Does anyone know if we are required to participate in the CMP program if you're an SBB, or is it really optional?

If it is like the rest of them it depends on when you were certified. I think all recent certifications require maintenance while previous ones are 'grandfathered' in.

Any one got SBB after 2006 need to take part in CMP otherwise your SBB certification has two years expiration. (first time you get three years, one year extra as a prize for passing the tough exam!!!!)

IF you passed your SBB before 2006 you do not need to take part in CMP but if you submit your CE you get to MLS and I do submit my CE every two year and I get to write CM(superscript) next to my SBB & MLS.

Do you have to submit twice as much CE to get CM for both the MLS and SBB?

No. Whatever you submit for SBB can be used against your blood bank portion of MLS. You also have to submit chemistry, micro, hematology, lab safety credits for MLS.

Thanks ALL for the reply. What do you do about getting credits for the following areas? a)Research and Preparation for Presentation Authorizing a book or book chapter, doctoral dissertation c) Editing a book d) Presenting posters/exhibits e) Journal articles, master thesis f) Serving on examination committees, committes or boards related to the profession g) Role of on-site inspector/paper reviewer for laboratory accreditation (JCAHO, CAP, etc,) or training program accreditation (NAACLS, CAAHEP) 2pts/year. I don't know about you but I don't have opportunity or able to participate in all of them. Help!!! Aren't we supposed to full-fill all of them??

I think those are just examples of ways to fulfill them, not requirements. If not, almost none of us would be able to comply.

Yes. Mabel is right. You do not have to do all. I know certain catagories are mandated eg. Lab safety. When I renew my ASCP I get 3 free credits which I use for the area which I can not get credit at work.

Yes. Mabel is right. You do not have to do all. I know certain catagories are mandated eg. Lab safety. When I renew my ASCP I get 3 free credits which I use for the area which I can not get credit at work.

Phew! I was worried! I never saw it the last time I renewed. I am good then. Thanks ALL. You guys are great!

Thanks ALL for the reply. What do you do about getting credits for the following areas? a)Research and Preparation for Presentation Authorizing a book or book chapter, doctoral dissertation c) Editing a book d) Presenting posters/exhibits e) Journal articles, master thesis f) Serving on examination committees, committes or boards related to the profession g) Role of on-site inspector/paper reviewer for laboratory accreditation (JCAHO, CAP, etc,) or training program accreditation (NAACLS, CAAHEP) 2pts/year. I don't know about you but I don't have opportunity or able to participate in all of them. Help!!! Aren't we supposed to full-fill all of them??

aakupaku is mostly correct, when you submit your credits there are only three categories you have to fulfill. Specialty, related interest/topic and safety. The safety requirement used to be kind of poorly defined, I submitted my annual blood borne pathogen as my one credit in 2010. Now it says things like quality control and statistics count as safety.

The thing aakupaku wasn't quite right on is the window is three years each round. My 2nd certificate states April 2010-2013, first one was April 2007-2010 and I expect to recieve my third one soon stating April 2013-2016. I was surprised the fee was only $75. Don't use Chrome on the ASCP site though, it doesn't seem to work well on their page.

If you have a local/state blood banking society consider participating. Both Wisconsin and Minnesota have solid state organizations that offer CE credits during the year, joining a leadership board/panel is a good way to get CE credits and help others get their credits.

And also as stated you're not required to participate, but odds are good you need to maintain it for work. I would hate to let it expire and then have to re-take that exam!

The thing aakupaku wasn't quite right on is the window is three years each round.

YES. Thank you so much. It is three years not two!!! my mistake.... If your MLS and SBB expires different time, make sure to start the process of combining them. Before they did not do that but starting 2012, you can combine the date so you will pay $75 + $15 for both. If you send your CMP separatetly you will end up paying $75+$75...

The process is through mail so need to start early. (in that case do not send your CMP electronically. You can send first one electronically but second must be through mail).