Medical laboratory work is a regulated field where professional certification is a prerequisite for employment. Roles like the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) involve complex diagnostic testing, requiring adherence to professional standards. Maintaining this credential is a continuous process that assures employers and the public that the professional possesses current knowledge and technical skills.
Clarifying the Certifying Bodies and Credentials
Certification for laboratory professionals is primarily managed by two national organizations: the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) and American Medical Technologists (AMT). These bodies administer the exams and oversee maintenance requirements. While “Med Tech” is used broadly, the specific credentials are MLS (bachelor’s-level) and MLT (associate’s-level).
Standard Certification Lifespan
Certification awarded by both the ASCP and the AMT is a time-limited credential, not a permanent achievement. The standard lifespan for most national certifications, including MLS and MLT, is three years, requiring professionals to demonstrate ongoing competency before the expiration date.
Understanding the Mandatory Renewal Process
Maintaining active certification requires participation in a structured administrative cycle, such as the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) for ASCP or the Certification Continuation Program (CCP) for AMT. This process involves tracking continuing education activities and submitting a formal renewal application with required fees. Note that AMT certification is based on a three-year cycle, but a mandatory annual fee must also be paid to maintain active membership status.
Detailed Continuing Education Requirements
The primary requirement for maintaining certification is the completion of a specific number of continuing education (CE) credits or points during the three-year cycle.
ASCP Requirements
ASCP-certified MLS and MLT professionals must accumulate a total of 36 points. These points must include two points in each of the four main laboratory disciplines: blood banking, chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. One point must also be dedicated to laboratory or patient safety, quality control, or quality assurance topics.
AMT Requirements
AMT-certified professionals are required to earn 45 continuing education points over their three-year cycle, which averages out to 15 points per year. AMT accepts credits that are equivalent to ASCLS P.A.C.E. contact hours for professional education activities.
Documentation and Audits
Both certifying bodies require that professionals maintain detailed records and documentation for all completed CE activities, such as certificates of completion or training transcripts. A percentage of certificants are randomly selected each year for an audit, requiring them to submit this documentation to prove compliance.
Consequences of Certification Lapse and Reinstatement
Allowing a national certification to expire carries serious professional ramifications, potentially preventing an individual from working in certain laboratory settings. An expired credential means the professional can no longer use the ASCP or AMT designation, negatively impacting employment and mobility. Reinstatement is more burdensome than timely renewal, requiring the individual to submit a formal declaration of all continuing education credits earned in the previous three years, plus a reinstatement fee and the standard application fee.
The Difference Between State Licensure and National Certification
National certification is a private, professional credential demonstrating competency, highly valued by employers. This differs fundamentally from state licensure, which is a governmental, legal authorization required to practice in a specific state. About a dozen states, including California, Florida, and New York, legally require laboratory personnel to hold a state license. Professionals in these states must track both the triennial national certification maintenance and the state-mandated renewal requirements, which often operate on a separate annual or biennial cycle.