SC (ASCP) - Specialist in Chemistry
- $300
- Renews every 3 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
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: $260. Applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy, will receive a $95 discount.
Certification
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 $300.
Renewal
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.
Continuing Education
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.)
Other Resources
The ASCP offers resources for exam candidates, including:
Acceptable Clinical Laboratory: CMS CLIA certificate of registration, compliance, accreditation; or JCI accreditation or Accreditation under ISO 15189.
Related Certifications
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible if I am outside the U.S. to apply for certification?
For questions related to international applicants, access the ASCP Board of Certification handbook for international candidates.
Are paper exams available?
The ASCP uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) because it measures knowledge and skills more accurately and quickly than standard fixed-form tests. In CAT, a more difficult question follows a correct answer, and a less difficult question follows an incorrect answer to identify the test taker’s ability level in each area.
Can I earn a Specialist in Chemistry (S) online?
No you can't earn a Specialist in Chemistry (S) online.
What organization offers the Specialist in Chemistry (SC)?
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offers the Specialist in Chemistry (SC).
What other certifications does the ASCP offer besides the Specialist in Chemistry (SC)?
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) also offers the following: