C (ASCP) - Technologist in Chemistry

  • $240
  • Renews every 3 years
  • Requires bachelor’s degree or higher

COURSE FORMAT

In Person

About

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) grants the Technologist in Chemistry (C) national certification for medical and clinical lab techs who demonstrate expertise in chemistry-related laboratory procedures. Clinical chemistry technologists work in medical labs, hospitals, or research labs. They analyze blood, body fluids, and tissues to determine DNA and cellular contents. Their analysis helps physicians make fast, precise diagnoses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, laboratory technology is an allied health field that expects twice the expected growth average in the next decade. Lab techs in this field earn a median salary of $53,120 per year.

The primary certification clinical chemistry technologists earn is the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This certification is optional but highly preferred in laboratories. To obtain Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification, candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.

Costs to certify

  • Exam Fee: $240

  • International Candidate Fee: $200. There is a discount of $95 for applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy.

  • Fees will increase by $10 beginning July 1, 2023.

Course Format

To qualify for the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exam, professionals must apply online, submit eligibility documentation, and pay an application fee. If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via email.

When the approval is received, the candidate must schedule an appointment to take the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exam.

The Technologist in Chemistry (C) test is a two-and-a-half-hour timed, computer-based exam with 100 multiple-choice questions.

Results

When the exam is finished, an unofficial pass/fail result is given to examinees at the test center.

Certification

Here are the steps to becoming a Certified Technologist in Chemistry.

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. 

  2. Go to college and obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

  3. Take a job as a lab tech to gain the required experience

  4. Apply to take the Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam.

To qualify for the Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s or higher chemistry degree. Alternately, they may have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and meet college hour requirements for chemistry education if they have a medical lab tech certification. Technologists in Chemistry (C) must be proficient in lab procedures, including blood gases, carbohydrates, electrolytes, electrophoresis, enzymes, heme compounds, hormones/vitamins, immunochemistry, lipids/lipoproteins, non-protein nitrogen compounds, point-of-care, proteins, quality management, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology.

Renewal

Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification is good for three years.

Technologists must complete Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requirements to renew certification. Technologist in Chemistry (C) CMP renewal requirements include:

  • renewal application online

  • 36 continuing education credits

Renewal Fee

  • Renewal fee: $95

  • Reinstatement fee: $125

  • Fee is reduced by $15 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

Continuing Education

Effective 1/1/2023, all certification categories are required to complete one CMP point of continuing education in the area of medical ethics (e. g., HIPAA, compliance, confidentiality training.)

Other Resources

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technicians occupational outlook by the BLS.

Related Certifications

The ASCP also offers the following:

  • Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

  • Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

  • Cytotechnologist (CT)

  • Technologist in Hematology (H)

  • Technologist in Microbiology (M)

  • Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

  • Histotechnologist (HTL)

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Frequently asked questions

Are ASCP and ASCPi the same?

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) tests competency on laboratory policies and procedures specific to the US. The American Society of Clinical Pathology International (ASCPi) examines proficiency with international lab standards. On the certification board exams, test items regarding Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations are replaced with ISO international standards questions in the ASCPi exams. 



What are some certifications I can pursue after obtaining ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification?

You can pursue Specialist in Chemistry (SC-ASCP), among others.

What organization offers the Technologist in Chemistry (C)?

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Technologist in Chemistry (C).

Can I earn a ASCP Technologists in Chemistry (C) online?

No you can't earn a ASCP Technologists in Chemistry (C) online.

What other certifications does the ASCP offer besides the Technologist in Chemistry (C)?

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) also offers the following:

  • Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

  • Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

  • Cytotechnologist (CT)

  • Technologist in Hematology (H)

  • Technologist in Microbiology (M)

  • Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

  • Histotechnologist (HTL)

If I am outside the U.S., am I eligible to apply for ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification?

For questions related to international Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification applicants, access the ASCP Board of Certification handbook for international candidates.

Are paper ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exams available?

No, paper ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exams aren't available. The ASCP uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) because it measures knowledge and skills more accurately and quickly than standard fixed-form tests. In CAT, a more difficult question follows a correct answer, and a less difficult question follows an incorrect answer to identify the test taker’s ability level in each area.

When do I find out if I passed the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam?

Examinees will receive unofficial pass/fail results at the testing center on completion of the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam. An official results report is available online within four business days.

What if I fail the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam?

Examinees will receive unofficial pass/fail results at the testing center on completion of the ASCP Technologist in Chemistry (C). Once you receive an email notification with your results, you may submit a new application and fee to retake the exam. You must wait a minimum of 90 days to retake the exam.