M (ASCP) - Technologist in Microbiology

The Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP) assists in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases by identifying microorganisms in blood and tissue samples. These laboratory specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities and serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty areas. The Technologist in Microbiology (M) credential is offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Cost

• Exam Fee: $250

• International Candidate Fee: $250. Applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy will receive a $95 discount.

• Starting in January 2026, certification fees will increase by $10, with exceptions available for international candidates living in low-resource countries.

To be eligible for the M(ASCP) examination, the applicant must meet at least one of the following pathways:

• Option 1: Hold a valid MT/MLS(ASCP) credential and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Option 2: Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field (or complete at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours in biology and chemistry combined), plus have one year of full-time clinical microbiology experience in the past five years.

• Option 3: Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field (or complete at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours in biology and chemistry combined), along with successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited MLS program in the last five years.

• Option 4: Earn a master’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field, plus six months of full-time clinical microbiology experience in an acceptable lab within the past five years.

• Option 5: Earn a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, or a bachelor’s with at least 30 semester/45 quarter hours in biology and chemistry combined, and complete a NAACLS-accredited MLS program in the last five years.

The applicant’s clinical laboratory experience must include three of the six areas to fulfill the examination requirements.

• Bacteriology

• Molecular Microbiology

• Mycobacteriology

• Mycology

• Parasitology

• Virology

To apply, the applicant may submit the application via the ASCP website.

To maintain the M(ASCP) certification, you are required to complete the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) every three years. The ASCP website provides a CMP portal for applicants to record CE progress and track required documents for M(ASCP) recertification. A total of 36 points are required.

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $35

• 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.

• Starting in January 2026, renewal fees will increase by $10.

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 Microbiology (M). The overall CMP points required did not increase.

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Outline

• Reading List

• Exam and Certification Procedures

Acceptable Clinical Laboratory: CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation, or JCI accreditation or Accreditation under ISO 15189.

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)