Pathologist Certifications
Between the ABPath and ASCP, there are four types of primary pathology certifications, and a variety of subspecialty certifications. Here, we'll give you a quick view of all of them.
You might be wondering about the different types of pathology certifications. Both the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) issue certifications of various kinds. There are four types of primary pathology certifications, and a variety of subspecialty certifications. Here, we'll give you a quick view of all of them.
American Board of Pathology (ABPath)
Anatomic Pathology Certification
Anatomical pathology is the diagnosis of disease based on samples from organs and other tissues acquired during surgery. Anatomical pathologists can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices testing samples from procedures like pap smears, autopsies, or cancer biopsies.
To become certified in anatomical pathology you will need to pass the clinical pathology primary examination.
Clinical Pathology Certification
Clinical pathology is the diagnosis of disease based on samples of bodily fluids. Clinical pathologists can work in hospitals, clinics, commercial labs, and private practices testing things like blood and urine for routine tests, drug tests, or cancer diagnosing.
To become certified in clinical pathology you will need to pass the clinical pathology primary examination.
Anatomic & Clinical Pathology Certification
Having a certification in both anatomic and clinical pathology gives you the flexibility to do things such as perform autopsies in a hospital while also working in a commercial drug testing clinic.
You can become certified in both anatomic and clinical pathology by taking the anatomic portion and clinical portion of the ABPath primary examination. You may take these portions at the same time or split between different sessions to allow for more studying time.
Anatomic & Neuropathology Certification
Neuropathology is the diagnosis of diseases from the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. A NP certification combined with an AP certification gives you the qualification to do things such as perform autopsies on the brain, spinal cord, or nervous system.
To become certified in both anatomic pathology and neuropathology you will first need to pass the AP primary examination and then register for and pass the NP subspecialty examination.
Subspecialty Certifications
Once you have a primary certification from ABPath you can take subspecialty examinations to get certified in the following subspecialties of pathology:
- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
- Chemical Pathology
- Clinical Informatics
- Cytopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Forensic pathology
- Hematopathology
- Medical Microbiology
- Neuropathology
- Pediatric Pathology
Visit the ABPath website to learn more about the specific requirements for each subspecialty certification.
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
The ASCP Board of Certification has a wide variety of highest volume, technician, technologist/scientist, and specialist certifications related to pathology available to earn.
Visit the ASCP Board of Certification webpage for the full offering of certifications.
After Certification
After you earn certification, you’ll need to maintain your certification with the American Board of Pathology. Part of maintaining certification is earning continuing medical education (CME) credits. Learn more about your CME credit requirements here.
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