application. The ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or reinstate deleted applications due to the non-receipt of BOC application status email notifications.
Important Note: Application fees cover the administrative costs of processing applications, including the review of all documentation; application fees are not refundable.
Application Statuses
Received – Your application and fee have been successfully submitted. Your application, along with any uploaded documents, are in queue to be processed by ASCP BOC staff.
Deficient – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. There are specific eligibility requirements that the provided documentation have not verified; these deficiencies must be resolved.
Specific information about what additional information is needed, along with instructions for resolving these deficiencies, is available after logging in (see above).
Eligible – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. They have verified that you meet the requirements for you to sit for the examination.
Your Admission Notification, containing instructions on scheduling an appointment to take the examination within the eligibility period assigned, is available after logging in (see above).
Graduates of accredited programs may sit for the examination one time before an official transcript has been received and processed by ASCP BOC staff. Go to www.ascp.org/boc/us-documentation and choose “Verify Academic Education from a CAAHEP, or ABHES Accredited Program” for complete information.
Ineligible – Your application and submitted documents have been reviewed by ASCP BOC staff. Identified deficiencies were not resolved within 12 weeks of the initial application. Your application has been deleted and you must re-apply. If you wish to appeal the decision regarding your ineligibility, please follow the appeals process under Eligibility to Sit for an Examination.
Transcripts
- Only send transcripts that are necessary to verify the academic requirements have been met. If needed, multiple transcripts may be submitted to verify that all academic requirements have been met.
- Only submit official transcripts; do not submit transcripts before coursework has been completed or a degree has been conferred (if necessary). Unofficial or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted and impede the processing of appropriate documentation.
- Submit official transcripts after submitting a completed application.
- Make sure that your first and last names on your official transcript matches the name on your online application. If you have already submitted a transcript with a different last name, see “Missing Transcripts” for instructions.
Credential Holders: Don’t Order Verification of your Credential Too Soon!
- An email notification to view your score report will be sent within four business days of completing your examination. You are not credentialed until your passing score report has been made available to you, which includes your valid three-year credential cycle dates. If you place an order for verification of your credential before you have received access to this score report, a result will not be returned because you are not yet certified.
- Verification fees will not be refunded, nor will they be transferred to another order, if you order verification before you are credentialed.
Submit Documentation
Uploading Documentation Forms & Letters of AuthenticityIf verification of training or experience is required, download the appropriate documentation forms.
Completed documentation form(s) and Letter(s) of Authenticity must be uploaded as PDF documents before an initial online application can be submitted.
- Pictures are not acceptable.
- PDF files must be no larger than 10MB.
- All signatures must be original, handwritten signatures; electronic signatures are not acceptable.
- Documentation forms and Letters of Authenticity sent via mail or email will not be reviewed or processed.
Retake Applications
Retake applications will allow for the uploading of new documents, but not require them.
All documents are processed by the ASCP BOC office in the order received.
Helpful Tips
- Only submit official transcripts; do not submit transcripts before coursework has been completed or a degree has been conferred (if necessary). Unofficial or incomplete transcripts will not be accepted and impede the processing of appropriate documentation.
- Submit official transcripts after submitting a completed application.
- Make sure that your first and last names on your official transcript matches the name on your online application. If you have already submitted a transcript with a different last name, see “Missing Transcripts” below for instructions.
Transcripts Sent Electronically
Official transcript(s) must be sent directly from your academic institution or a third-party vendor. The ASCP BOC recommends official transcripts be submitted electronically. We have partnered with Parchment and National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) to receive electronic transcripts from educational institutions more quickly and efficiently.
- See if you can order you official transcript from Parchment.
- See if you can order your official transcript from National Student Clearinghouse.
When using a third party vendor, choose the ASCP BOC as the recipient of your electronic transcript. If you do not, you may be required to order, pay for, and submit another official transcript to be processed by the ASCP BOC. Instructions are provided below:
If your educational institution manages electronic transcripts independently they must be sent from an official representative of your academic institution to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org.
Official transcripts or transcript evaluations for all ASCPi (International) categories should be sent to ascpinternational@ascp.org.
Transcripts Sent by Mail
Only send transcripts by mail if you are unable to submit them electronically. Do not send transcripts through the mail if you have already submitted them electronically as this will slow the processing of all applications. Allow for an additional 2 weeks in the processing of all transcripts submitted by mail.
ASCP BOC
Attn: Jackie Sanders
33 W. Monroe St, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
For complete information about timelines, see “Timeframes for Processing Transcripts” on the left side of this page.
All transcripts are processed in the order received.
If you submitted an official transcript more than 6 weeks ago, follow the instructions below.
First, please check for a few things:
- Log in to your ASCP account and “View Details” of your completed BOC application. Review any information provided.
- Did you accidentally have the transcript sent electronically to yourself rather than the ASCP BOC?
- Check your junk, spam, and email folders for any emails sent to you.
- If you ordered your transcript through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, log in to their website and choose to “re-send” the email and password links; this will show you to which email it was originally sent.
- If you sent the transcript to yourself, follow the instructions above to correctly have an official transcript sent directly to the ASCP BOC.
- If the transcript was sent correctly to the ASCP BOC, follow the instructions near the bottom of this page.
- Was your transcript sent under a different last name than is on your exam application?
- If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Alternate Name” and include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your exam application, Customer ID, and category of application
- The institution from which the transcript was sent and the name that appears on the transcript
- The date and method by which the transcript was sent (mail, electronic; if electronic, provide the order number and provider – NSC, Parchment, school)
- If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Alternate Name” and include the following information:
- Did you send your transcript in before your application was paid / officially submitted?
- If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Early Transcript” and include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, category of application, and date of paid application
- The institution from which the transcript was sent and the name that appears on the transcript
- The date and method by which the transcript was sent (mail, electronic; if electronic, provide the order number and provider – NSC, Parchment, school)
- If so, please send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Early Transcript” and include the following information:
Once you have checked the items above, under “Was My Transcript Submitted Correctly?” and confirmed that you correctly sent the transcript to the ASCP BOC more than 8 weeks ago, follow the instructions below:
- If the transcript was sent electronically, forward your order confirmation to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org and change the subject line to “Missing Electronic Transcript.” Include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, and category of application
- If the transcript was sent through the mail, in paper form, send an email to Transcripts.boc@ascp.org with the subject line “Mailed Transcript” and include the following information:
- Your name as it appears on the application, Customer ID, and category of application
- The institution from which the transcript was sent and the date that it was mailed
- The name that appears on the transcript
All emails will be reviewed and issues investigated as quickly as possible.
Please allow 3 – 5 business days for a response or resolution.
Scheduling Your Examination
When you receive your email notification to login to view your Admission Notification, you may schedule your examination appointment at a Pearson VUE Testing Center, the testing provider for all ASCP BOC certification examinations.
- Login to your ASCP account to view your Admission Notification.
- Verify all information for accuracy.
- Schedule an appointment within your eligibility period; use the contact information provided for Pearson VUE in the Admission Notification.
All scheduling, cancelling, and re-scheduling of examination appointments is between the examinee and Pearson VUE.
Appointments may be made up to one business day in advance. After you successfully schedule your appointment, Pearson VUE will send confirmation that includes your test date and time, and the address, phone number, and directions to the test center.
It is strongly recommended that you contact Pearson VUE as early as possible to make your appointment for the best opportunity to test at your preferred time and location. You must take your examination within the eligibility period found in your Admission Notification. Failure to complete the exam within this time frame will require you to reapply.
Applicants are solely responsible for making and keeping their scheduled examination appointment. If you cancel without rescheduling or miss your exam appointment, you must reapply for examination. To verify your appointment, contact Pearson VUE. Application fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
The ASCP BOC will not grant extensions or refund application fees due to non-receipt of BOC email notifications, personal/family-related responsibilities, lack of study, failure to make an appointment or appear for a scheduled examination.
Rescheduling an Appointment
- You must contact Pearson VUE at least one full business day (24 hours) prior to your exam date and time to reschedule an appointment. You may only reschedule within your eligibility period. See chart below.
- Scheduling changes must be made and confirmed by contacting Pearson Customer Service. Leaving a voice mail is not sufficient to reschedule your appointment.
- Upon successfully rescheduling your exam date, you will receive a confirmation email from Pearson VUE within 24 hours.
- If you do not receive an email, you have not successfully rescheduled.
| TEST DAY | LAST CANCEL / CHANGE DAY At least 24 hours before appointment |
| Monday | Friday of the preceding week |
| Tuesday | Monday of the same week |
| Wednesday | Tuesday of the same week |
| Thursday | Wednesday of the same week |
| Friday | Thursday of the same week |
| Saturday | Friday of the same week |
Cancellation Policy
You will not receive any refund of your application fee, nor can it be transferred to another application, if you do not make an appointment, cancel your appointment, or miss your scheduled (or rescheduled) appointment within the examination eligibility period. A new application and full application fee will be required to schedule a new exam date.
Student Resources and Study Guides
The BOC provides a range of tools to support your efforts for achieving certification.
Content Guidelines & Reading Lists
All specific content for an exam category can be found under U.S. Certifications and International Certifications, sorted by individual category. This includes:
- Examination Content Guidelines which include an outline of topics covered on each exam.
- Reading Lists of suggested materials for each exam.
- All required documentation forms.
- Complete information about the application process.
#BOCStudyGuide Question of the Week on Social Media
The #BOCStudyGuide Question of the Week can help you prepare for the MLS and MLT exams! These practice questions from the BOC Study Guides test your knowledge on various exam topics and can aid you in identifying which concepts you’re struggling with so you can focus your studies more effectively. Watch the ASCP BOC Facebook page to see when a new question is available!
Exam Video Interviews
Are you curious about the examination process? Would you like to have a better understanding of what it takes to prepare and sit for an examination? Well now is your chance to hear directly from ASCP BOC credential holders about their exam experience. Click on any of the following links to learn more:
ADVANCED EXAM VIDEO INTERVIEWS
Advanced Interviews – Highlight Video
(DLM) Patty Eschliman, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CMDLMCM
(SBB) Danielle Mullins, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM
(SBB) Karen Milks, MLS(ASCP)CMSBBCM
(SM) Laksana Sierra, MS, MLS(ASCP)SMCM
(SMB) Hana Fukuto, PhD, SMB(ASCP)CM
TECHNOLOGIST/SCIENTIST VIDEO INTERVIEWS
(CLM) Mercedes Cedeño, CLM(ASCPi)
QUALIFICATION EXAM VIDEO INTERVIEWS
(QBRS) Lisa M. Turner, BS, HT(ASCP)CM,QIHCCM,QBRSCM
(QIHC) HM1 Neisha V. Wright, HT(ASCP)CM,QIHCCM
Study Guides
The BOC offers several BOC Study Guides:
- BOC Study Guide for Clinical Laboratory Certification Examinations (also available as a bundle with the MLS Online Review Course)
- BOC Study Guide for Histotechnology Certification Examinations
- BOC Study Guide for Phlebotomy Certification Examinations
MLS Online Review Course
The MLS Online Review Course is a competency-based curriculum to help U.S. and international medical laboratory scientists (MLSs) who plan on becoming ASCP/ASCPi MLS certified prepare for this examination. In addition to functioning as a concise review, covering the highlights of the content areas on the MLS exam, the MLS Online Review Course can also help you determine when you are ready to take the exam.
Practice Exams
*NEW* BOC Interactive Practice Exam – MLT and MLS
Versatile and extremely valuable, the BOC Interactive Practice Exam enables the user to build custom quizzes and timed practice tests based on topics, difficulty and more, pulling from a library of nearly 2,500 study questions built by ASCP. You can even compare question-level results to see how your peers are answering.
Highlights include:
- Nearly 2,500 questions (same as the BOC Study Guide!)
- User can build their own quiz or timed practice exam, choosing questions based on:
- Subject area
- Difficulty level – Based on data from other users
- Practice Exam allows user to set a time limit to simulate a real exam scenario
- MLT-only filter can be applied for those studying for MLT Exam
- Mobile friendly – Access anywhere on desktop or mobile
- Commentary and references can be turned on or off for different study styles
Purchase ASCP BOC Interactive
MLT/MLS Practice Exam
Also Available:
*NEW* BOC Histotechnology Interactive Practice Exam
*NEW* BOC Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam
ASCP is also offering expanded support to those studying for the BOC Histotechnician, HT(ASCP) or Histotechnologist, HTL(ASCP) certification exams, the BOC Phlebotomy Technician, PBT(ASCP) certification exam, or the Qualification in Donor Phlebotomy (QDP) exam.
BOC Histotechnology & Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam Product Features
Versatile and extremely valuable, the BOC Histotechnology Interactive Practice Exam and BOC Phlebotomy Interactive Practice Exam enable users to build custom quizzes and timed practice tests based on topics, difficulty and more, pulling from libraries of nearly 1,300 study questions for each exam, built by ASCP. You can even compare question-level results to see how your peers are answering.
Exam Administration
The ASCP Board of Certification uses computer adaptive testing (CAT) for the majority of its certification exams, and a fixed-form exam for selected certification exams. CAT provides a more robust method to measure the true ability of test takers. When a test taker answers a question correctly, the next exam question has a slightly higher level of difficulty. The difficulty level of the questions presented to the test taker continues to increase until a question is answered incorrectly. Then, a slightly easier question is presented. In this way, the exam is tailored to the individual’s ability level and ensures that each question has a 50% chance of being answered correctly.
All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer. In CAT, test takers cannot skip a question because the CAT algorithm measures the individual’s ability level each time a question is answered. Since each exam adjusts to meet the test taker’s knowledge level, every exam is unique.
Each question in the test bank is calibrated for level of difficulty and is classified by content area. The content area aligns with the exam specific content outline. The test taker must answer enough questions correctly to achieve a score at or above the pass point in order to successfully pass the exam. There is no set number of questions one must answer to pass, nor is there a set percentage one must achieve to pass. If at the end of the exam the test taker’s score is at or above the pass point, then he or she passes the exam.
Exam Durations
- Most examinations are scheduled for 2 hours and 30 minutes and have 100 questions.
- The PBT examination is scheduled for 2 hours and has 80 questions.
- The MLT examination for California state licensure ONLY is scheduled for 2 hours and has 80 questions.
- The DMLI examination is scheduled for 4 hours and has 150 questions.
Exam Format
- All exam questions are multiple-choice with one best answer.
- Test takers cannot skip questions.
- Once you complete an exam, and if there is still time available, you may review your answers. Changing an answer will not affect previously answered questions.
Taking the Exam
- Verify your name and examination category at the beginning of the examination.
- Agree to the pledge of confidentiality regarding examination content.
- Read all directions carefully before beginning the examination.
- View your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination. As these are preliminary results, score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.
Ordering Verification of Certification
Until your passing score report has been made available to you, your certification will not be available for verification. See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.
Official Examination Results
Notification to log in to your account to view your examination score will be emailed to you within four business days after you have taken the examination, provided all official transcripts verifying the required coursework or appropriate degree have been received and processed.
Your official score report will indicate “pass” or “fail” status and the scaled score on the total examination. Exams are scored using a psychometric formula that places test takers' abilities onto a common linear scale. To help the test taker understand their ability more easily, scores on the psychometric scale are transformed into a scaled score. This practice is commonplace across large-scale testing environments. The BOC uses a scale of 100 to 999 with a minimum passing score of 400.
Examination results cannot be released by phone or email to anyone, including the examinee.
Release of Exam Score to Program Officials
If you completed a NAACLS, CAAHEP, or ABHES accredited program, your examination score will be released to the officials of your program unless you instruct the ASCP Board of Certification otherwise. Send your request to PDInfo@ascp.org. Make sure to include your ASCP Customer ID as well as the name of your program.
Official notification by email must be received no later than 7 days after your examination date.
Revocation of Certification
Certification, if granted, may be revoked at any time due to inappropriate or unethical behavior. For complete information, click here.
Arrive 30 Minutes Before Your Scheduled Exam Time
- You must report to the testing center 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
- If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to test. You would then need to reapply, including a full application fee.
- Upon check-in, Pearson VUE will collect your signature, photo, and palm vein image.
- You must provide a valid ID, with photo and signature, upon check in. See below for full details.
- You will be given a checklist of rules to read and sign.
- Another palm vein image will be taken before you are seated in the exam room and if you leave the room during your exam. Biometric technology (palm vein imaging) ensures that each candidate will only have a single record in the Pearson VUE system and safeguards the integrity of every ASCP exam.
Identification with Matching Name
If your name (first and last) on your application does not match your valid ID, you must submit a name change request before scheduling your examination. For complete information on submitting a name change, see General Information.
A valid (not expired) ID with your photograph and signature must be presented in order to test. See below for acceptable forms of ID.
Your valid ID must:
- not be expired.
- contain both your photograph and signature.
- have your first and last name match your first and last name registered at the Pearson VUE Testing Center. This is the first and last name under which you applied for the examination.
If you appear at the Pearson VUE Testing Center without an approved ID, or that does not match your name registered with Pearson, you will not be permitted to take the examination. You will then be required to reapply with a full application fee for another examination period.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
In order to be acceptable, your ID must have both your photograph and signature.
- Driver’s License
- Identification Card (national/state/province identity card)
- International Travel Passport
- Alien Registration Card (Permanent resident card)
Candidate Test Center Procedures
You will be required to leave your personal belongings outside of the testing room in small storage lockers. You will be asked to remove any large jewelry or other accessories before entering the testing room. Provisions have been made for specific religious or cultural apparel.
Non-programmable calculators may be brought to the testing center. Writing material for calculations will be provided for you.
The following items will not be accessible during your examination appointment:
- Any educational, test preparation or study materials.
- Cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, programmable calculators, or any other electronic devices.
- Weapons of any kind.
Prohibited Materials and Behavior
Reference books, notes, or other study materials may not be brought into the testing center.
If the test administrator determines that you have engaged in inappropriate conduct during the exam (such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid, looking at notes/reference books/study guides, etc.) your exam session may be terminated, and you may be unable to complete your exam.
Review the ASCP BOC/Pearson VUE - Candidate Test Center Procedures for full details.
Examination Irregularities
For exam content or exam administration irregularities, click below for the appeals procedure.
Email Notification of Exam Score Report
While you will view your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination, this is a preliminary result and score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.
You are not certified until your passing score report is made available to you; this score report includes your certification number and valid three-year credential cycle dates.
Ensure that your email address is current by logging into your ASCP account. A notification to view your passing examination score report will be emailed to you within four business days after completing your exam, provided all official transcripts verifying the required coursework or appropriate degree have been received and processed by the ASCP BOC.
Requesting Verification of Certification for Submission to a Third Party
Until you can access your passing score report, your certification will not be available for verification. See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.
A Third-Party Verification Request link is available on your passing score report with instructions for requesting verification of certification for a third party, such as a state licensing board or an employer. There is a $20 service fee associated with each verification of certification order.
After Your Exam
- Follow the email instructions to review your score report.
- Watch for your wall certificate to arrive.
- Order verification of your certification to be submitted to a 3rd party if necessary
- See www.ascp.org/boc/verification-timing for complete information.
- Set a reminder to participate in the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) prior to the three year expiration date.
ASCP wall certificates are custom printed and mailed to you as a hard copy. We cannot email your wall certificate, nor do we keep copies on file.
ASCP wall certificates are not intended to be used as verification of your certification for an employer or third party. They are for your records only. You may order primary source verification of your ASCP certification online. There is a $20 service fee associated with each primary source verification order placed.
Wall certificates are ordered weekly and mailed directly from our vendor by first class mail through the United States Postal system (USPS). This level of postal service does not use a tracking number.
- Upon accessing your score report, you are required to verify the mailing address to which the wall certificate will be mailed.
- Please provide an address where you know the wall certificate may be securely delivered directly to you or a trusted individual who can receive it on your behalf.
- Make sure the address is complete and formatted accurately.
- You will receive your wall certificate, valid for three years, several weeks after your score report notification.
- For U.S. addresses, it may take 3-5 weeks
- For international addresses, it may take 6-9 weeks
- Delivery to an international address depends on your country’s postal system.
- Providing a complete and accurate mailing address is essential.
If you do not receive your BOC wall certificate in the approximate timeframes listed above, you may wait to see if your wall certificate is returned to the BOC office as “undeliverable.” This may take up to six months. You will be notified immediately if your wall certificate is returned to the BOC office.
If you do not want to wait to see if your wall certificate will be returned to the BOC office as undeliverable, you may order a replacement wall certificate to be mailed to an address you provide. Replacement wall certificates may be ordered online. There is an $18.00 service fee associated with each replacement wall certificate order placed.
The number of people misrepresenting their ASCP certification status has significantly increased over the years. To protect the integrity of your ASCP Board of Certification credential and records please pay attention to the following:
- Do not loan your wall certificate to another individual.
- If you have an ASCP Member ID card, do not share with anyone.
- Do not post a copy of your wall certificate, score report or ASCP Membership ID card on the internet or social media.
For more information, click the button below.
An ASCP BOC credential, if granted, may be revoked at any time and the applicant may be barred from admission to take future credential (certification or qualification) examinations if it is established that the applicant has participated in inappropriate or unethical behavior such as, but not limited to:
- Submitting information contained in, or supplied in support of, an application for examination that is inaccurate in any material respect.
- Engaging in any inappropriate conduct during the examination, such as giving or obtaining unauthorized information or aid.
- Sharing exam items or information from the examination with others.
- Misrepresentation or misuse of the applicant’s certification status at any time.
Click here for additional information.
Credential Maintenance Program
To maintain your credential, you are required to complete the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. Click the button below to learn about the CMP program.
Email Notification of Exam Score Report
While you will view your preliminary examination result (pass/fail) on the computer screen at the end of the examination, this is a preliminary result and score reports are not available to be printed at the Pearson VUE test center.
Ensure that your email address is current by logging into your ASCP account. A notification to view your examination score report will be emailed to you within four business days after completing your exam.
Re-Examination
If you are unsuccessful in passing your exam, information on re-testing will be included with your score report.
- Do not submit a new application, including application fee, to retake the exam until after receiving email notification to login to view your score report.
- Once your application to retake the exam is processed, your new eligibility period will begin 30 days after the most recent failed exam attempt.
- This is to ensure that applicants review their examination score report to focus their studies on the areas which need improvement.
Note: Applicants from NAACLS/CAAHEP/ABHES accredited programs, and international certification applicants from select programs, can schedule one examination date before an official transcript has been received and processed. Applicants who do not appear or fail the examination and wish to reapply will not be able to schedule another examination date until the ASCP BOC has verified that academic requirements have been met.
If you were unsuccessful in passing the examination, your scaled scores on each of the subtests will be indicated on your score report. These subtest scores cannot be calculated to obtain your total score. These scores are provided as a means of demonstrating your areas of strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the minimum pass score.
Reapplying for Examination
If you are unsuccessful in passing an examination:
- You can take an examination five times under one eligibility route.
- After five unsuccessful attempts under one route:
- You must meet the requirements under an alternate route.
- If you do not meet the alternate requirements, you will no longer be eligible to apply for that particular exam.
- Each time you apply to take the exam, you must pay the full application fee.
- Documentation does not need to be re-submitted unless requested.
- Your laboratory experience must be within the required time limit from the date of application.
- Your new eligibility period will begin 30 days after the most recent failed exam attempt.
If you cancel, do not appear, miss your scheduled appointment, or are determined ineligible, you must submit a full application fee and reapply for examination.
After Your Exam
- Follow email instructions to review your exam score report.
- Review re-testing procedures provided in email.
- Apply for correct examination and pay full application fee.
Examination Results
The BOC does not rescore examinations or disclose content or answers for specific test items. Incorrect responses will not be reported when requesting a review.
To request a review of your examination due to specific administration or content irregularities, (i.e., technical issues at the test site, irregularities in the display of exam content) you must notify the ASCP Board of Certification office in writing within 30 days from the date of receipt of scores. Requests received after this date will not be accepted. A $25.00 fee is required. The check or money order must be enclosed with your request.
The review verifies the overall exam administration (i.e., that the examinee viewed the questions, the answers were recorded, the proper amount of time was given, questions were administered according to the content outline percentages, question difficulty increased or decreased appropriately, etc.).
Requests should be mailed to:
ASCP Board of Certification
33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
If you have questions, please review the appeal procedures page.