ASCP Route 2: The 16+16 Biology & Chemistry Rule Explained

Yes. Route 2 is a direct-to-exam pathway for individuals with a non-laboratory bachelor's degree who have completed the 16+16 prerequisite credits. You do not need to be enrolled in or have graduated from a NAACLS-accredited MLS program. You complete the prerequisites, submit documentation to ASCP BOC, and upon approval, sit for the MLS(ASCP) exam.

Starting from zero, completing 32 credits of biology and chemistry typically takes 12–18 months studying part-time. If you already have some credits (e.g., from a prior degree that included chemistry), it can be as few as 8–12 months. The self-paced format means you control the timeline.

ASCP does not publish a minimum GPA requirement for Route 2 eligibility, but they do require official transcripts demonstrating the 16+16 credits. Individual employers and programs that use Route 2 as a benchmark may have their own GPA expectations.

Yes. Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is one of the seven regional accrediting bodies recognized by the US Department of Education. HLC accreditation fully satisfies the ASCP BOC requirement for regionally accredited institution coursework.