MLT (ASCP) - Medical Laboratory Technician

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) prepares laboratory technicians with the skills necessary to assist laboratory staff in various clinical settings. Responsibilities of medical laboratory technicians include the collection of specimen samples, as well as testing samples. MLTs provide critical lab value information to physicians and nurses, used to diagnose, and treat numerous conditions.

Cost

• Exam Fee: $215

• International Fee: $175. There is a discount of $95 for applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy.

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

The exam consists of 100 computer-based questions, with a 2 hour 30 minute time limit. Once the exam is complete, applicants receive results within 48 hours. An official certificate will be mailed upon successful completion, and candidates can also download a member card.

Eligibility Requirements

There are several ways applicants can be eligible for the Medical Laboratory Technician Certification, including:

1. Applicants must have an associate degree in medical laboratory technology.

2. Candidates must have completed 60 semester hours within the last two years, including 25 hours of work related to laboratory sciences, AND completed at least 6 months of clinical laboratory experience in the blood bank, microbiology, or chemistry laboratories.

3. Applicants who have completed a 50-week medical laboratory training program sponsored by the US military.

4. Applicants must have previously taken and passed a generalist MLT examination that a certification group or licensure organization provided. An applicant must also have an active state license or certification and meet employment and education requirements.

Once a candidate is deemed eligible, they can apply and pay an application fee.

If a candidate does not pass the exam and wants to retest, they must wait at least 45 days after the initial test. A non-refundable fee of $125 is required. Applicants are limited to 4 exam attempts for certification.

Certification renewal is required every three years.

The U.S. Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) lists specifics related to keeping your certificate up to date. A total of 36 points are required for renewal.

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 Outline

• Reading List

• Exam and Certification Procedures

• Practice Exam (Cost: $89 for non-members and $69 for ASCP members)

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)

Other related certifications offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) include:

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) offered by the evaluates the competence of entry-level medical laboratory techs.

• Molecular Diagnostic Technologists (MDT) validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level Molecular Diagnostics Technologists performing molecular diagnostic DNA-based tests in a lab.

• Medical Technologist (MT) evaluates the competence of entry-level med techs.