H (ASCP) - Technologist in Hematology

The Technologist in Hematology (H) is a national certification for medical and clinical laboratory technologists awarded by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The H-ASCP credential demonstrates expertise in blood morphology and coagulation disorders. Hematology techs analyze blood to aid physicians in diagnosing and treating illness and disease.

To obtain Technologist in Hematology (H) certification, candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians to double over the next decade. Lab professionals in this field earn a median salary of $53,120 annually.

Cost

• Exam Fee: $250

• International Fee: $210. Applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy will receive a $95 discount.

Test Format

To qualify for the Technologist in Hematology (H) certification, candidates apply online and submit eligibility documentation with the application fee. If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via email. Then candidates may schedule their test.

The Technologist in Hematology (H) test is a timed, 2.5-hour, computer-based exam with 100 questions. The examination is administered using a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. That means each question is on the one before. Test items are calibrated to the examinee’s demonstrated level of proficiency.

Results

Unofficial pass/fail results are available at the testing center on completion of the exam. Official results reports are available online within four business days.

Here are the steps to obtaining the H-ASCP certification. 

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Students interested in this field should focus on life science courses such as biology and chemistry.

2. Attend college and earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

3. Become a lab tech and gain the required experience in a lab setting.

4. Get certified as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Specialist (MLS) through ASCP.

5. Apply for the Technologist in Hematology (H-ASCP) exam.

To qualify for the H-ASCP exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a biological science or chemistry or have a bachelor’s degree in another field but meet requirements for 30 hours in biology and chemistry. Technologists in Hematology (H) must be proficient in hematology physiology, hematology disease states, laboratory testing, hemostasis, and lab procedures.

Technologist in Hematology (H) certification is valid for three years.

Technologists must complete Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requirements to renew certification. The requirements include:

• Renewal application online

• 36 CMP points

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• Fee is reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

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.)

Beginning January 2024, the amount of dedicated CMP points increased from 2 to 8 for the Technologist in Hematology (H). The overall CMP points required did not increase.

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guidelines

• Reading List

• Exam and Certification Procedures

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)