SC (ASCP) - Specialist in Chemistry

The Specialist in Chemistry (SC) performs analysis on blood and body fluids to determine the quantity of chemical and/or hormonal content in the specimen to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Specialists have advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities; they serve as leaders, educators, and advisors within their specialty areas. The American Society offers the SC(ASCP) credential for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Cost

• Exam Fee: $300

• International Candidate Fee: $300. 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 SC, the applicant must meet at least one of the following pathways:

• Option 1: Hold MT/MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, and three years of full-time clinical chemistry experience in an approved lab within the past six years. Experience must be completed after earning the bachelor’s degree.

• Option 2: Hold a master’s degree in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a closely related field, plus three years of full-time clinical chemistry experience in an approved lab within the past six years. Experience must be after the bachelor’s degree.

• Option 3: Hold a doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines and either complete a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in clinical chemistry (U.S. or Canada) or two years of acceptable clinical chemistry experience in an approved lab within the past five years.

• Option 4: Meet the requirements of Option 3 and also hold MT/MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification.

• Option 5: Meet the requirements of Option 1 plus three years of full-time academic teaching experience in clinical chemistry at a college/university or lab within the last six years.

• Option 6: Meet the requirements of Option 1 plus one year of full-time academic teaching experience in clinical chemistry at a college/university or lab within the last five years.

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

To maintain the SC (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 SC recertification.

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• 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.)

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guidelines

• Reading List

• Accredited Colleges and Universities

• 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:

• Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)

• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)

• Specialist in Cytometry (SYCM)

• Specialist in Hematology (SH)

• Specialist in Microbiology (SM)

• Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)