ASCP Molecular Biology Certification (MB / SMB): Study Guide, Material, Exam Practice Questions and Prep
Do you want to achieve your desired career in molecular biology? If yes then you can apply for ASCP molecular biology certification to get MB ASCP and SMB ASCP credentials. You just have to pass the ASCP molecular biology exam to get the career you want.
Don’t you know how to apply and prepare for the ASCP certification programs? In today’s article, we will discuss each and everything related to molecular biology certificates. Let’s get started.
Overview of ASCP Molecular Biology Certification
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) molecular biology certification is designed for those individuals who want to acquire new skills in the molecular biology domain to build professional credibility.
Moreover, it is also for those who are seeking leadership or supervisory positions in molecular biology specialty.
MB ASCP technologist in molecular biology uses the latest molecular biology techniques to spot hereditary diseases.
Whereas, SMB (ASCP) specialist in molecular biology (SMB) possesses more advanced molecular skills to supervise laboratory technologists.
Each of certificate has its own prerequisites, eligibility requirements, study guide, study material, practice exam questions and preparation course.
MB (ASCP) vs. SMB (ASCP)
ASCP molecular biology certification is associated with cell biology, genomics, biochemistry and genetics. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) offers two career pathways in the field of molecular biology. Those two molecular biology certificates are MB ASCP and SMB ASCP.
ASCP molecular biology technologist is a certfied tech in molecular biology by ASCP. Such lab proffesional performs complex molecular biology operations to identify infectious and genetic disorders. He works under the supervision of a molecular biology scientist.
SMB (ASCP)CM – molecular biology specialist is a scientist with expertise in the latest molecular biology skills. He is capable of supervising clinical laboratory technologists. Besides leadership and supervision, he can provide services as a molecular biology consultant and teacher.
The BOC molecular biology certificate is for all educational levels. For specialist in molecular biology, you require an MB (ASCP) certificate OR a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in a molecular biology lab along with a bachelor’s degree.
For ASCP technologist in molecular biology, you must have an ASCP technologist certificate OR a minimum of 1 year of experience in a molecular biology lab along with your bachelor’s degree.
Requirements for ASCP Molecular Biology Certification
The American Society for Clinical Pathology – ASCP molecular biology certification requirements are the first step before applying for ASCP certification programs.
ASCP BOC has devised many eligibility routes to facilitate all individuals having molecular biology backgrounds.
| Routes | MB (ASCP) | SMB (ASCP) |
| Route 1 | A bachelor’s degree in any related subject area. Credential ASCP specialist/ technologist or scientist certificate. | A bachelor’s degree in any related subject area. MB (ASCP) certificate without expiry. 3 years of practical demonstration in veterinary, industry, molecular biology lab or research center. |
| Route 2 | A bachelor’s degree in any related subject area. Molecular science course from NAACLS accredited society. | A master’s degree in any related subject area. 3 years of experience in veterinary, industry, molecular biology lab or research center. |
| Route 3 | A bachelor’s degree in any related subject area. 1 year practical involvement in veterinary, industry, molecular biology lab or research centre. | A PhD in any related subject area. 2 years of molecular biology post-doctoral fellowship or experience in veterinary, industry, molecular biology lab or research center. |
| Route 4 | A master’s degree in any related subject area. 6 months of involvement in veterinary, industry, molecular biology lab or research centre. | ASCP(MB) certificate. A bachelor’s degree in any related subject area. 3 years of practical experience in the molecular biology lab. |
| Route 5 | – | ASCP molecular biology (MB) certificate. A PhD in any related subject area. 1 year of expertise in teaching molecular biology. |
Eligibility Check for ASCP Molecular Biology
- The ASCP molecular biology certification eligibility is a crucial step to moving forward in ASCP certification programs.
- The American Society for Clinical Pathology has established an online platform to check your admissibility for the exam.
- Through the Board of Certification (BOC) eligibility assistant you can verify your eligibility for MB and SMB.
- Select the type of ASCP molecular biology certificate and respond to the eligibility queries. It will calculate your eligibility automatically.
- Click here to find a detailed guide for ensuring technologist in molecular biology eligibility.
- For SMB ASCP Specialist in molecular biology eligibility step by step guide, click here.
Study Guide for ASCP Molecular Biology Certification
ASCP molecular biology study guide is an effective approach to preparing for technologist and specialist.
It revolves around four molecular biology areas i.e. molecular science and techniques, lab operations and molecular testing applications.
Exam Study Guide with content areas per ASCP BOC are as follows:
| ASCP molecular biology subjects | Content areas for (MB) and (SMB) | Percentage in (MB & SMB) exam |
| Lab operations | Contamination, specimen processing, guidelines and regulations, reagents, assays, instrumentation, results, competency, quality control, proficiency testing, continuing education, safety and laboratory administration (for ASCP SMB CM) | • MB (ASCP): 15 – 20% • SMB (ASCP): 25 – 30% |
| Molecular science | Molecular theory, nucleic acid chemistry, biochemical reagents and human/microbial genetics | • (ASCP) MB: 20 – 25% • (ASCP) SMB: 5 – 10% |
| Molecular techniques | Nucleic acid isolation, amplification, sequencing, separation and detection, and other molecular practices | • (ASCP) MB: 20 – 25% • (ASCP) SMB: 5 – 10% |
| Molecular testing applications | Infectious disease, histocompatibility, genetic ailments and identity, oncology, engraftment and pharmacogenomics | • MB (ASCP)CM: 30 – 35% • SMB (ASCP)CM: 35 – 40% |
ASCP Exam for Molecular Biology
The American Society for Clinical Pathology molecular biology exam is not a walk in a park. It requires a lot of struggle, effort and hard work.
All ASCP certification programs are computer-based. The computer will provide an easy question if you answer the previous question wrong and vice versa.
Both MB and SMB (ASCP) exams include 100 questions. The allotted time frame for the exam is 150 minutes. The exam queries integrate both theoretical and practical molecular biology knowledge.
So, understanding molecular biology theories is not enough to ace the ASCP molecular biology exam. You have to understand the implication of theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
How To Get ASCP Molecular Biology Certification?
ASCP Molecular biology certification application is a few courses of action you have to take after the eligibility check.
It’s an online process. You just need an ASCP account. After creating an account at the American Society For Clinical Pathology site, follow the steps below on how to to get certified process:
How To Get ASCP Molecular Biology Certification?
Total Time: 1 minute
Fill Online Application
• Answer the required questions correctly on the online MB & SMB application form.
• The BOC will let you the documents you have to submit along with the molecular biology application.
Official Documents Verification
• Select BOC accredited agencies for transcripts assessment.
• The American Society for Clinical Pathology does not accept unofficial and unverified documents.
• Send required documents to the Board of Certification.
• You have to verify your official documents and work experience letters.
Fee Submission
• Submit the application processing fee.
• You will not get your payment back after submission.
• That’s why it is important to ensure your eligibility before application submission.
• ASCP technologist in molecular biology certification has a $240 application fee.
• Whereas ASCP Specialist in molecular biology certification has a $290 application fee.
Exam Scheduling
• After a few business days, the BOC will send you an email to select the desired exam date. You can monitor your application phases or status via your ASCP account.
ASCP exam intimidates you. Isn’t? Do you want a handy solution to becoming molecular biology technologist or specialist? Subscribe to MLSIA online ASCP molecular biology certification classes and pass the exam in the first sitting.
Preparation for ASCP Molecular Biology Exam
MLSi Academy is a renowned institute offering online ASCP certification training. You can subscribe to our online exam prep classes to ace the ASCP molecular biology exam in one go.
ASCP certification online prep classes by MLSi ACADEMY include well-organized study material, exam practice questions, interactive webinars, biology graphical illustrations, recorded sessions, and two mega surprises.
Besides all this, you will get a golden chance to learn from ASCP certified molecular biology specialists.
Our experts have already cleared the ASCP certification programs, so they can prepare you better for the molecular biology exam.
Study Material for ASCP Molecular Biology
ASCP molecular biology study material is a key to clearing the exam successfully. It includes molecular biology books, online mediums and journals.
You can get details of reference books for MB ASCP technologists in molecular biology here.
For SMB ASCP Specialists in molecular biology, you can see the list of books here.
MLSIA online MB & SMB (ASCP/ ASCPi) prep course will provide you with all the reference molecular biology books in an organized manner. It will eliminate your unnecessary surfing from one website to another.
Moreover, you can utilize your time only for preparation instead of exam prep planning and organizing. In short, MLSi online ASCP certification classes will allow you to focus on study.
Exam Practice Questions for ASCP Molecular Biology
The molecular biology practice questions is a useful tool to highlight the weak concepts before the final exam. It is a mean to test your exam preparation. Moreover, it will also boost your confidence for the exam.
MLSi ACADEMY Technologist Prep and Specialist Prep online course series come with a dozen of sample molecular biology exam practice questions. With our practice tests, you can familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.
Subscribe to our technologist in molecular biology prep series to become MB(ASCP)CM. If you want to become SMB (ASCP)CM, subscribe to our ASCP Specialist in molecular biology package.
Flashcards For ASCP Molecular Biology Certification
ASCP molecular biology flashcards is a learning tool that will make it easy for you to memorize molecular biology related stuff. Molecular biology involves a lot of theoretical portion and it takes a lot of time to cram.
So, MLSi ACADEMY introduces flashcards in its online ASCP certification classes to create memorizing a stress-free event for you.
Hurry up and reserve your seat in our MB(ASCP) exam prep classes for molecular biology technologist.
For molecular biology specialist, grab a seat in SMB (ASCP) online prep course.
Books for ASCP Molecular Biology Study
A molecular biology book is a manuscript that comprises all the concepts in a single place to increase focus. Unfortunately, the American Society for Clinical Pathology has not produced a molecular biology book for rechnologist and specialist.
However, MLSi ACADEMY has complied with all the relevant study material in a handy PDF format. It includes all important molecular biology concepts and their practical implications. In this way, it will become easy for you to prepare from a single source.
Technologists and specialists in molecular biology have contributed a lot to the preparation of this book. We have devised in a book by keeping ASCP molecular biology exams in mind.
Referance Books for ASCP Molecular Biology
The American Society for Clinical Pathology has announced a few reference books for ASCP molecular biology certification. If you want to stick only to the ASCP list of reference books, then here is the list:
General Molecular Biology
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC).
- Alberts, B., et al. (2014). Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed.). New York: Garland Science.
- Buckingham, L. (2019). Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods, & Clinical Applications (3 rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
- Coleman, W.B. & Tsongalis, G.J. (Eds.). (2018). Molecular Pathology: The Molecular Basis of Human Disease (2 nd ed.). Elsevier Inc.
- Cooper, G.M. and Hausman, R.E. (2019). The Cell: A Molecular Approach (8th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
- Krebs, J.E. et al. (2018). Lewin's Genes XII (12th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
- Rifai, N., et al. (Eds.). (2018). Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier Inc.
Applications Of Molecular Science
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) (BOC) .
- Coleman W., & Tsongalis G. (Eds.). (2017). Diagnostic Molecular Pathology: A Guide to Applied Molecular Testing. Elsevier Inc.
- DeVita, V.T., et al. (2021). DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology: Primer of the Molecular Biology of Cancer (3rd Ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health.
- Jaffe, E.S. et al. (2017). Hematopathology – CHAPTER 6: Molecular Diagnosis in Hematopathology ONLY (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, Inc.
- Kulkarni, S. and Pfeifer, J. (Eds.). (2015). Clinical Genomics: A Guide to Clinical Next Generation Sequencing. Elsevier Inc.
- Leonard, D.G.B. (Ed.). (2016). Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice (2nd ed.). New York: Springer.
- Nussbaum, R.L. et al. (2016). Thompson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Inc.
- Persing, D.H. et al. (Eds.). (2016). Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.
Mathematics
(ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
- Buckingham, L. (2014). Fundamental Laboratory Mathematics: Required Calculations for the Medical Laboratory Professional. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
- Doucette, L.J. (2021). Mathematics for the Clinical Laboratory (4th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier.
- Stephenson, F.H. (2016). Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory (3rd ed.). London: Academic Press.
Management
For SMB (ASCP)CM, you will also need some managerial skills. If you are preparing for MB (ASCP) then skip the management reference books.
(ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
- Clinical Laboratory Management (2nd ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.
- Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods (24th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Inc.
- Laboratory Management: Principles and Processes (4th ed.). St. Petersburg: D.H. Pub. & Consulting, Inc.
Question Bank for ASCP Molecular Biology
ASCP molecular biology question bank is a collection of hundreds and thousands of questions to use repeatedly before an actual exam.
MLSi Academy has created its question bank for molecular biology technologists and specialists. With this feature, you can get an in-depth understanding of the MB technologist and SMB specialist questions.
Besides this, you can also assess the difficulty level of the question. The score of ASCP certification programs exams has based on the difficulty level.
Online Resources for ASCP Molecular Biology
- Association for Molecular Pathology
- American Society of Human Genetcis
- Association of Genetic Technologists
- American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics
- Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
- American Association for the Study of Liver Disease
- American Society for Microbiology
- College of American Pathologists
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
Pass Rate for ASCP Molecular Biology Exam
ASCP molecular biology exam pass rate for MB is 53%. For SMB (ASCP), the pass rate is 8%. The American Society for Clinical Pathology initiated technologist in 2007 and specialist in 2018.
Shocked!
Until now, there are 424 MB technologists in molecular biology and 4 SMB specialists in molecular biology. The highest and lowest score for ASCP technologist in molecular biology is 708 and 155, respectively. For ASCP Specialist in molecular biology highest and lowest score is 421 and 186, respectively.
The minimum pass score is 400 out of 1000 for both. After becoming ASCP technologist in molecular biology and an ASCP specialist in molecular biology, you will get your dream job within six months.
The ASCP 2021 exam statistics From ASCP Site are as follows :
| EXAM NAME | FIRST-YEAR CERTIFIED | MEAN | STANDARD DEVIATION | MIN. SCORE | MAX. SCORE | TOTAL # TAKING EXAM | TOTAL PASS SCORE | TOTAL PASS % | TOTAL FAIL SCORE | TOTAL FAIL % | TOTAL CERTIFIED |
| BB | 2015 | 418 | 103 | 221 | 649 | 28 | 15 | 54% | 13 | 46% | 86 |
| SBB | 2015 | 315 | 95 | 139 | 444 | 22 | 5 | 23% | 17 | 77% | 18 |
| C | 2015 | 363 | 102 | 131 | 570 | 57 | 20 | 35% | 37 | 65% | 148 |
| SC | 2015 | 445 | 137 | 260 | 664 | 14 | 8 | 57% | 6 | 43% | 50 |
| CG | 2015 | 394 | 114 | 175 | 564 | 19 | 10 | 53% | 9 | 47% | 44 |
| CT | 2015 | 470 | 0 | 470 | 470 | 1 | 1 | 100% | 0 | 0% | 23 |
| SCT | 2015 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
| CTgyn | 2010 | 356 | 88 | 212 | 524 | 13 | 4 | 31% | 9 | 69% | 72 |
| H | 2014 | 477 | 148 | 182 | 736 | 34 | 24 | 71% | 10 | 29% | 148 |
| SH | 2015 | 432 | 73 | 344 | 528 | 7 | 5 | 71% | 2 | 29% | 48 |
| HT | 2015 | 446 | 192 | 139 | 791 | 13 | 9 | 69% | 4 | 31% | 38 |
| HTL | 2015 | 446 | 105 | 286 | 760 | 49 | 33 | 67% | 16 | 33% | 159 |
| M | 2015 | 391 | 124 | 100 | 653 | 74 | 37 | 50% | 37 | 50% | 189 |
| SM | 2015 | 375 | 99 | 204 | 615 | 33 | 13 | 39% | 20 | 61% | 48 |
| MB | 2007 | 408 | 118 | 155 | 708 | 97 | 51 | 53% | 46 | 47% | 424 |
| SMB | 2018 | 287 | 69 | 186 | 421 | 13 | 1 | 8% | 12 | 92% | 4 |
| MLS | 2006 | 447 | 161 | 100 | 923 | 3,647 | 2017 | 55% | 1,630 | 45% | 14,767 |
| CLM (Spanish language MLS) | 2009 | 353 | 72 | 273 | 455 | 5 | 1 | 20% | 4 | 80% | 49 |
| MLT | 2006 | 377 | 145 | 100 | 818 | 116 | 51 | 44% | 65 | 56% | 706 |
| PBT | 2007 | 628 | 139 | 231 | 842 | 48 | 45 | 94% | 3 | 6% | 403 |
| SCYM | 2017 | 447 | 132 | 263 | 647 | 19 | 12 | 63% | 7 | 37% | 29 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | 4,309 | 2,362 | 55% | 1,947 | 45% | 17,454 |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Updated: 1/18/2022 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Salay for ASCP Certified Molecular Biologist
ASCP molecular biology salary as follow:
| Source | MB (ASCP)/ SMB (ASCP) Average Salary |
| Salary.com | $129,641 – $173,629 |
| ziprecruiter.com | $64,497 |
| SimplyHired.com | $80,000 |
| PaySacale.com | $41k – $103k |
FAQs for ASCP Molecular Biology Certificatio
How to Pass MB ASCP/ SMB ASCP Exam?
1. Double check first you are eligible for the MB/ SMB ASCP certification exam
2. Review the study content guide by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
3. Buy the recommended reading books by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
4. Design your plan of study
5. Answer as much as practice exam question
6. Seclude your exam
7. Or save the hassle and get the all in one handy solution to pass the ASCP exam by subscription to MLSi ACADEMY Prep Courses for ASCP molecular biology certification.
Where to Get the Perfect MB ASCP Study Guide?
MB ASCP study guide is a list of all the reading material required to prepare for the molecular biology technologist exam. The American Society for Clinical Pathology has not devised a single book for technologist exam preparation.
However, you can get a handy book in PDF format from the MLSi Academy. To get this book, you have to subscribe to our online exam prep course.
Where To Get SMB (ASCP) Specialist In Molecular Biology Study Guide & Exam Prep?
SMB (ASCP) specialist in molecular biology is a person responsible for carrying out molecular biology tests on samples. To become an ASCP specialist in molecular biology, you can subscribe to MLSi online (SMB) ASCP exam prep online course.
By subscribing to MLSi (SMB) course, you will get well-arranged study material, exam practice questions and online classes to ace the exam in the first sitting.
What Is MB ASCP CM Meaning?
MB (ASCP)CM is the completion of the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP). It is necessary to complete this package to maintain the validity of any ASCP certification program. The American Society for Clinical Pathology certificates remains valid for a time frame of three consecutive years.
How Many Questions Are On The ASCP SMB Exam?
ASCP SMB exam is a computer-based assessment. It consists of 100 questions. You have to complete the test in 150 minutes. The minimum passing score for SMB (ASCP) exam is 400. The total test score is 1000.
How Much Is The MB ASCP Exam?
MB ASCP exam cost is $240. Check your eligibility before submitting the exam fee. The American Society for Clinical Pathology does not refund the application fee.
How Much Is The SMB ASCP Exam?
SMB ASCP exam cost is $290. Before paying the molecular biology exam fee, make sure that you are fulfilling the requirements for the SMB (ASCP) exam. You will not get your payment back after submission.
What Are Popular Job Titles Related To MB ASCP Jobs?
Popular job titles are Chemistry Technologist, National Medical Technologist, Medical Technologist MT, Medical Technologist ASCP, Haematology Technologist, MLT ASCP, Registered Medical Technologist and Certified MED Tech.
What Is MB ASCP / SMB ASCP Exam Pass Rate?
Exam pass rate is 53%. SMB ASCP exam pass rate is 8%.
ASCP SMB Exam Questions, How Long Is The Exam?
ASCP SMB exam total questions are 100. The allowed time for attempting the test is 150 minutes.
Is It Worth To Get A MB ASCP/ SMB ASCP Molecular Biology Certification?
It is worthwhile to get an ASCP)molecular biology certification. It has a job rate of 100%. Moreover, you can attain a supervisory, managerial or leadership rank within your organization with SMB (ASCP)CM certificate.
Abdelhalim Elshawadfy is an ASCP certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS ASCP), Specialist in Microbiology (SM ASCP), and Molecular Biology Technologist (MB ASCP) with a distinguished career marked by expertise, continuous learning, and a commitment to elevating the standards of clinical laboratory science. As an ASCP Certification Expert and American Board Certification Expert, Abdelhalim Elshawadfy continues to make invaluable contributions to the field, leaving a lasting impact on the medical community.