Volume 39 Number 1 | February 2025

Sarah Steinberg, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM, ASCLS Ascending Professionals Forum Vice Chair

Sarah SteinbergHello Developing and Ascending Professionals of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). Many of you have likely graduated or are on track to graduate in the months to come. This means that it is time to prepare yourself for the board of certification examination. You may be looking into the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) or the American Medical Technologist (AMT) examinations. Both ASCP and AMT offer examinations for the medical laboratory technician (MLT) and medical laboratory science (MLS) certification examinations. The AAB Board of Registry (ABOR) also offers a medical technologist (MT) exam.

Preparing for a certification examination is a pivotal milestone for new graduates and professionals. The certification not only validates your academic and clinical training but also opens the door to a rewarding career in the medical laboratory field. As you embark on this journey, strategic preparation can make all the difference. Setting up a study plan is easier said than done. This guide outlines actionable steps to help you succeed.

1. Understand the Exam Structure

Regardless of the route that you choose to take, certification examinations are designed to evaluate your competency across various domains. For MLT and MLS candidates, the major content areas include:

  • Blood Bank
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Urinalysis and Body Fluids
  • Laboratory Operations

The certification examination employs multiple-choice questions, often structured to assess higher-level thinking, such as application, analysis, and problem-solving. You can find the specific content guidelines on the websites for both ASCP and AMT accessible for free prior to signing up for the examination.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Content Outline

There are detailed content outlines for each examination. Use those outlines as your roadmap. Once you look at the outlines, do the following:

  • Identify your strengths and weaknesses. I recommend going through and highlighting the content with three different colors:
    • The content that you are comfortable with
    • The content that you are uncomfortable with
    • The content that you feel in the middle with
  • Allocate study time proportionally, prioritizing weaker areas.
  • Pay close attention to high-weight topics. You will see in the content guidelines that the certification will have different percentages of certain areas.
3. Gather Study Resources

Invest in reliable study materials. Popular options include:

  • Study Guides: ASCP and AMT both have excellent resources that align with their examination structure and the way that the questions are worded. These official resources provide sample questions and explanations.
  • Textbooks: Reference textbooks from your program for in-depth review.
  • Review Materials: There are different review materials available to help you prepare for both examinations.
  • Practice Exams: Simulated exams help acclimate you to the format and pacing. Simulated exams can include the exam material provided by both ASCP or AMT as well as other material offered by publishers or vendors.
4. Develop a Study Plan

Consistency and organization are key.

  • Break down content into manageable sections. Combine topics that align. For example, take immunology principles from both the immunology section as well as the blood bank section.
  • Set daily and weekly goals. Depending on when your exam is, try to set up a realistic schedule to maximize your time.
  • Incorporate review sessions to reinforce knowledge.
5. Utilize Active Learning Techniques

Passive reading alone is insufficient. Engage actively with the material:

  • Create flashcards for terms and concepts.
  • Work through practice questions and rationales.
  • Participate in study groups to discuss challenging topics.
  • Teach concepts to peers—explaining material enhances understanding.
6. Practice Time Management

Each exam has a strict time limit, so practice pacing:

  • Allocate time for each question.
  • Complete practice exams under timed conditions.
7. Manage Test-Day Logistics

Preparation isn’t just academic—logistics matter, too:

  • Confirm your exam date, time, and location. Don’t be afraid to visit or drive to the test location prior to your exam date
  • Bring required identification.
  • Arrive early to minimize stress.
  • Use relaxation techniques to stay calm and focused.
8. Maintain Balance

Avoid burnout by incorporating breaks and self-care:

  • Exercise regularly to reduce stress.
  • Get sufficient sleep, especially before the exam.
  • Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
9. Leverage Support Networks

You don’t have to prepare alone:

  • Seek guidance from instructors or mentors.
  • Join state or national ASCLS or other local professional groups for peer support.
  • Participate in online forums to share strategies and resources.
10. Plan for Post-Exam Steps

After the exam:

  • Celebrate your accomplishment!
  • If necessary, review areas of improvement for future attempts.
  • Begin applying for jobs with your new certification credentials.
Final Thoughts

The certification exam is a rigorous but achievable goal. By preparing strategically and utilizing available resources, you can approach exam day with confidence. Certification is not just a credential—it’s a testament to your dedication to the profession and your readiness to contribute to patient care. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. You can do this!

Good luck on your journey to becoming a certified laboratory professional! Remember, ASCLS is here to support you every step of the way. Please feel free to reach out to me personally if you would like any help with your certification study alignment. We are a medical laboratory village!

Sarah Steinberg is MLT Program Director at Casper College in Casper, Wyoming.