C (ASCP) - Technologist in Chemistry

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) grants the Technologist in Chemistry (C) national certification for medical and clinical lab techs who demonstrate expertise in chemistry-related laboratory procedures. Clinical chemistry technologists work in medical labs, hospitals, or research labs. They analyze blood, body fluids, and tissues to determine DNA and cellular contents. Their analysis helps physicians make fast, precise diagnoses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, laboratory technology is an allied health field that expects twice the expected growth average in the next decade. Lab techs in this field earn a median salary of $53,120 per year.

The primary certification clinical chemistry technologists earn is the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This certification is optional but highly preferred in laboratories. To obtain Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification, candidates must meet education and experience requirements and pass a written exam.

Costs to certify

• Exam Fee: $250

• International Candidate Fee: $210. 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.

To qualify for the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exam, professionals must apply online, submit eligibility documentation, and pay an application fee. If the application is approved, the candidate will receive an authorization to test (ATT) via email.

When the approval is received, the candidate must schedule an appointment to take the Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification exam.

The Technologist in Chemistry (C) test is a two-and-a-half-hour timed, computer-based exam with 100 multiple-choice questions.

Results

When the exam is finished, an unofficial pass/fail result is given to examinees at the test center.

Here are the steps to becoming a Certified Technologist in Chemistry.

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED. 

2. Go to college and obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

3. Take a job as a lab tech to gain the required experience

4. Apply to take the Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam.

To qualify for the Technologist in Chemistry (C) exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s or higher chemistry degree. Alternately, they may have a bachelor’s degree in a related field and meet college hour requirements for chemistry education if they have a medical lab tech certification. Technologists in Chemistry (C) must be proficient in lab procedures, including blood gases, carbohydrates, electrolytes, electrophoresis, enzymes, heme compounds, hormones/vitamins, immunochemistry, lipids/lipoproteins, non-protein nitrogen compounds, point-of-care, proteins, quality management, therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology.

Technologist in Chemistry (C) certification is good for three years.

Technologists must complete Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) requirements to renew certification. Technologist in Chemistry (C) CMP renewal requirements include:

• renewal application online

• 36 continuing education credits

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.

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.)

Beginning January 2024, the amount of dedicated CMP points increased from 2 to 8 for the Technologist in Chemistry (C). The overall CMP points required did not increase.

The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Guideline

• Reading List

• Exam and Certification Procedures

Clinical Laboratory Technologist and Technicians occupational outlook by the BLS.

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)