HT (ASCP) - Histotechnician

The Histotechnician (HT) certification is a professional credential for individuals specializing in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. This certification offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) signifies expertise in techniques such as cutting, staining and mounting tissue sections. It's essential for those working in histology labs in hospitals, clinics, research institutions and private labs. The HT certification confirms the individual's proficiency in histotechnology practices, contributing to accurate diagnosis and research.

Eligibility

The 3 routes for Histotechnician eligibility include:

Route 1:

• Successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited Histotechnician program within the last 5 years.

Route 2:

• 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry OR an associate degree from an accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within or in addition to an associate degree

• AND one year of full-time acceptable clinical experience in a histopathology laboratory within the last 5 years OR one year of full-time acceptable veterinary, industry or research experience in a histopathology laboratory in the U.S. or Canada within the last 5 years.

Route 3:

• 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry OR an associate degree from an accredited college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within or in addition to the associate degree

• AND completion of a 50-week U.S. military histotechnician training course within the last 10 years.

Laboratory Experience

To fulfill the experience requirement for the Histotechnician exam, applicants must have experience within the last 5 years in all of the following areas:

• Embedding/Microtomy

• Fixation

• Laboratory Operations

• Processing

• Staining

An applicant must be able to verify that they meet all eligibility requirements, including education, training and/or experience. For complete information, see the “Documentation” section of the website.

Completion Time: 2.5 hours

Cost: $225 nonrefundable

Exam Format

Applicants have 2.5 hours to complete the HT exam, which has 100 multiple-choice questions with one right answer. Testers can’t skip questions. Examinations are scored on a scale of 0 to 999, with a minimum passing scaled score of 400. 

The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) administers the HT certification exam using the format of Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). The CAT format measures knowledge and skills more accurately than standard fixed-form tests. Test takers can't skip items because the CAT algorithm measures the individual’s ability level for each question answered. Each exam adjusts to the test takers’ knowledge level, and every exam is unique.

Application Process

1. Eligibility: An associate degree in a laboratory science or a high school diploma with histology lab experience, as specified by ASCP.

2. Application: Complete the application on the ASCP website, including academic and professional documentation.

3. Preparation: Utilize ASCP and other histology-specific study materials for exam preparation.

4. Exam: Schedule and take the HT exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.

5. Results: Receive notification of exam results, typically within four weeks.

HT certification must be renewed every 3 years. Certification renewal requires continuing education activities defined by the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Renewal Fees

• 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 within three months of each other.

Beginning July 1, 2024:

• CMP fees for all credentials will increase by $5.

• CMP reinstatement fees for all credentials will increase by $10.

• CMP fees for additional credentials will increase by $5.

• CMP fees are non-refundable.

HT certification renewal requires 36 points in continuing education activities defined by the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP).

Required point distribution for HT certification renewal includes:

• 8 points in histology 

• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety

• 1 point in medical ethics

• 26 points in lab specialty, immunology, molecular diagnostics, management, education or other related laboratory areas of interest

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guideline

• Procedures for Exam and Certification

• Reading List

• HT Interactive Practice Exam (Cost $99 for non-members and $89 for members)

• HT Study Guide (Cost $99 for non-members and $89 for members)

• HT Study Guide and Practice Exam Bundle (Cost $139 for non-members and $119 for members)

• After obtaining HT certification, individuals may pursue the Histotechnologist (HTL) certification for advanced knowledge and skills in histotechnology.

• Other related certifications include certifications in cytotechnology and molecular biology, depending on career interests.

The ASCP offers other certifications, including:

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Specialist in Chemistry (SC)

• Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)

• Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)

• Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)