CMS approves ABCC 24-month ComACC Certification 

Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry (ComACC)-trained scientists may now compete more favorably for employment after completing their postdoctoral fellowship with ABCC’s new 24-month ComACC certification.   The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has accepted ABCC’s application for a 24-month professional experience requirement for scientists trained at ComACC-accredited programs.  This option makes ABCC requirements consistent with the experience requirements of the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) and the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) and allows ComACC-trained Diplomates to serve as laboratory directors after 24-months of professional experience.   

ABCC offers doctoral-level certification in the areas of clinical chemistry, toxicology, and molecular diagnostics.  The Board’s requirements for education and performance on a written examination remain the same but under the new option, experience requirements are reduced from 5 years to 24 months. ABCC certification is recognized by CLIA 88 for clinical consultants and directors of high complexity testing.  Details on ABCC certification requirements can be found under rules and regulations for each exam specialty on the website at www.abclinchem.org.