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

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

• Option 1: Valid MT/MLS(ASCP) certification and a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university.

• Option 2: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree, and one year of full-time clinical experience in microbiology in a laboratory within the last five years.

• Option 3: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry, or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree, and completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within the last five years.

• Option 4: Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university in microbiology or a related subject, and six months of full-time clinical experience in microbiology in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

• Option 5: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university in medical laboratory science or a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree, and successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Medical Laboratory Scientist Program within 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.

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)