Be a Part of a CAP Laboratory Inspection Team

As a pathology resident, you are so focused in learning the science and reading slides, you don’t always get the full picture of pathology to see how the whole lab works together.

Joining a College of American Pathologists inspection team as a resident allows you to develop your pathology skills and lab knowledge through training you'll receive on laboratory best practices. You will also build your reputation by seeing new labs and connecting with pathologists outside of your institution. All trainees PGY2+ are eligible to participate.

Don’t worry; you will be prepared. All inspectors participate in an online training course, and the team leader will reach out to you prior to your inspection to ensure you’re all set.

How to participate

• Talk to your program director about participating.
• Create or update My Profile (found under your name on cap.org):
  • Ensure your email and contact information are correct.
  • If you already have an Inspector Tab created:
    • Complete all the questions on the Inspector tab under Inspection availability.
    • Fill in all the information on the Inspector tab for skillsets and language fluency.
  • If you do not see an Inspector Tab:
    • Select Request to be an Inspector under the Business/Professional tab.
    • You will then have an Inspector tab added to your profile.
    • Click on the Inspector Tab and follow the instructions above.

Update your profile on cap.org to be an inspector. Learn how below.

A member of the CAP inspection staff will email you within 4–6 weeks to share the next steps in the process. If you aren’t able to participate at the time you’re selected, it’s not a problem, your profile will remain in the system and you will be contacted again. 

While you are waiting, you can start taking the inspector training course, which should be completed before your inspection.

If you have any questions about laboratory inspections or signing up, please feel free to contact the CAP at accred@cap.org.