MLA (ASCP) - Medical Laboratory Assistant

The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) provides information and certification exams for those seeking to be certified as a laboratory professional. A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) has a varied role that involves interpersonal and technical skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that this is one laboratory job projected to increase at a rate of 11% by 2030.

Eligibility for this Certification 

There are six routes to meeting the eligibility requirements for taking the exam for certification. 

• You may have a combination of education and experience that makes you eligible for taking the exam. 

• The minimum education required is a high school diploma or equivalent. 

• Practical and military experiences in qualified laboratories support eligibility.

• You have to provide documentation based on the requirements listed.

• The requirements are also listed on pages 5 and 6 of the Board of Certification (BOC) U.S. Procedures for Examination & Certification

You’ll need to demonstrate that you have experience in three skill areas to be eligible: 

• Specimen preparation and processing

• Support for clinical testing

• Laboratory operations

Application Process

The process of becoming a certified MLA means planning ahead.

• Your first step is to review the six routes to be sure you are eligible to take the exam.

• While you are reviewing those, set up your ASCP account to prepare for applying for the exam.

• Next, start gathering the documentation required to show you are eligible.

• At the same time, check the reading list that gives you resources to prepare for the exam. 

• Apply. Take note that you have 90 days to complete your application with payment.

• During that time, you can track your application that is being evaluated.

Costs

• Exam Fee: $135

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

Read about taking the exam under general information. The exam uses Computer Adaptive Testing, meaning:

• There is a set amount of time for taking the exam

• You cannot skip over a test item

• You can go back and review and/or change responses after you have completed the whole exam

More information about taking the exam and certification is available on pages 33-35 of the Board of Certification (BOC) U.S. Procedures for Examination & Certification

Eligibility

There are six routes to meeting the eligibility requirements for taking the exam for certification. 

• You may have a combination of education and experience that makes you eligible for taking the exam. 

• The minimum education required is a high school diploma or equivalent. 

• Practical and military experiences in qualified laboratories support eligibility.

• You have to provide documentation based on the requirements listed.

• The requirements are also listed on page 5 of the Board of Certification (BOC) U.S. Procedures for Examination & Certification

You’ll need to demonstrate that you have experience in three skill areas to be eligible: 

• Specimen preparation and processing

• Support for clinical testing

• Laboratory operations

The Credential Maintenance Program details are listed on page 36 of the Board of Certification (BOC) U.S. Procedures for Examination & Certification

The U.S. Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) lists specifics related to keeping your certificate up to date. See pages 6 and 7 for information related to the MLA (ASCP) Certification. The short story is that you’ll need a total of 9 points that include:

• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety, such as quality control and assurance

• 2 points in the area in which you are certified, such as patient registration & specimen collection, specimen prep & processing; and/or support of clinical testing

• Remaining points in an area of specialty, management, education, or other related laboratory areas of interest

You’re strongly encouraged to talk with your supervisor about these requirements shortly after becoming certified to assure that you are supported with your ongoing professional growth and development.

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.

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.)

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guideline

• Exam and Certification Procedures

• Reading List

If you are interested in becoming an MLA, it is worthwhile to look up accredited colleges and courses, including community colleges.

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)

Other related certifications include:

• Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).