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ASCP Board ofCertification ExamBy: Michelle A. Nelsen1
My Startas aHistotech2
Why become certified? Recognized nationally and internationallyDemonstrates commitment to the highest quality standards and qualitypatient careSeparates you from your peersoooo Personal satisfactionLicensureoooo Proof of competency in the fieldShows initiative especially when not requiredMay open up promotional opportunitiesMakes you more marketableCaliforniaNew YorkFloridaMany others Grossing – High complexity testing CAP/CLIA qualifications3
How do I get certified? Go to: www.ascp.org Items you will need:oooooEmail addressName as it appears on your picture ID (e.g. driver’s license)Program information if completed a NAACLS programContact information for 2 alternates (name, phone, email)Major credit card: HT exam - 215 HTL exam - 2404
Am I eligible to take the exam? Route 1 – Successful completion of a NAACLS accreditedprogram within the last five yearsoHTL – Bachelor degree with a combination of 30 semester hours of biology andchemistry Route 2 – OJToAcademic requirements oHT – At least 60 semester credits or an associate degree with a combination of 12 semesterhours of biology and chemistryHTL – Bachelor degree with a combination of 30 semester hours of biology and chemistryOne year full time histology experience within the last five years to include: FixationEmbedding/MicrotomyProcessingStaining5
Are there accreditedprograms in my area?https://www.naacls.org/6
Should I take the HT orHTL exam? Here are some questions you may want toconsider:o Am I eligible?o How much experience do you have? HTL exam includes management, education, higher leveltroubleshooting, IHC, ISH, enzyme histochemistryo Am I a good test taker?o Will my career path require HT or HTL certification?o Will I make more money as a HTL?o Do I want to take the HT now and the HTL later?7
How does the examwork? Computer adaptive testing (CAT)100 questions2 ½ hours to finish examinationQuestions are weighted by level of difficultyo By answering a question correctly, the next questions will be slightly moredifficulto When a question is answered incorrectly, a slightly easier question ispresented Examination is tailored to the individual’s ability level8
What is on the exam? Content areas:oooooFixation 15-25 %Processing 10-20%Embedding and Microtomy 15-25%Staining 30-40%Laboratory Operations 10-15% Content df?sfvrsn 49
Fixation Tissue morphology andcell preservation ProceduresoooooooooLight microscopyEMSpecials stainsFrozen sectionEnzyme histochemistryImmunohistochemistryCytologyIn-situ hybridizationQuality control Factors of influenceooooooTissue sizeVolume of fixativeTimeTemperaturepHOsmolality Reagentso Types and componentso Properties, functions, actionso Chemistry* Instrumentation10
Processing Tissue morphology andcell preservation ProceduresooooooooLight microscopyCalcified tissueFrozen sectionEnzyme histochemistryImmunohistochemistryCytologyIn-situ hybridizationQuality control eshootingQuality control ReagentsooooTypes and componentsProperties, functions, actionsQuality controlChemistry*11
Embedding & Microtomy Tissue morphology andcell preservation ProceduresooooParaffinFrozen sectionGelatin/adhesiveQuality control eshootingQuality control12
Staining Tissue morphology and cellpreservation ProceduresooooooooooNuclear and cytoplasmicCarbohydrates and amyloidConnective and muscleMicroorganismsNervePigments, minerals and yme histochemistry*In-situ hybridization* eshootingQuality controlooooTypes and componentsProperties, functions, actionsQuality controlChemistry*oooMediaCoverslipRefractive index*ReagentsMounting Procedures13
Laboratory Operations Safetyo Storage and disposalo Hazards and regulationso Procedures Lab Matho Metric systemo Percent solutionso Molar solutions Ancillary Lab Equipment(e.g. pH Quality control Management* Education* Regulations*14
What study resourcesshould I use? Histology Textbookso Carson, F. & Hladik, C. (2014). Histotechnology: A Self-Instructional Text(4th ed.). Chicago: ASCP Press.o Brown, R.W. (Ed.). (2009). Histologic Preparations: Common Problems andTheir Solutions. Northfield, IL: College of American Pathologistso K. Suvarna, C. Layton & Bancroft, J.D. (2014). Bancroft’s Theory andPractice of Histological Techniques (7th ed.). Philadelphia: ChurchillLivingstone. Microanatomy Textbooko Eroschenko, V.P. (2017). Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations(13th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.15
What study resourcesshould I use? Study Guideso Carson, F. & Hood, G. (2013). BOC Study Guide – HistotechnologyCertification Examinations (2nd ed.) Chicago: ASCP Press.o Carson, F. (2015). Histotechnology: A Self-Assessment Workbook (3rd ed.).Chicago: ASCP Press. Online Practice Materialo NSH LabCE Histology Exam Simulatorhttps://www.medialabinc.net/histology exam simulator.aspxo ASCP Practice ogram ASCPPractice16
How should I study? Begin earlyBreak it down into manageable chunksIdentify your strengths and weaknessesSpend time studying every dayReview ASCP materials thoroughly to includeexamination content guidelines17
What can I expect duringthe exam? Verify correct name and certification – HT or HTL Read all directions carefully Multiple choice questionso Questions presented one at a timeo 4 answers – review all answer choices before selecting your answero Answer all questions to the best of your ability before proceeding to the nextquestiono Remember – your first answer is usually the correct answer!o Don’t choose “C” when not sure Review questions and change answers (if necessary) atend of exam Don’t panic if it seems tough!!18
What happens after theexam? Watch for your resultso Pass/Fail Exams scores and certificate by mail 2004 and beyond require certification maintenanceo 3 year cycleo 36 creditso Demonstrates continued competence in the field and dedication toexcellence19
Questions?20
Thank You!21
Go to: www.ascp.org Items you will need: o Email address o Name as it appears on your picture ID (e.g. driver's license) o Program information if completed a NAACLS program o Contact information for 2 alternates (name, phone, email) o Major credit card: HT exam - 215 HTL exam - 240 4
