How to apply for the MLS ASCP Boards in the USA
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected credentialing agencies for laboratory professionals that has been around since 1928.
As of 2024, before applying to take the boards you will want to check your eligibility using the ASCP’s Examination Eligibility Assistant. It’s a little quiz, more like a checklist, to make sure you meet all the requirements before you can book your exam. If you are going through a college, university, or hospital program you will probably talk through the process. But if you need additional resources I hope this page is helpful.
The next step is making an ASCP account, as all applications are completed online. Make sure your account’s name matches a valid form of ID and select the category (MLS) and route of application (determined by the examination eligibility assistant). Complete the application and verify your contact information.
In the application, you will need to upload some documents including appropriate training and/or experience documentation as a PDF (unless you are route 1). You will also need a set of official transcripts (in the US) to be sent directly from a student's academic institution to the ASCP BOC.
The application fee will need to be paid and your application status must be changed (approved that everything is okay with the account by the ASCP) before you can schedule your exam date. If you are currently in a program graduating soon and looking to take the board exams you may schedule and sit for the exam ONE time before an official transcript has been received and processed by the ASCP.
Just know that you will not have access to your examination score, and are not certified until an official transcript is received and processed.
