Unification of the NCA and the ASCP Board of Registry

Introduction Professional credentials are the cornerstone for defining and achieving recognition of an independent scope of practice. When multiple competing credentials exist, that identity is less clear to those outside the profession. The combination of the two largest laboratory certification organizations in 2009 was a landmark event for increasing recognition of laboratory professionals.

During the 1970's, irreconcilable differences erupted between pathologists and technologists regarding the composition and operation of the ASCP Board of Registry, which led to the formation of the National Credentialing Agency. NCA was founded as a free-standing certification organization, based on the principles of peer certification, exam development based on practice analyses and psychometrics, and mandatory re-certification to demonstrate continued competency.

Over time, there were outcries from educators, students, employers, and professionals in the field. The complexities that resulted from having two competing certifications for NAACLS-accredited programs were making their lives and careers more difficult. They wanted the two organizations to find a way to come together.

After thirty years of fierce competition, both organizations began to recognize that the differences that created the separation, and loomed so large at that time, had all but disappeared. Although there were still pathologists participating on the Board of Registry (BOR), they were clearly minority stakeholders on the board. Both NCA and the BOR had chosen to participate in an accreditation program that ensured best practices, including the requirement of re-certification. Both organizations began to realize that the way to have the greatest impact on our profession was to focus…

ABBREVIATIONS: AGT – Association of Genetic Technologists, ASCP – American Society for Clinical Pathology, BOC – Board of Certification, BOR – Board of Registry, NCA – National Credentialing Agency.