The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the largest private, non-profit certification organization with over 130,000 members. Since 1922, it has served as a professional organization providing certification, continuing education, and membership for pathologists and laboratory professionals. The majority of ASCP members are MLSs and pathologists.
The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is the most recognized certification organization for laboratory professionals. To become certified, a professional must pass an ASCP exam in their field. To maintain certification, a professional must complete continuing education courses every 3 years. ASCP's Credentialing Maintenance Program (CMP) manages a professional's continuing education credits and tracks their progress before the professional submits a declaration for ASCP BOC review.
ASCP offers the following certifications:
- Technologist/Scientist Certifications
- BB - Technologist in Blood Banking
- C - Technologist in Chemistry
- CG - Technologist in Cytogenetics
- CT - Cytologist
- H - Technologist in Hematology
- HTL - Histotechnologist
- M - Technologist in Microbiology
- MB - Technologist in Molecular Biology
- MLS - Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Technician Certifications
- DPT - Donor Phlebotomy Technician
- HT - Histotechnician
- MLA - Medical Laboratory Assistant
- MLT - Medical Laboratory Technician
- PBT - Phlebotomy Technician
- Specialist Certifications
- SBB - Specialist in Blood Banking
- SC - Specialist in Chemistry
- SCT - Specialist in Cytology
- SCYM - Specialist in Cytometry
- SH - Specialist in Hematology
- SM - Specialist in Microbiology
- SMB - Specialist in Molecular Biology
- Additional Certifications
- DLM - Diplomate in Laboratory Management
- DMLI - Diplomate in Medical Laboratory Immunology
- PA - Pathologists’ Assistants
