u.s. certification maintenance program - ascp

Apheresis TechnicianCytotechnologist

Diplomate in Laboratory ManagementDonor Phlebotomy Technician

Hemapheresis PractitionerHistotechnician

HistotechnologistMedical Laboratory Scientist/

Medical TechnologistMedical Laboratory Technician

Pathologists’ AssistantPhlebotomy Technician

Specialist in Blood BankingSpecialist in Chemistry

Specialist in CytotechnologySpecialist in Hematology

Specialist in Laboratory SafetySpecialist in Microbiology

Specialist in VirologyTechnologist in Blood Banking

Technologist in ChemistryTechnologist in CytogeneticsTechnologist in HematologyTechnologist in Microbiology

Technologist in Molecular Biology

Cytotechnologist (CT)CM

Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM)CM

Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT)CM

Histotechnician (HT)CM

Histotechnologist (HTL)CM

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)CM

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)CM

Pathologists’ Assistant (PA)CM

Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)CM

Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)CM

Specialist in Chemistry (SC)CM

Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)CM

Specialist in Hematology (SH)CM

Specialist in Microbiology (SM)CM

Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)CM

Technologist in Chemistry (C)CM

Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)CM

Technologist in Hematology (H)CM

Technologist in Microbiology (M)CM

Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)CM

#0688

CMPU.S . Cert if iCat ion

MaintenanCe PrograM

in keeping with our ongoing commitment to assure the continued

competence of medical laboratory personnel, the aSCP Board of

Certification (BoC) developed the Certification Maintenance Pro-

gram (CMP). this booklet will acquaint you with the requirements of

the CMP and will provide you with everything you need to know in

order to complete the program.

the CMP provides an opportunity to obtain a wide variety of learning

experiences that demonstrate your professional competency and ded-

ication to excellence in the workplace. Some of the qualifying activities

include: employer offered course work, writing journal articles, serving

on committees or boards, competence assessment by your employer,

and participating in formal continuing education courses.

in addition to helping you maintain your professional certification,

the CMP can help you stay current on developments in your field

and provide opportunities for both professional and personal enrich-

ment. [for additional information, please refer to the BoC CMP

website (www.ascp.org/cmp).]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S. CMP: What You need to Do 1

Certified 2004 and Beyond 1

Voluntary Participation 2

individuals with Multiple 2Certifications

Synchronizing Multiple Certifications 2

Point allocation 2

Steps for Completing CMP 2

failure to Participate 2

Documentation for audit 3

U.S. CMP requirements 3

U.S. CMP Point allocation 4

guidelines for earning CMP Points 5

Suggested List of Providers 7

Declaration and Completion of CMP 8

Declaration form 8

Deadline Dates 8

Change of name and address 8

Mailing information 8

Successful Completion of CMP 8

audit Procedure 9

required Documentation 9

Submission Procedures 9

Successful Completion of 9CMP after audit

Unsuccessful audit 9

audit appeals Process 10

inactive Status for individuals 10Certified Beginning in 2004

reinstatement for individuals 11Certified Beginning in 2004

frequently asked Questions 12

Self-assessment 16all requirements and fees stated in this program are subject to change without prior notice. revised 12/13

U . S . C E R T I F I C AT I O N M A I N T E N A N C E P R O G R AM 1

The goal of the Certification Maintenance

Program (CMP) is to demonstrate to the

public that laboratory professionals with this

designation are performing activities to stay

current in their practice.

The U.S. Certification Maintenance Pro-

gram is required for all individuals who

became newly certified on or after Janu-

ary 1, 2004 and for all active NCA

certificants who are not ASCP certified

prior to January 1, 2004 in the following

categories:

• Apheresis Technician (AT)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT)

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Pathologists’ Assistant (PA)*

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

* The Certification Maintenance Program is required forall Pathologists’ Assistants who are ASCP certified.

The Certification Maintenance Program is

required for all individuals who become

newly certified on or after January 1,

2006 in the following categories:

• Diplomate in Laboratory Management

(DLM)

• Hemapheresis Practitioner (HP)

• Specialist in Blood Banking (SBB)

• Specialist in Chemistry (SC)

• Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT)

• Specialist in Hematology (SH)

• Specialist in Laboratory Safety (SLS)

• Specialist in Microbiology (SM)

• Specialist in Virology (SV)

The Certification Maintenance Program (CMP)

as described in this booklet must be com-

pleted every three years to maintain

certifica tion. To successfully complete the pro-

gram, documented activities demonstrating

continued competence must be completed

prior to the certificate expiration date. A Dec-

laration Form, along with the required CMP

fee(s) must be submitted at least one month

prior to the expiration date shown on your wall

certificate for certification renewal.

Activities obtained before your certification

revalidation period begins will not be

accepted. For example, if your validation dates

are January 1, 2014 through December 31,

2017, you will need to complete your contin-

uing competence activities between those

dates. Since completed Declaration Forms

should be submitted at least one month prior

to the expiration date, activities recorded prior

to completion may be subject to audit. (See

FAQs on page 15.) Upon successful comple-

tion of the program, you are required to use

the initials “CM” in superscript, after your cer-

tification initials [e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM] for the

period your Certification Maintenance certifi-

cate is valid. If you do not participate in the

Program, your certification is invalid and you

will not be permitted to use the certification

designation after your name [e.g.,

MLS(ASCP)CM] when your certification expires.

CERTIFIED 2004 AND BEYOND

U.S. CMP: Whatyou need to do

2 A S C P B O A R D O F C E R T I F I C AT I O N

Voluntary Participation*Individuals ASCP certified prior to January2004 or those who received ASCP certifi-cation prior to the dates indicated on thechart on page 3, are not required to partic-ipate in the program; however, voluntaryparticipation is encouraged since continu-ing education provides many personal andprofessional benefits. If you choose to par-ticipate in this program, activities obtainedthree years prior to the date you submit yourDeclaration Form to the Board of Certifica-tion office are considered acceptableactivities. For example, if you submit yourDeclaration Form June 15, 2014, activitiesobtained June 15, 2011 through June 15,2014 would be acceptable. Upon success-ful completion of the program, you arerequired to use the initials “CM” in super-script, after your certification initials [e.g.,MLS(ASCP)CM] for the period your Certifica-tion Maintenance certificate is valid. If youchoose not to continue your participation inthe program, you are no longer permitted touse the superscript “CM” after your certifi-cation initials. However, you will still continueto use your certification initials and youroriginal certification remains valid, since thisis a voluntary program for those ASCP cer-tified prior to 2004. If you are certified as aMedical Technologist MT(ASCP) and you donot participate in the program, your initialswill remain MT(ASCP) , with no expiration.

* Retired certification categories are eligible for CMP.

Individuals with MultipleCertificationsA Declaration Form must be completed foreach category that requires participation inthe CMP to demonstrate maintenance ofcompetence. You may use the same activ-ities for more than one category of

cer ti fica tion, provided they fit the criteria forthe certification and are completed withinthe required time frame. For example, thesame activity (worth 1 point) in Laboratoryor Patient Safety may be used for both MLSand C. A fee of $15 per each additional cer-tification will be required following the $75charge for the initial certification, when cer-tifications are renewed at the same time.Expiration dates must be the same or within3 months of each other. (For detailed infor-mation, see FAQ on page 13).

Sychronizing MultipleCertificationsCertificants with multiple certifications maysynchronize the completion of their renewalprocess if they choose to do so. A com-pleted declaration may be submitted at anearlier date within the three-year cycle tocoincide with another certification cycle aslong as the three-year cycle for any one cer-tification category is not exceeded. (Fordetailed information, see FAQ on page 12.)

Point AllocationContinuing education activities are awardedpoints based on the Guidelines on pages 5and 6. It is the responsibility of the certificantto allocate all CMP points in the requiredareas for recertification.

Steps for Completing the CMP1. Review your CMP booklet as soon asyou receive it.

2. Over the next three years, complete theappropriate continuing education activi-ties as outlined in this booklet to achieveyour goals and attain the required CMPpoints. Save all certificates of completionand any other docu men ta tion of comple-

tion, in the event your Declaration Formis selected for audit.

3. One month prior to the ending validationdate on your certificate, complete therequired Declaration Form and mail it in withthe required $75 fee or complete the onlinedeclaration process at www.ascp.org/cmpto pay by credit card. Faxed DeclarationForms will not be accepted. Applicationfees are not refundable.

4. Please retain all original certificates ofattendance or any other type of supportdocumentation in the event your Decla-ration Form is selected for audit.

5. If you receive notification that your decla-ration is being audited, please submitcopies of the certificates of completionand any other support documentation atthat time.

6. Upon successful completion of the pro-gram, you will receive a new wall certificatevalid for three years and you will continueto use the initials “CM” in superscript afteryour certification initials to indicate youhave successfully maintained your certifi-cation. [e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM]

Failure to Participate in CMPIf you were certified on or after January 1,2004, or as indicated in the chart on page3, and do not participate in the CMP, yourcertification will no longer be valid after thethree year time period printed on the wallcertificate and you will no longer be permit-ted to use the (ASCP) certificationdesignation after your name. Information onreinstatement for expired certification islocated on page 11.


U.S. CMP REQUIREMENTS

Documentation for AuditTo ensure the integrity of the CMP program,a percentage of Declarations will be auditedto verify completion of the program. If yourDeclaration is selected for audit, you will benotified and required to submit documenta-tion verifying all activities that weresubmitted for the program. (See Audit Pro-cedures on pages 9 and 10 for furtherinformation.)

For generalists (MLS/MT & MLT)

Minimum of 36 points to include: 1 point min-imum in safety, 2 points minimum required ineach domain (blood banking, chemistry,hematology, microbiology), and remainingpoints in area(s) of laboratory specialty,

immunology, molecular diagnostics, man-agement, education, and/or other relatedlaboratory areas of interest.

For categorical technicians andtechnologists (AT, BB, C, CG, CT, H,HT, HTL, M, MB)

Minimum of 36 points to include: 1 point min-imum in safety, 2 points minimum in the areain which you are certified, and the remainingpoints in your area of specialty, management,education, and/or other related laboratoryareas of interest.

Phlebotomy Technicians (DPT & PBT)

Minimum of 9 points, 1 point minimum insafety, 2 points minimum in the area inwhich you are certified, and remaining

points in area of speciality, management,education and/or other related laboratoryareas of interest.

For Pathologists’ Assistants (PA)

Minimum of 45 points to include: 1 point min-imum in safety, 20 points minimum inanatomic pathology, and remaining points inanatomic pathology, management, educa-tion, and/or other clinical specialities.

For diplomates (DLM) and specialists(HP, SBB, SC, SCT, SH, SLS, SM, SV)

Minimum of 36 points to include: 1 point insafety, 10 points minimum in area of spe-cialty, and remaining points in area ofspecialty, management, education, and/orother related laboratory areas of interest.

CMP required forindividuals certifiedbeginning in the Total Number of

Certification Category year indicated Points Required Points Distribution*

MLS/MT, MLT 2004 36 • 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control, quality assurance)

• 2 points in each of the following: blood banking,chemistry, hematology, microbiology

• Remaining points in area(s) of lab specialty, immunol-ogy, molecular diagnostics, management, education,or other related laboratory areas of interest

AT, BB, C, CG, CT, H, 2004 36 • 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality HT, HTL, M, MB control, quality assurance)

• 2 points in area in which you are certified• Remaining points in area of specialty, management,education, or other related laboratory areas of interest

DPT, PBT 2004 9 • 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality control, quality assurance)

• 2 points in area in which you are certified• Remaining points in area of specialty, management,education, or other related laboratory areas of interest

PA All who are 45 • 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality ASCP Certified control, quality assurance)

• 20 points in anatomic pathology• Remaining points in the area(s) of anatomic pathology,management, education, or other clinical specialties

DLM, HP, SBB, SC, 2006 36 • 1 point in laboratory or patient safety (i.e., quality SCT, SH, SLS, SM, SV control, quality assurance)

• 10 points in area of specialty• Remaining points in area of laboratory specialty, management, education, or other related laboratoryareas of interest

* It is the responsibility of the certificant to allocate all CMP points in the required areas for recertification.


U.S. CMP POINT ALLOCATION1 CMP POINT = 1 CONTACT HOUR = 1 CMLE CREDIT

Activities* Contact/Credit Hours CMP Points

1. Formal continuing education courses: **ACCME, ASCP CMLE, AACC, 1 contact hour 1professional societies (including state, regional and ACCENT, ASCLS PACE, (50-60 minutes)CE programs sponsored by other local societies and chapters, universities and colleges)

2. Employer-offered courses (in-service, instrument training, 1 contact hour 1vendor-sponsored, etc.) (50-60 minutes)

3. College/university coursework (e.g., biological/chemical/medical sciences, 1 quarter hour 10computer management, or education) Courses must be lab related. 1 semester hour 15CEs should not exceed 50% of the total number of required CMP points. (points not to exceed

50% of total required)

4 Teleconferences, subscription, or online self-instructional courses 1 contact hour 1for which ACCME, CMLE, ACCENT, PACE, or other professional society (50-60 minutes)credits are awarded

5. Completion of advanced BOC certification or qualification: Specialist/Diplomate certification 25Categorical or higher level certification 12Qualification 12(These points cannot be used for recertification points in the category for which they were received. See FAQ on page 15.)

6. Competence Assessment by employer 2(must use ASCP/BOC Employer Assessment Form) (per year/max 4 pts.)

7. Research & preparation for presentation or workshop (first time only) each contact hour 3of presentation (50-60 minutes)

8. Authoring journal articles for peer-reviewed publications 5

9. Authoring a book (over 300 pages) 21(under 300 pages) 14(chapter in a book) 7

10. Editing a book 5

11. Doctoral dissertation 10

12. Master’s thesis 4

13. Presenting posters/exhibits 3

14. Serving on an active committee or qualification workgroup 3 (per year)

15. Serving on committees/boards related to the profession (national, state, regional, local) 2 (per year)

16. Role of on-site inspector/paper reviewer for laboratory accreditation (CAP, The Joint Commission, 2 (per year) AABB, COLA, state agency) or training program accreditation (NAACLS, CAAHEP)

* Activities must be related to area of specialty and safety as indicated. ** ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education), ASCP CMLE (American Society for Clinical Pathol-ogy–Continuing Medical Laboratory Education), AACC ACCENT (American Association for Clinical Chemistry–ACCENT programs), ASCLS PACE (American Society of Clinical LaboratoryScience–PACE programs).

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the large volume of continuing education programs available, the Board of Certification will not respond to requests for approval of individual programs. If the pro-gram meets the criteria as described above, it will be accepted for CMP points. Program provider must assign points or contact hours.


The CMP Requirements chart on page 3outlines the number of points required tocomplete the Certification Maintenance Pro-gram. The CMP Point Allocation chart onpage 4 lists the activities for which pointsare awarded. The numbers listed belowrelate directly to the numbered activities inthe CMP Point Allocation chart.

1. Formal continuing educationcourses

These courses may be completed throughthe programs/organizations listed on thechart as well as through other professionalsocieties such as those listed under Sug-gested List of Providers on page 7. Coursesoffered by state/regional/local societies andchapters are acceptable as well as coursesoffered through the continuing educationdepartments of colleges and universities.Courses offered by organizations approvedby state licensing boards are also acceptable.

Please note: Because of the large volumeof continuing education courses available,the Board of Certification will not respondto requests for approval of individual pro-grams or courses. If the program/coursemeets the criteria listed, it will be acceptedfor CMP points. Program provider mustassign points or contact hours.

2. Employer-offered coursework

Structured programs, workshops, and in-services offered through your employer orsponsored by a vendor will all qualify for theCMP. (This does not include routine staffmeetings or job orientation.) Points or con-tact hours are assigned by employer/vendor.

3. College/university coursework

For example, courses in the biological/chemical/medical sciences, computer man-agement, or education. (Course must be labrelated.) CEs should not exceed 50% of thetotal number of required CMP points foryour category.

4. Teleconference, subscription, oronline self-instructional courses

These courses are acceptable based onany of the following criteria:

a. ACCME, CMLE, ACCENT, PACE cred-its are awarded, or

b. they are offered by a professional soci-ety (including state, regional or localchapter), or

c. the course is accepted by a statelicensing board, or

d. the course is offered through a univer-sity or college.

5. Completion of advanced ASCPcertification or qualification

These points cannot be used for recertifca-tion points in the category for which theywere received. (See FAQ on page 15.)

Achievement of a Specialist or Diplomatecertification in the following categories isacceptable for 25 CMP points: Hemaphere-sis Practitioner (HP), Pathologists’ Assistant(PA), Specialists in Blood Banking (SBB),Chemistry (SC), Cytotechnology (SCT),Hematology (SH), Laboratory Safety (SLS),Microbiology (SM), Virology (SV) and Diplo-mate in Laboratory Management (DLM).

GUIDELINES FOR EARNING CMPPOINTS


Categorical certification or higherlevel certification

Achievement of a categorical or higher levelcertification is acceptable for 12 CMPpoints: Histotechnologist (HTL), Technolo-gists in Blood Banking (BB), Chemistry (C),Cytogenetics (CG), Hematology (H), Micro-biology (M), Molecular Pathology (MP) andMolecular Biology (MB).

Qualifications are also worth 12 CMP points

Achievement of a qualification is acceptablefor 12 CMP points: Qualifications in Cytom-etry (QCYM), Imm unohisto chem istry (QIHC)and Laboratory Informatics (QLI), Qualifica-tion in Laboratory Safety (QLS).

6. Competence assessment by employer

You may receive up to 2 CMP points peryear (maximum of 2 years/4 points) by sub-mission of an Employer Assessment Form(ASCP/BOC form required). Your employermust complete the required Employer

Assessment Form to document your con-tinued competency in the area(s) of youremployment. The date of the assessmentmust be included on this form. (Form avail-able at www.ascp.org/cmp)

7. Research & preparation forpresentation or workshop

You may receive 3 CMP points for each con-tact hour of a presentation/workshop youprepare and deliver, for the first time only.(Beyond the scope of your job.) Subsequentpresentations of the same workshop are notawarded any points.

8. Authoring journal articles for peer-reviewed publications

Points are awarded for writing articles inpeer-reviewed journals in the laboratory fieldor in journals for professional associationsin the areas of education and management.

9/10. Authoring a book/chapter orediting a book

Refer to Point Allocation on page 4 for spe-cific points awarded.

11/12. Doctoral dissertation ormaster’s thesis

Refer to Point Allocation on page 4 for spe-cific points awarded.

13. Presenting a poster or exhibit

Points are awarded for posters or exhibitspresented at national, state, regional, orlocal laboratory professional associationmeetings.

14/15. Serving on active examinationcommittees/qualification workgroups,or other committees/boards relatedto the profession, including national,regional, state, and local professionalorganizations or committee appoint -ments at your place of employment

See page 4 for specific points awarded.

16. Lab inspector for CAP/The JointCommission/AABB/COLA/stateagency or on-site inspector/paperreviewer for NAACLS/CAAHEP

See page 4 for specific points awarded.

“I liked that the CMP challenged me to keep reading acrossmultiple disciplines within the laboratory sciences field.”

WALTER OLIVEIRA, MLS(ASCP)CMSI


Below is a partial list of providers who offercontinuing education activities includingworkshops, teleconferences, subscriptionprograms, online courses, etc.

This list is only a partial list to assist you inplanning your activities. State/regional/localprofessional societies and other organiza-tions recognized by state licensing boardsmay not be represented on this list; how-ever, courses provided by these groups areacceptable for CMP points.

• ASCP CMLE—American Society for

Clinical Pathology (CE Update, Check

Sample, LabQ, Teleconferences, Work-

shops for Laboratory Professionals)

• AABB

• AACC “ACCENT”—American Associa-

tion for Clinical Chemistry

• AGT — Association of Genetic

Technologists

• AMA—American Medical Association

• AMT—American Medical Technologists

• ASCLS PACE—American Society of

Clinical Laboratory Science

• ASC—American Society of

Cytopathology

• ASCT—American Society for

Cytotechnology

• ASFA—American Society for Apheresis

• ASH—American Society of Hematology

• ASM—American Society of

Microbiology

• CACMLE—Colorado Association for

Continuing Medical Laboratory

Education

• CAP—College of American Pathologists

• CLMA—Clinical Laboratory

Management Association

• CMEA—Continuing Medical Education

Association

• CSMLS—Canadian Society for Medical

Laboratory Science

• Excell

• The Joint Commission

• NSH—National Society for

Histotechnology

• The American Red Cross

PLEASE NOTE: Because of the large vol-ume of continuing education programsavailable, the Board of Certification will notrespond to requests for approval of individ-ual programs. If the program meets thecriteria described under Guidelines for Earn-ing CMP Points, it will be acceptable forCMP Points. Program provider must assignpoints or contact hours.

SUGGESTED LIST OF PROVIDERS


The CMP points, required to complete theprogram, must be obtained within the three-year period specified on your certificate.Copies of certificates of participation, pro-gram syllabi, copies of publications, or anyother type of documentation of your contin-uing competence activities, should beretained and should only be submitted ifrequested as part of an audit.

DeclarationWhen you have completed the required CMPpoints, complete the Declaration Form in itsentirety, filling in all appropriate sections. If asection does not apply to you, indicate so byplacing “N/A” in the appropriate spot. It is theresponsibility of the certificants to allocate allCMP points in the required areas for certifi-cation. Sign and date the form and return itto the Board of Certification office along witha check/money order for the required fee.(Refer to the website at www.ascp.org/cmpfor current fee information, and to downloadand print the declaration form or completethe online declaration process and pay bycredit card.)

DO NOT INCLUDE any supporting docu-mentation of your continuing competenceactivities with the Declaration Form. Thisdocumentation will only be required if yourDeclaration Form is selected for auditingpurposes.

Deadline DatesThe completed and signed Declaration Formshould be submitted at least one (1) monthprior to the ending validation date on yourcertificate. (e.g., June 30, 2014 for the endingvalidation date of July 30, 2014).

Change of Name/AddressIf you change your address, notify the ASCPBoard of Certification Office online by goingto: www.ascp.org/bocfeedback; fax312.541.4845 or mail to the Monroe Streetaddress listed below. Name changes mustbe accompanied by documentation (i. e., acopy of your marriage licence or court order)and faxed to 312.541.4845, mailed to ASCPBoard of Certification, 33 W. Monroe St.,Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603, or scannedand emailed to www.ascp.org/bocfeedback.

Mailing InformationPlease send your Declaration Form and fee by check/money order to:ASCP Board of Certification3335 Eagle WayChicago, IL 60678-3335

Please send your audit documentation & name and address changes to:ASCP Board of Certification33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600Chicago, IL 60603-5617

You will be notified if your Declaration Formis chosen for audit. (See detailed informa-tion on the auditing procedures on the nextpage.) Do not use the Eagle Way addressfor Federal Express, Express mail, certified,registered or any overnight courier service.

Successful Completion of CMPIf your Declaration Form is accepted with-out audit, you will receive a new wallcertificate valid for three years. The desig-nation “CM”, as a superscript, is requiredafter your certification initials to indicate thatyou have successfully maintained your cer-tification [e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM].

DECLARATION AND COMPLETION OF CMP


Activity

Formal continuing education courses, teleconferences, subscrip-tion or online courses where formal continuing education creditsare awarded

Employer-offered courses, in-service programs, sponsored courses

Formal college/university coursework

Competence assessment by employer

Research & preparation for presentation or workshop

Authoring a book or book chapter, doctoral dissertation

Editing a book

Presenting posters/exhibits

Journal articles, master thesis

Serving on examination committees, committees or boards relatedto the profession

Role of on-site inspector for NAACLS/CAAHEP accredited pro-grams or laboratory inspections for CAP/ The JointCommission/AABB/COLA/state agency

Documentation

Certificate of Participation including: Name of Participant, Title of Program, Name of Provider, Date of Program, Number of contact hours/CMLE

Letter/certificate/signed attendance from vendor-employer contain-ing above information

Official Transcript (No Copies)

Employer Assessment Form completed by the employer document-ing competence in particular laboratory specialty(ies) and date ofassessment (form available at www.ascp.org/cmp)

Copy of syllabus, program or letter from organization that indicatescontent, length of teaching time and name of the organization

Title page of publication and table of contents containing authorname

Copy of cover or inside page containing editor names

Abstract identifying poster session, meeting program or brochureidentifying presentation

Copy of publication

Letter from organization verifying participation, in what capacity anddates of service

Letter from organization (NAACLS, CAAHEP, The Joint Commis-sion, CAP, etc.) verifying your role as an inspector and the dates ofinspection

AUDIT PROCEDURE

Required Documentation

The following documents are required to verify your continuing competence activities:

To ensure the integrity of the Certification Maintenance Program, the ASCP Board of Certification will review andaudit a percentage of declaration forms each year. If you are selected for audit, you will be notified by mail andrequested to submit supporting documentation of all activities submitted for the program.

Submission ProceduresYou will be requested to submit copies ofthe documents listed for all of the contin-uing competence activities you completedto acquire the necessary CMP points. DONOT SUBMIT original documents, exceptfor official college/university transcripts.

Successful Completion ofCMP after AuditUpon successful completion of the auditingprocess, you will receive a new certificatevalid for three years. The designation “CM”,as a superscript, is required after your cer-tification initials to indicate that you havesuccessfully maintained your certification[e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM].

Unsuccessful AuditIf your declaration is audited and you areunable to submit documentation of yourcontinuing maintenance activities or youwere unable to complete the required CMPpoints due to extenuating circumstances,you may submit a letter of appeal to theASCP Board of Certification.


Audit Appeals ProcedureTo appeal an unsuccessful audit, you mustsubmit a letter to the Board of Certification.This letter must describe in detail the rea-sons for your inability to complete theprogram and include documentation sup-porting your request.

Extenuating circumstances likely to be con-sidered include: serious, incapacitatingillness over one year in duration; or militaryassignment overseas over a one year dura-tion in a location with no access to onlineworkshops. Financial hardship and per-sonal/family-related responsibilities are notconsidered extenuating circumstances.

Your letter of appeal and all supporting doc-umentation will be reviewed and you will benotified of the decision.

“I had a great experience with the CMP program. I think that we,as medical professionals, owe it to the public to maintain andbuild upon our knowledge of laboratory testing.”

JOAN K. KOSIEK, MT(ASCP)SH, MBCM

Inactive Status forIndividuals CertifiedBeginning in 2004If you wish to request inactive status for aperiod of time, you must submit a $40 fee*,a letter describing in detail the reasons foryour inactive status and documentation ofextenuating circumstances for your request.

Extenuating circumstances likely to be con-sidered include: serious, incapacitatingillness over one year in duration; or militaryassignment overseas over a one year dura-tion in a location with no access to onlineworkshops. Financial hardship and per-sonal/family-related responsibilities are notconsidered extenuating circumstances.

* The inactive status fee will be waived for individualsresiding in countries requiring mandatory military serv-ice when that is the basis for inactive status.Documentation is required.

A U D I T A P P E A L S P R O C E S S


To be reinstated after inactive status hasexpired, you must submit a completed Dec-laration Form documenting all pointsearned within the extended period grantedto you as required for your certification cat-egory. You will also be required to pay thecurrent CMP fee(s) (available atwww.ascp.org/cmp).

At the end of the extended period, if you failto participate and do not submit compellingreasons for continuing inactive status asdescribed under the Appeals Procedure,your certification will no longer be valid andyou may no longer use the ASCP certifica-tion designation after your name.

Reinstatement for BOCIndividuals CertifiedBeginning in 2004If you allow your certification to expire andthen seek reinstatement, you must submit acompleted Declaration Form documentat-ing all points earned within the previousthree years as required by your certification

category. You must also pay a reinstate-ment fee of $50 plus the current CMP fee.

If your certificate has lapsed for ten (10) ormore years, you will be required to retakeand pass the certification examination forreinstatement of your certification.

Reinstatement for NCACertificantsLapsed NCA Certificants at Time of Unification

Certificants whose NCA certification trans-ferred to the Board of Certification (BOC) ina lapsed status at the time of the unifica-tion (10/23/09), may be reinstated bycompleting the BOC Certification Mainte-nance Program (CMP), regardless if thecertification has been lapsed for ten (10) ormore years. To reinstate, you must submita completed Declaration Form document-ing all points earned within the previousthree years as required by your certificationcategory and pay the current reinstatementfee of $50 plus the current CMP applicationfee.

Active NCA Certificants at Time of Unification

Certificants whose NCA certification trans-ferred to the Board of Certification (BOC) inan active status at the time of the unifica-tion (10/23/09), became re-credentialedwith the BOC certification category followedby (ASCP)CM. If you allow your BOC(ASCP)CM certification to expire and thenseek reinstatement, you must submit acompleted Declaration Form documentingall points earned within the previous threeyears as required by your certification cate-gory and pay the current reinstatement feeof $50 plus the current CMP application fee.

If your BOC (ASCP)CM certification hasexpired for ten (10) or more years, you willbe required to retake and pass the BOCcertification examination for the reinstate-ment of your certification.

“The CMP turned out to be a lot easier to complete than Iexpected it to be. I had more points than I needed just by takingthe continuing education programs offered in my hospital over thethree year period.”

TAMMY BUTLER, PBT(ASCP)CM


Q: Is the Certification Maintenance Programrequired for all categories of certification?

A: The Certification Maintenance Program isrequired for newly certified individuals andactive NCA certificants who are not ASCPcertified prior to January 1, 2004 in thefollowing categories. (Note: If ASCP cer-tified prior to 2004, CMP is voluntary):

• Apheresis Technician (AT)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT)

• Histotechnician (HT)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

• Pathologists’ Assistant (PA)*

• Phlebotomy Technician (PBT)

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB)

* The Certification Maintenance Program is required forall Pathologists’ Assistants who are ASCP certified.

As of January 1, 2006, the CertificationMaintenance Program has been expandedto include all certifications offered by theBoard of Certification.

Q: If I become certified but fail to completeor participate in the Certification Mainte-nance Program (CMP), what happens?Will my ASCP certification be revoked?

A: Certifications issued on or after January 1,2004 are valid for three years. If someonefails to participate in CMP, their certifica-tion will no longer be valid after thecertification validation date indicated ontheir wall certificate. They are no longerpermitted to use the certification initials[e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM] after their name sincetheir certification is no longer valid. Indi-viduals ASCP certified prior to 2004 maycontinue to use the certification initialssince this is a voluntary program for thosecertified prior to 2004; however, theseindividuals will no longer be permitted touse the “CM” designation.

Q: I am participating in the CMP for both myMLS(ASCP)CM and SBB(ASCP)CM certifi-cations. The CM end date for my SBB isOctober 2014 and the end date for myMLS is March 2015. Instead of having toremember and keep track of CMP pointsfor two separate expiration dates, can Ihave only one date to remember?

A: Yes, in most cases, certificants with mul-tiple certifications may synchronize thecompletion of their CMP renewal processif they choose to do so. A completed

declaration may be submitted at an ear-lier date within the three year cycle tocoincide with another certification cycleas long as the three-year cycle for anyone certification category is notexceeded.

For Example: Two CMP expiration dates:

SBB-October 2014

MLS-March 2015

Step 1Choose the earliest expiration date of the twocertifications. Why the earliest date? Becauseyou must complete all required CMP pointsfor your category within a three year period. Ifyou choose March 2015, your SBB certifica-tion would expire before then.

Step 2Complete the required points for both MLSand SBB before October 2014. (Remem-ber, you may use some of the same pointsfor more than one certification category.)

Step 3Submit Declaration Forms for both the MLSand SBB before October 2014. (Pay $75 forthe first CMP declaration and $15 for thesecond form.)

Step 4Your certifications for both MLS and SBBwill now expire in October 2017.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


MLS

36 Points Required

• 1 point in safety

• 2 points in each of the following:blood bankingchemistryhematologymicrobiology

• Remaining points in areas(s) of lab spe-cialty,immunology, moleculardiagnostics, management, education orother related laboratory areas of interest

SBB

36 Points Required


• 10 points in area of specialty

• Remaining points in area(s) of lab spe-cialty, management, education or otherrelated laboratory areas of interest

Participating in both MLS and SBB

36 Points Required


• 2 points in each of the following:blood banking (2)chemistry (2)hematology (2)microbiology (2)

• 8 additional points in blood banking (tomake up 10 points in area of specialtyunder SBB)

• Remaining points (19) in area(s) of labspecialty, immunology, molecular diag-nostics, management, education orother related laboratory areas of interest

CMP participation in both the MLS and SBB certification categories allow an individual the opportunity to use the same points acquired in bloodbanking for the MLS and SBB category requirements.

Example 1: Voluntary participation for two certifications (MLS & SBB) categories which were issued prior to 2004 or 2006:

Option A: Participate in only one of the categories with no consequence relating to other category.

Option B: Participate in both the MLS and SBB categories in the same time frame.

Q: I have multiple certifications; how do Idetermine which CMP certification cate-gories I should participate in?

A: We have provided the following scenariosto aid you in your decision. Individuals withmultiple certifications may participate inthe Certification Maintenance Program for

more than one certification category.Points earned from any activity may beapplied to multiple categories, providedthey fit the criteria for the certification andare completed within the required timeframe. Participation in more than one cer-tification category will require a $15 fee per

category in addition to the initial CMPapplication fee, when certifications arerenewed at the same time. Expirationdates must be the same or within threemonths of each other. A separate Decla-ration Form must be submitted for eachcertification.


Q: Will individuals be allowed to start theprogram before the initial certification orre-certification date?

A: Points accumulated toward meeting theCMP requirements must be obtainedbetween the years of certification valida-tion. (e.g., if the certification validationperiod is January 2009 through January2012, all points must be completed withinthis validation period). Thus, any points

Example 2: Voluntary participation and required CMP for two certification categories.

MT obtained in 1999 and SM obtained in August 2013 valid through August 2016.

Option A: Participate in only the required category (SM). Individual is only required to meet the designated SM activities,with no consequences to MT certification. SM activities require:

1 point safety, 10 points in microbiology (area of specialty)25 remaining points in specialty, education, management etc.36 Total points

Option B: Participate in both the MT and SM categories in the same time frame.

MT

36 Points Required


• 2 points in each of the following:blood bankingchemistryhematologymicrobiology

• Remaining points in area(s) of lab spe-cialty, immunology, moleculardiagnostics, management, education orother laboratory related areas of interest

SM

36 Points Required


• 10 points in area of specialty

• Remaining points in area(s) of lab spe-cialty, management, education or otherrelated laboratory areas of interest

Participating in both MT and SM

36 Points Required


• 2 points in each of the following:blood banking (2)chemistry (2) hematology (2) microbiology (2)

• 8 additional points in microbiology (tomake up 10 points in area of specialtyunder SM)

• Remaining points (19) in area(s) of labspecialty, immunology, molecular diag-nostics, management, education orother related laboratory areas of interest

Example 3: Required CMP participation for two certification categories (certifications obtained after 2004):

Certification validation periods:

MLS – 2007 – 2010 – 2013 – 2016

SBB – 2012 – 2015

Option A: Participate in only one of the required categories (SBB). Consequences to MLS certification:certification is invalid. SBB activities require:

1 point safety10 points in blood banking (area of specialty)25 remaining points in specialty, education, management etc.36 Total points

Option B: Participate in both the MLS and SBB categories. MLS in 2010, 2013 and SBB in 2015. As described in the examples on the previous page, some of the same points may be used for both certifications.

obtained before your re-certification vali-dation period begins will not be accepted.

Q: As a Laboratory Supervisor, I verify thecertification of my staff. Currently I amprovided with their certification categoryand year of certification. What can Iexpect in terms of certification verifica-tion status for those who do not complywith the CMP who were certified begin-ning in 2004?

A: The Board of Certification will verify thecertification category and the certifica-tion validation period. An original wallcertificate indicating validation dates isalso acceptable as verification of certifi-cation (copies are not acceptable), aswell as certification received through ouronline service. (Please see our website:www.ascp.org/verification for furtherinformation.)


For example, if an MLS certificant earnsa specialty certification such as an SBBcertification, 25 points will be awardedand can be used to meet the MLS recertification requirements. Likewise, ifan HT certificant earns a specialty certi-fication such as a PA, the 25 pointsearned cannot be used to meet the PArecertification requirements.

Q: I am interested in why the CMP was ini-tiated when every place I have beenemployed requires us to have yearlycontinuing education and regulatoryagencies require continuing proof of ourcompetency.

A: Many places do not require employeesto participate in obtaining continuingeducation courses and the requirementsare inconsistent among those that do.Additionally, not all states require thatmedical laboratory professionals obtaina state license to work in the laboratory.We feel that this program will demon-strate on a national level that everyonewho is awarded the CMP designation isassuring the public and their peers thatthey are maintaining their competencethroughout their career. Nearly all of thecontinuing education courses requiredby employers and regulatory agenciesare accepted by the BOC.

Q: Please provide some clarificationregarding the Certification MaintenanceProgram, membership, certification, andregistration. Please explain to me the difference between certification, regis-tration and membership? There seemsto be some confusion and perhaps amisperception that the CMP will be usedto ensure ASCP membership.

A: Certification by the ASCP Board of Cer-tification requires completion of theeligibility requirements and successfulcompletion of the appropriate certifica-tion examination. Previously certificationdid not have an expiration date. Individ-uals who become certified in 2004 andbeyond will be required to maintain theircertification through the CertificationMaintenance Program (CMP) every threeyears. Membership is voluntary. Certifi-cation and maintenance of certificationare not contingent upon membership inany association.

Q: If I have further questions regarding thisprogram, whom do I contact?

A: Contact the ASCP Board of Certification Office:

www.ascp.org/bocfeedbackwww.ascp.org/cmpPhone: 800.267.2727(Follow the following prompts for CMP: for a Service Rep. press 2, for the BOC press 1, for CMP press 3)Fax: 312.541.4845

Q: Cytotechnologists in California mustdocument 24 hours of approved CEevery two years in order to maintain theirCalifornia CT license. Will all CaliforniaCTs also be required to document andsubmit the same hours to ASCP in orderto maintain their ASCP CT certification?

A: Cytotechnologists certified in January2004 and beyond are required to complete 36 points of continued com-pe tency activities every three years.Activities accepted by the CaliforniaState Licensure Board will be consid-ered acceptable activities for the CMP.

Q: I am attending a conference at the end ofthe last month of my recertification cycle.Because I need to submit my completedDeclaration Form one month before mycertification expires, may I documentthese points on my Declaration Formeven though I have not yet completedthem?

A: Yes. You may document points sched-uled to be earned in the last month ofyour recertification cycle on your Decla-ration Form for the current cycle aheadof time. In this case, your DeclarationForm may be subject to audit.

Q: Can I use the 25 points I received forearning my specialist certification fromthe BOC towards my certificationrequirements?

A: The BOC awards CMP points for thecompletion of an advanced BOC certifi-cation or qualification. These points maybe used one time only towards recertifi-cation for any certification other than theone for which the points were awarded.


To assist you in setting your goals anddetermining the appropriate activities tomeet these goals and successfully com-plete the CMP program, please considerthe following areas:

• Your current responsibilities

• Areas of professional interest to you

(e.g., teaching, management, laboratory

compliance, etc.)

• Parts of your job that you enjoy

• Professional strengths

• Areas in which you would like to

improve your knowledge

• External factors or trends (professional,

societal, or environmental) that will

affect your profession

After you have considered all of the above,then establish your goals and determinewhat activities indicated in this booklet willhelp you to achieve your goals and completethe Certification Maintenance Program.

Goals

Activities

S E L F - A S S E S S M E N T


Step 1Review the CMP information brochure/booklet. (To view the online CMP booklet,please go to www.ascp.org/cmp)

Step 2Complete the continuing competence activ-ities that are required for your certificationcategory and accumulate and save docu-mentation for these activities during thethree-year period following certification/recertification.

Step 3One month before the ending validationdate on your certificate, complete and signthe CMP Declaration Form (PDF copy avail-able online at www.ascp.org/cmp) and mailit to ASCP Board of Certification, 3335Eagle Way, Chicago, IL 60678-1033 withthe $75 CMP fee or complete the onlinedeclaration process and pay by credit card.

DO NOT INCLUDE any documentation ofyour continuing competence activities withyour Declaration Form. This documentationwill only be required if your Declaration Formis selected for auditing purposes.

COMPLETING U.S. CMP—STEP BY STEP

“Having the BOC credentials after my name makes me feelproud. I worked hard for that.”

TAMMY BUTLER, PBT(ASCP)CM

Change of Name/Address: If you have anaddress or name change, please notify theASCP Board of Certification office online bygoing to www.ascp.org/bocdfeedback; fax312.541.4845 or mail ASCP Board of Certi-fication, 33 West Monroe St., Suite 1600,Chicago, IL 60603-5617. Name changesmust be accompanied by documentation(e.g., copy of marriage license or court order.)

Expired Certification: If your certification hasexpired, please submit your completed andsigned declaration form with the currentCMP fee and $50 reinstatement fee.

Step 4If you receive notification that your Declara-tion Form is being audited, submit copies ofyour certificates of completion and anyother documentation at that time. Auditdocumentation should be mailed to ASCPBoard of Certification, 33 West Monroe St.,Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60603-5617.

Step 5Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive a new wall certifi-cate valid for three years. The designation“CM”, as a superscript, is required after yourcertification initials to indicate that you havesuccess fully maintained your certifica-tion [e.g., MLS(ASCP)CM]

THE ASCP BOARD OFCERTIFICATION MISSIONSTATEMENT

To provide excellence in certification of

laboratory professionals on behalf of patients

worldwide.

revised 12/13

33 West Monroe Street, Suite 1600Chicago, Illinois 60603Phone: 800.267.2727

(Follow the following prompts for CMP:for a Service Rep. press 2,for the BOC press 1,for CMP press 3)

Fax: 312.541.4845Web: www.ascp.org/cmpTo contact us online go to:www.ascp.org/bocfeedback

u.s. certification maintenance program - ascp

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