SM (ASCP) - Specialist in Microbiology

The Specialist in Microbiology (SM), credentialed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ACSP), provides certification to laboratory specialists who demonstrate expertise in viruses, organisms, fungi, bacteria, and parasites.   

Cost

• Exam Fee: $300

• International Candidate Fee: $260. 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.

Exam Information

• The exam is computer-based, consisting of 100 questions

• Examinees will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to take the exam

• Applicants are prohibited from skipping questions

Eligibility Requirements

There are several options available for applicants to gain eligibility for certification.

Route 1

• Applicant must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university/college

• 3 years of clinical laboratory microbiology experience within the last 6 years. Knowledge must be obtained post-graduation

• Have a valid M(ASCP) or MT/MLS(ASCP) certification

Route 2

• Applicants can have a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in chemistry, medical laboratory, biology, or suitably related field of study

• 3 years of clinical laboratory microbiology experience within the last 6 years. Experience must be obtained post-graduation

Route 3

• Applicants can have a Doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university in chemistry, medical laboratory, biology, or suitably related field of study

• Have 2 years of post-doctoral fellowship study of clinical microbiology (in the US or Canada) OR 2 years of clinical microbiology experience in a laboratory within the last 5 years. Experience must be obtained post-graduation

Route 4

• Have a valid M(ASCP) or MT/MLS(ASCP) certification

• Have a Doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university in chemistry, medical laboratory, biology, or suitably related field of study

• 1 year of clinical laboratory experience in microbiology within the last 5 years OR 1 year of microbiology research experience (in the US or Canada) within the previous 5 years; obtained post-graduation

Route 5

• Have a valid M(ASCP) or MT/MLS(ASCP) certification

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university or college

• 3 years experience as a microbiology educator at a regionally accredited university, college, or laboratory within the last 6 years. Experience must be on a full-time basis post-graduation

Route 6

• Have a valid M(ASCP) or MT/MLS(ASCP) certification

• Have a Doctorate from a regionally accredited college or university in chemistry, medical laboratory, biology, or suitably related field of study

• 1 year experience as a microbiology educator at a regionally accredited university, college, or laboratory within the last 5 years. Experience must be on a full-time basis post-graduation

• Laboratory/Teaching Experience: Lab or teaching experience must be obtained in 4 of the following areas:

  • Virology

  • Mycology

  • Bacteriology

  • Mycobacteriology

  • Molecular Microbiology

  • Parasitology

• Renewal of this certification is required every 3 years.

• Candidates must complete the Credential maintenance program (CMP) by acquiring points for renewal. Applicants are required to accumulate 36 CMP points

• For those whose certification expires, a Declaration Form that details continuing education within the last 3 years must be submitted

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 the following resources for exam candidates:

• Content Guideline

• Procedures for Exam and Certification

• Accredited Colleges and Universities

• Reading List

The ACSP also offers the following:

• Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)

• Specialist in Chemistry (SC)

• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)

• Specialist in Cytometry (SCYM)

• Specialist in Hematology (SH)

• Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB)