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: $290

• International Candidate Fee: $250. Applicants that have 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.

To be eligible for the SC, the applicant must meet at least one of the following pathways:

• Option 1: Valid MT/MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university, and three years of full-time clinical experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be obtained after the bachelor's degree.

• Option 2: Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field, and three years of full-time clinical experience in chemistry in a laboratory within the last six years. These three years of experience must be obtained after the bachelor's degree.

• Option 3: Doctorate from a regionally accredited college/university in chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or an appropriately related field and two years of post-doctoral fellowship in clinical chemistry in the U.S. or Canada or two years of full time acceptable clinical experience in chemistry in an acceptable laboratory within the last five years.

• Option 4: Valid MT/MLS(ASCP) or C(ASCP) certification and requirements of option 3.

• Option 5: Requirements of Option 1 and three years of full-time experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry at a regional college/university or a laboratory within the last six years.

• Option 6: Requirements of Option 1 and one year of full-time experience as an academic educator in clinical chemistry at a regional college/university or a laboratory within the last five years.

To apply, the applicant may submit the application via the ASCP website. The fee is $290.

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: $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 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)