SH (ASCP) - Specialist in Hematology

The Specialist in Hematology (SH) certification is a professional credential for laboratory professionals who specialize in the study and analysis of blood and blood-forming tissues. This certification, administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), signifies expertise in hematology, including the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases and disorders.

Eligibility

To qualify as a specialist in hematology, candidates can follow one of several routes:

• Route 1: Bachelor's degree, MLS (ASCP) or H (ASCP) certification and 3 years of post-degree clinical hematology experience in an acceptable lab

• Route 2: Master’s degree in relevant science fields and 3 years of post-degree clinical hematology experience in an acceptable lab

• Route 3: Doctorate in relevant fields with 2 years of post-doctoral fellowship in hematology or 2 years post-baccalaureate clinical experience in hematology in an acceptable lab

• Route 4: Doctorate in relevant fields, MLS (ASCP) or H (ASCP) certification and 1 year of post-baccalaureate clinical or research hematology experience

• Route 5: Bachelor's degree, MLS (ASCP) or H (ASCP) certification and 3 years post-baccalaureate experience as a hematology academic educator

• Route 6: Doctorate in relevant fields, MLS (ASCP) or H (ASCP) certification and 1 year post-baccalaureate experience as a hematology academic educator

To fulfill the experience requirement, applicants must have laboratory or teaching in all the following areas: blood smear evaluation, complete blood count, instrument maintenance/troubleshooting, methodology troubleshooting, miscellaneous tests, quality control and routine and other coagulation tests. 

Additionally, experience in 5 of 12 of the following procedures is required: advanced coagulation, body fluid evaluation, bone marrow prep, budgeting, cytochemical stains, education, flow cytometry, hemoglobinopathy evaluation, method evaluation, personnel management, platelet function studies and QA/QI.

Completion Time: 2.5 hours

Cost: $300 (nonrefundable)

International 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 Format

The SMB uses computer adaptive testing tailored to the test taker's abilities. The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. Exams are scored on a scale of 100 to 999 with a minimum passing score of 400. The exam questions include:

• Hematology Physiology (10-15%)

• Hematology Disease States (20-25%)

• Hematology Lab Testing (20-25%)

• Hemostasis (20-25%)

• Lab Operations (15-20%)

Candidates receive preliminary exam results at the Pearson VUE test center and receive official results via email. Those who are unsuccessful can re-apply to take the exam again after they receive their score report and pay the full application fee again.

Application Process

• Login or create an ASCP account online

• Select the category and route of application

• Verify contact information

• Complete online application

• Upload documentation as PDF files

• Submit application fee

• Request school to send official transcripts to the ASCP BOC

• Monitor application status

• Resolve any deficiencies on the application

• Schedule exam

• Prepare for exam day

• Sit for exam

• Receive official exam results

Must be renewed every 3 years and requires applicants to participate in the Credential Maintenance Program during the three-year cycle to track continuing education (CE) credits.

Renewal Fees

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• Fee reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications expiring on the same day or expire within 3 months of each other

Beginning July 1, 2024:

• CMP fees for all credentials will increase by $5.

• CMP reinstatement fees for all credentials will increase by $10.

• CMP fees for additional credentials will increase by $5.

• CMP fees are non-refundable.

Total of 36 points are required for continuing education, including:

• 10 points in hematology

• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety

• 1 point in medical ethics

• 24 points in area(s) of lab specialty, management, education or other related laboratory areas of interest

• SH (ASCP) Content Outline

• ASCP Procedures for Examination & Credentialing

The ASCP also offers the following certifications:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)