SBB (ASCP) - Specialist in Blood Banking

The Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) is offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) certification is the highest certification for laboratory clinicians working in blood bank settings. SBBs can perform basic to the most complex procedures to support physicians in blood transfusion therapy. They often fill roles as supervisors, lab managers, directors, educators, and advisors. 

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), a well-respected board, is the oldest certification agency for lab professionals. SBB-ASCP certification shows colleagues and employers that a clinician has the most advanced knowledge and skills in blood banking competencies.

Cost

• Exam Fee: $290

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

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

Test Format

To qualify for The Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB) certification, candidates apply online and submit eligibility documentation with the application fee. If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via email and can schedule their SBB exam.

Exams are administered through Pearson VUE. Tests can be scheduled at approved nationwide testing centers. The SBB test is a timed, 2.5-hour, computer-based exam with 100 questions.

The examination is administered using a Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) format. Each test item is calibrated based on how the examinee answers each question. The weight assigned to each question is determined by difficulty level. Therefore, the examinee must answer enough hard questions to achieve a score above the pass point. The examinee’s scores must exceed the minimum pass score established by the board.

Results

Unofficial pass/fail results are available at the testing center on completion of the exam. Official results reports are available online within four business days.

Candidates are permitted to take the examination five times under one eligibility route, provided that they meet the current eligibility requirements. After five unsuccessful attempts under one route of eligibility, applicants must reapply under an alternate eligibility route.

The SBB-ASCP certification is awarded by examination once eligibility criteria are met. To qualify to take the SBB test, applicants must prove that they meet requirements through one of seven routes.

Eligibility Routes:

Route 1:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a focus on biological science and chemistry courses.

• Successful completion of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Specialist in Blood Bank Technology program within the past five years.

Route 2:

• Have a valid ASCP Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS(ASCP)) certification or Technologist in Blood Banking (BB(ASCP)) certification.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.

• Have a minimum of three years of full-time blood banking experience.

Route 3:

• Hold a master’s degree or doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a related field from an accredited program.

• Have three years of full-time clinical laboratory experience in blood banking within the last six years.

Route 4:

• Hold a doctorate in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a related field from an accredited college/university.

• Complete two years of post-doctoral fellowship in clinical blood banking in the U.S. within the last five years. 

Route 5:

• Hold an ASCP Medical Technologist (MT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS(ASCP)) certification or Technologist in Blood Banking (BB(ASCP)) certification.

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university.

• Have three years of full-time experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking at a regionally accredited college/university within the last six years. 

Route 6:

• Hold a master’s degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a related field.

• Have three years of full-time experience as an academic educator in clinical blood banking in an accredited college/

Route 7:

• Hold a valid T/MLS(ASCP) or BB(ASCP) certification.

• Have a doctorate from an accredited college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, immunohematology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a related field.

• Have one year of full-time research experience in blood within the last five years.

Blood banking specialists must know blood products, blood group systems, physiology and immunology, serologic and molecular testing, transfusion procedures, and laboratory operations. 

SBB-ASCP certification is valid for three years.

Specialists must complete Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requirements to renew certification. The requirements include:

• Renewal application online

• 36 CMP points

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 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.)

General References:

• ASCP Online Application

• ASCP Online Practice Tests

• ASCP Recertification

The ASCP offers the following resources for exam candidates:

• Content Guideline

• Reading List

• Accredited Colleges and Universities

• Procedures for Certification and Exam

The ASCP also offers the following certifications:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Specialist in Hematology (SH)

• Specialist in Chemistry (SC)

• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)

• Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)

• Specialist in Microbiology (SM)

• Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)