Top 11 Histology Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for histology technicians because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill that employers look for when hiring. Having a certification shows that the technician has completed an approved program and passed an exam demonstrating their competency in the field. This can give them an edge over other applicants who do not have certifications. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire certified technicians as it can help ensure that the work performed is done to industry standards. Certifications also provide technicians with access to continuing education opportunities, which can help them stay up-to-date on new techniques and technologies in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Histology Technicians and demonstrate how they can enhance their career prospects.

What are Histology Technician Certifications?

Histology technician certification is a professional credential that can be earned by completing the necessary training and passing the certification examination. It is typically offered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification, and it is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in performing histological procedures.

Histology technicians are responsible for preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination, which helps pathologists diagnose diseases. The certification process ensures that technicians have received the proper education and training necessary for this specialized field. Furthermore, it provides employers with an assurance that these technicians have met nationally recognized standards of competency.

Having a histology technician certification can provide many benefits to both employers and employees. For employers, it serves as a reliable indicator of an individual’s qualifications and experience in histology-related tasks, which can help them make informed hiring decisions. On the other hand, having this certification may open up more job opportunities for technicians since some hospitals prefer to hire certified professionals over non-certified ones. Additionally, certified technicians may receive higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and experience in preparing tissues for microscopic examination.

In summary, histology technician certification is a mark of excellence that recognizes individuals who have completed the required training and passed an examination demonstrating their proficiency in histological procedures. This credential can be beneficial to both employers and employees alike as it serves as a reliable indicator of an individual’s qualifications and experience in this field, offering more job opportunities and higher salaries to those who possess it.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing certification as a histology technician, make sure to research the different requirements for certification in your state or country. Each state and country has its own set of rules and regulations for certification, so it is best to be aware of these before beginning the process. Additionally, make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes in the field that may impact your certification.

Related: What does a Histology Technician do?

Top 11 Histology Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Histology Technicians today.

1. Certified Histotechnician (CHT)

A Certified Histotechnician (CHT) is a professional who specializes in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. This includes embedding, cutting, staining, and mounting the tissue on slides. CHTs must be knowledgeable about the anatomy and physiology of human tissues in order to produce quality results.

In order to become a CHT, you must complete an accredited histology program and pass a certification exam administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The program typically takes two years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as one year. After completing your program, you must register with the ASCP and pay a fee to take the certification exam. The cost of registration is around $200 and the fee for taking the exam is around $300.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CHT certification from ASCP. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by taking continuing education courses or retaking the exam.

2. Certified Histology Technician (HT)

A Certified Histology Technician (HT) is a professional who specializes in the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. The HT prepares, stains, and mounts tissue sections on slides for examination by pathologists or other medical professionals. The HT also performs various laboratory tests to help diagnose diseases.

It typically takes two years to become a Certified Histology Technician. This includes completing an accredited histology program and passing the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam. To become certified, individuals must have completed an accredited histology program and have at least one year of full-time experience in the field.

To get started, individuals should research accredited histology programs offered at local colleges or universities. These programs provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful Certified Histology Technician. After completing an accredited program, individuals must take and pass the ASCP certification exam to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Histology Technician varies depending on the college or university you attend, but it typically ranges from $5,000-$20,000 including tuition fees and materials.

3. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification in Histotechnology

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification in Histotechnology is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of histotechnology. This certification is designed to ensure that those working in the field have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality services.

To obtain this certification, applicants must take and pass an exam administered by the ASCP Board of Certification. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and a practical component. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of both components to be successful on the exam.

The length of time it takes to become certified depends on how much preparation and practice an individual puts into studying for the exam. On average, it can take anywhere from three months to one year or more to prepare for and successfully pass the exam.

Individuals interested in obtaining their ASCP Certification in Histotechnology should first review the eligibility requirements on the ASCP website. Once they meet all eligibility criteria, they can register for the exam online or by mail. The cost for taking the exam is $250 plus applicable taxes, fees, and shipping charges.

4. National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification in Histology

The National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) Certification in Histology is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition of the knowledge and skills of histotechnologists and histotechnicians. This certification is designed to validate an individual’s expertise in the field of histology, which includes the preparation of tissue specimens for microscopic examination.

In order to become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, including completion of a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in a laboratory science program with a major emphasis on histotechnology, or equivalent experience as determined by NCA. Additionally, applicants must have at least one year of full-time work experience as a histotechnologist or histotechnician within the past five years.

The application process typically takes four to six weeks to complete. Applicants must submit their application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and proof of work experience. Once all documents are received and reviewed, applicants will receive notification regarding their eligibility status. If eligible, they will be invited to take the NCA Certification Exam in Histology.

The cost for taking the exam is $225 USD, which covers both the exam fee and processing fees. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics related to safety and quality assurance; specimen collection; tissue processing; embedding; cutting; staining; mounting; microscopy; laboratory management; and professional practice issues. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center located throughout the United States.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants will receive their official certification from NCA within 6-8 weeks after passing the exam. The certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed by completing continuing education credits or re-taking the certification exam again.

5. American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification in Histotechnology

American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certification in Histotechnology is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of histotechnologists. Histotechnologists are laboratory professionals who prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination by pathologists. The AMT certification program ensures that histotechnologists have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their job duties safely and effectively.

To obtain the AMT certification in Histotechnology, individuals must meet specific eligibility requirements and pass an exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either completed a histotechnology program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or have at least two years of full-time experience in histology within the past five years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as specimen collection, processing, staining techniques, immunohistochemistry, safety procedures, laboratory management, and quality assurance/control. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

The cost to take the AMT certification in Histotechnology exam is $175 for members of AMT and $225 for non-members. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain active certification status.

6. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certification in Histology Technology

National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certification in Histology Technology is a certification program that provides recognition to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the practice of histology technology. This certification is voluntary, and it is not required to practice as a histotechnologist.

To obtain NAACLS Certification in Histology Technology, individuals must meet specific educational requirements and pass an examination. The educational requirements include completion of an accredited histotechnology program or equivalent education/experience as determined by the NAACLS Board of Directors.

The examination consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, laboratory safety, quality assurance/quality control, histological techniques and instrumentation. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for certification. Once all requirements are met and the examination has been passed, applicants can apply for NAACLS certification. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the applicant's educational background; however, it generally costs between $250-$500 USD for application fees and exam fees.

7. International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) Certification in Histotechnician

The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER) is an international organization that provides certification to histotechnicians. ISBER certification is a voluntary program designed to ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and ethical practice in the preservation and storage of biological and environmental samples. The purpose of the program is to recognize those who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of histotechnology.

To obtain ISBER certification, a histotechnician must demonstrate knowledge and experience in sample collection, processing, preservation, storage, retrieval, and disposal. The certification process requires applicants to submit documentation of their educational background as well as a minimum of two years’ experience in the field. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ISBER that covers topics such as laboratory safety protocols, laboratory techniques, quality assurance procedures, and regulations related to sample collection and preservation.

The cost for ISBER certification varies depending on the country where it is being obtained. In the United States, it typically costs between $500-1000 USD. It usually takes about six months from application submission to receiving certification results.

8. College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certification in Histotechnology

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certification in Histotechnology is a voluntary certification program that recognizes qualified histotechnologists who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field. It is designed to assess the competency of histotechnologists and to promote quality assurance and patient safety.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements such as having an associate degree or higher in histotechnology from an accredited college or university, completing at least one year of full-time work experience in a clinical laboratory setting, passing the CAP Histology Technologist Exam, and completing continuing education credits every three years.

It typically takes six months to a year to complete all of the requirements for certification. During this time, applicants should focus on studying for the exam, gaining experience in the lab setting, and completing any necessary continuing education courses.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. The application fee for CAP Certification is $200, plus additional fees for taking the exam and any required continuing education courses.

Overall, becoming certified through CAP can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as a histotechnologist and help you stand out from other job applicants.

9. Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certification in Histotechnology

The Association of Clinical Scientists (ACS) Certification in Histotechnology is a professional certification for histotechnologists and histotechnicians. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of histotechnology.

To obtain the ACS Certification in Histotechnology, applicants must have completed a minimum of an associate degree or higher in histology or related sciences, have at least one year of full-time work experience as a histotechnologist or histotechnician, and pass the ACS Certification Exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, laboratory safety, specimen collection and processing, immunohistochemistry, and more.

The process to get certified takes approximately six months from start to finish. After submitting an application with all required documentation, applicants will be notified within two weeks if they are approved to take the exam. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam through the ACS website. The cost for the exam is $400 USD plus any applicable taxes.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official certification from ACS within four weeks after passing. The certification is valid for five years before it needs to be renewed.

10. American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification in Histotechnology

The American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) Certification in Histotechnology is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of histotechnologists. Histotechnologists are laboratory professionals who prepare and analyze tissue samples for use in medical research or diagnosis. The AAB Certification in Histotechnology is designed to ensure that histotechnologists have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their job effectively and safely.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of two years experience as a histotechnologist, complete an approved educational program, pass an exam, and maintain continuing education requirements. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, pathology, immunohistochemistry, safety standards, quality assurance procedures, specimen processing techniques, and more.

The AAB Certification in Histotechnology can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to obtain depending on the applicant's experience level and study habits. To get started on the process of becoming certified, applicants must first register with the AAB by submitting an application form along with payment of a non-refundable fee. Once registered, applicants will be provided with access to study materials which they can use to prepare for the examination.

The cost for obtaining AAB Certification in Histotechnology varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of the AAB. For non-members it costs $300 for registration plus $200 for each attempt at passing the exam; members pay only $200 for registration plus $100 for each attempt at passing the exam.

11. National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification in Histotechnician

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification in Histotechnician is a national certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of histotechnicians. It is designed to help employers identify qualified and competent individuals who are able to perform the duties of a histotechnician.

To get this certification, an individual must meet certain requirements and pass an exam. The requirements include having either a high school diploma or equivalent, completing an accredited histology program, and having at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a histotechnician.

The NHA certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as tissue processing and embedding, special stains and immunohistochemistry, safety protocols, laboratory operations, quality control measures, and other related topics. The exam typically takes about three hours to complete.

The cost for the NHA Certification in Histotechnician depends on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or retaking it after failing it once. For first-time test takers, the fee is $125; for those retaking the exam after failing it once, the fee is $95.

Do You Really Need a Histology Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For those who want to pursue a career in histology, a Histology Technician Certificate is often necessary for entry-level positions. This certificate provides evidence of the skills and knowledge required to work with biological specimens in a laboratory setting. It also serves as an indication that the technician has been properly trained in safety protocols and laboratory procedures.

On the other hand, some individuals may choose to pursue histology without having obtained a certificate first. Those who have already obtained an undergraduate degree in biology or related field may be able to gain employment based on their academic qualifications alone. In addition, many employers are willing to provide on-the-job training for those without formal certifications or degrees, allowing them to become qualified technicians over time.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Histology Technician Certificate depends largely on their own circumstances and career goals. Those who are looking to enter into this field should carefully consider their options before making a decision.

Related: Histology Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Histology Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a Histology Technician Certification?

A1. A Histology Technician Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of individuals in the field of histology. It is awarded by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) upon successful completion of an examination.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Histology Technician?

A2. To become certified as a Histology Technician, you must first complete a program in histotechnology at an accredited institution, such as a college or university, and then pass an exam administered by ASCP.

Q3. What is the cost of obtaining a Histology Technician Certification?

A3. The cost of obtaining a Histology Technician Certification will vary depending on the institution offering the coursework and the type of certification you are seeking (e.g., HT-ASC or HT-C). Generally speaking, costs can range from $500 to $2000 USD depending on location, course materials and other factors.

Q4. How long does it take to obtain a Histology Technician Certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to obtain certification depends on how quickly you can complete your coursework and pass the exam administered by ASCP. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to become fully certified as a Histology Technician depending on your individual circumstances and study habits.

Q5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my Histology Technician Certification?

A5: Yes, continuing education is required in order to maintain your certification status with ASCP’s Board of Certification (BOC). Specifically, BOC requires that all histotechnicians complete 40 hours of continuing education within two years in order to keep their certification current.