CG ASCP Requirements, Eligibility Routes, Study Guide, Reading List, Study Material, Practice Test, and Question Bank   

CG (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics performs a variety of experiments in the laboratory. They are responsible for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of acquired and inherited genetic diseases.

Slide preparations, analysis of biological samples including tumors, bone marrow, tissue, amniotic fluid, and peripheral blood, harvesting, and culturing are responsibilities of a cytogenetic technologist.

Furthermore, CG also works to find the reason behind how abnormal chromosomes cause infertility, birth defects, and cancer.

Board of Certification (BOC) the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) awards you advanced skill and knowledge to brighten your career as a Technologist in Cytogenetics. After getting a BOC ASCP certificate in CG, you can work in any worldwide hospital and laboratory and shine your life and future in many ways.

What Does CG (ASCP) Mean?

CG (ASCP) stands for Certified Technologist in Cytogenetics by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. BOC ASCP is awarded a cytogenetcs ASCP/ASCP certificate to professionals who have passed this challenging exam by proving their skill and knowledge in the field of cytogenetics.

This certificate is a warranty of the candidate's experience that the individual can perform a wide range of lab procedures and tests related to chromosomal abnormalities and genetics and can make sure that the patient receives reliable and accurate diagnostic results.

CG (ASCP) VS CG (ASCPi)

BOC ASCP conducts many exams for both international and U.S. candidates. CG (ASCP) is for U.S. candidates, and CG (ASCPi) is for international candidates.

Requirements for a CG ASCP Technologist in Cytogenetics

BOC offers different eligibility requirements for both international and U.S. candidates. Every candidate must be able to meet the requirements of one route to qualify for the exam. Eligibility requirements may include experience, education, or training in relevant subjects.

Eligibility Routes for US Candidates

BOC recommend three routes for US candidates.

Route 1:

• Baccalaureate degree from an approved institution
• Within the last five years, successful completion of a NAACLS-approved cytogenetics education program.

Route 2:

• Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science from an approved institution
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with 30 semester hours in chemistry and biology
• Within the last three, full-time, one-year acceptable clinical experience from an approved cytogenetics lab

Route 3:

• Molecular biology or Genetics Master’s degree from an approved college/university
• Within the last three, full time, six-month acceptable clinical experience from an approved cytogenetics lab

Eligibility Routes for International Candidates

There are also three eligibility routes for international candidates recommended by BOC.

Route 1:

• Baccalaureate degree from an approved institution
• Approved Cytogenetics clinical training program with an internship

Route 2:

• Baccalaureate degree in chemistry or biological science from an approved institution
• Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with 30 semester hours in chemistry and biology
• one year of acceptable clinical experience from an approved cytogenetics lab

Route 3:

• Molecular biology or Genetics Master’s degree from an approved college/university
• Within the last three, full time, six-month acceptable clinical experience from an approved cytogenetics lab

CG ASCP Exam for Technologist in Cytogenetics

The CG ASCP Exam is composed of 100 MCQs with one correct answer. Examinees have to finish 100 questions in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This exam is administered using the CAT (computer adaptive testing) format.

This CAT format works by monitoring the candidate's skills and experience. If you answer correctly, the upcoming question that CAT shows will be slightly more difficult than the last one. Contrary, CAT shows an easier one if your answer is incorrect.

For the ASCP exam, there is neither a set percentage one must get to pass nor a set number of questions one must solve to pass. If you get a 400 score from 900, you will qualify for a CG ASCP credential.

CG ASCP Study Guide and Exam Content Guidelines (Valid only for Exam Date Up to and Including December 31, 2023)

Candidates have to get expertise in four content areas Specimen preparation, Molecular cytogenetic testing, Chromosome analysis, and imaging, and lab operation.

Specimen Preparation

The content area for specimen preparation is verification of specimen & test request, Specimen collection and transport, selection of harvest technique,  selection of culture system, chromosome banding, and staining techniques, evaluation of harvest, the performance of culture,  slide preparation, and documenting cell growth & monitoring.  BOC chooses 20 – 25% of questions for the CG ASCP exam from this content area.

Molecular Cytogenetic Testing

FISH quality control, preparation & analysis of FISH slides and microarray (validation, results, performance, limitations, and theory). 15 – 20% of exam questions are chosen from this part.

 Chromosome Analysis and Imaging

BOC recommended content area from this part is chromosome identification, chromosome documentation, maintenance of imaging equipment and operation,  karyogram preparation,  chromosome selection,  and  karyogram review. BOC selects 45 – 50% of questions from Chromosome Analysis and Imaging content area.

Laboratory Operation

It comprises of professional ethics, patient confidentiality, laboratory safety,continuous quality improvement, specimen labeling, maintenance of lab equipment, quality management, operation, reagents, and cleaning/decontamination. Only 10 – 15% of MCQs are picked from this content area.

CG ASCP Study Guide and Exam Content Guidelines (Valid only for Exam Date beginning January 1, 2024)

Its content area also comprises.

• Specimen Preparation, Culture, and Harvest
• Molecular Cytogenetic Testing
• Chromosome Analysis and Imaging
• Laboratory Operation.

Specimen Preparation, Culture, and Harvest

Transport and specimen collection; test result and verify specimen; appropriate culture systems selection, technique of aseptic culture; document and monitor cell growth; slide preparation; select harvest techniques; chromosome banding & staining techniques. BOC selects 20 – 25% of exam content from this content area.

Molecular Cytogenetic Testing

Result evaluation and confirmation, limitations, microarray theory; Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) slide preparation, quality control, and analysis. 15-20% of exam questions are go for from Molecular Cytogenetic Testing for CG (ASCP/ASCPi)

Chromosome Analysis and Imaging

maintaining and operating microscopes and imaging equipment; Selection of chromosomes, documentation, analysis; karyogram review; chromosome identification. This content is very important for the Cytogenetics ASCP exam because BOC selects 45 – 50% of exam question content from this part.

Laboratory Operation

Quality management and continuous quality improvement; label specimens; operate and maintain laboratory equipment; laboratory safety; reagents; professional ethics and standards and patient confidentiality. Lab operation offer 10 – 15% exam question for the CG ASCP test.

 BOC Reading List for CG ASCP

BOC recommends 2 journals, 10 textbooks, and 9 online associations for exam preparation.

Journal for CG ASCP

• Preclinical validation of fluorescence in situ hybridization assays for clinical practice
• Guidance for Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization Testing in Hematologic Disorders

Textbooks

• The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual 4th Edition
• Laboratory Safety: A Self Assessment Workbook 2nd Edition
• The Cytogenetic Symposia, 2nd Edition
• Gardner and Sutherland's Chromosome Abnormalities and Genetic Counseling (Oxford Monographs on Medical Genetics) 5th Edition
• The Principles of Clinical Cytogenetics 3rd ed. 2013 Edition
• Cancer Cytogenetics: Chromosomal and Molecular Genetic Aberrations of Tumor Cells 4th Edition
• ISCN 2020 (Cytogenetic and Genome Research) Paperback – October 29, 2020
• Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine (Thompson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine) 8th Edition
• WHO Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues Revised Edition

Online Association

• ACMG Technical Standards for Clinical Genetics Laboratories (2021 Revision)
• American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
• The American Society of Human Genetics (ACMG)
• Associations of Genetics Technologists (AGT)
• Atlas of Genetics and Cytogenetics in Oncology and Hematology
• College 0f American Pathologists (CAP)
• Office of Inspector General Compliance Program Guidance For Clinical Laboratories
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Information Privacy (HIPAA)
• U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

Study Material for CG ASCP Technologist in Cytogenetics

Study Material is a study source for CG ASCP/ASCPi exam preparation that covers all BOC recommended exam content areas.

The best study material covers all content areas of specimen preparation, molecular cytogenetic testing, chromosome analysis and imaging, and lab operation.

Specimen preparation Study Material

It has two parts:

• Specimen Preparation, Culture, and Harvest
• Chromosome Banding and Staining Techniques

Molecular Cytogenetic Testing Study Material

It has four parts:

• Preparation of Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH) Slides
• Analyses of FISH Slides
• FISH Quality Control
• Microarray

Chromosome Analysis and Imaging Study Material

It comprises three parts:

• Microscope and Imaging Equipment Operation and Maintenance
• Chromosome Selection, Analysis & Documentation
• Chromosome Identification and Karyogram Review

Lab Operation Study Material

Its content area is divided into four parts:

• Laboratory Practice
• Laboratory Safety
• Quality Management and Continuous Quality Improvement
• Professional Standards

Practice Test for CG ASCP Certification

To achieve CG ASCP certification, practice tests play a vital role in exam preparation. Candidates can analyze their exam preparation by using practice tests. Furthermore, practice tests let you understand the format and importance of essential questions.

MLSIAEDAMY offers a Cytogenetcis ASCP prep bundle with practice tests. You can visit MLSI to get an amazing practice test to make sure your preparation is 100%.

Question Bank for the CG ASCP Exam

Question Bank gives you a chance to access again and again on cytogenetic-related queries. You can better prepare yourself for the ASCP test.

BOC ASCP does not give you this opportunity, but MLSi does. You can enhance your CG ASCP performance and exam preparation via the MLSIACEDAMY Question Bank.

Pass Rate of the CG ASCP Exam

In 2022, 174 candidates sat to take the CG ASCP Exam, but only 116 candidates achieved the credential from BOC.

CG ASCP Exam Prep for Technologist in Cytogenetics

BOC ASCP offers all exam syllabus details for exam preparation, but candidates also need some alternative resources for exam preparation.

In this regard, the MLSIACADEMY cytogenetics ASCP prep bundle could be the best source for exam preparation. MLSIAACADEMY offers

• One unified study material
• Q&A
• Practices Test and Question Bank
• Online live classes
• Opportunity to ask questions from professors in online live classes

How To Become CG (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics?

ASCP Technologist in Cytogenetics exam is difficult to pass without proper preparation. But if you follow the tips given below in your study strategies, you can pass this test easily and successfully.

Choose Outstanding Study Material

Your study material must be conclusive, comprehensive, and easy to understand. You must focus on only one study material instead of the many in exam preparation because every study material has its own way of transferring information, so it is impossible to digest information from various learning materials.

MLSi Academy offers you one unified study material in easy-to-understand ways, so you may prepare for your exam in better ways.

Understand CG ASCP Exam Nature

Before sitting for the exam, one must know all the basic details about the BOC exam. Cytogenetics ASCP has 100 MCQs with one right answer, and candidates need to cover this test in 2 hours and 30 minutes. This exam followed the CAT format.

Know the Syllabus for the CG ASCP Exam.

BOC recommended four content areas with their topics and sub-topics for exam preparation. The content area for CG ASCP/ASCPi is

• Specimen Preparation, Culture, and Harvest
• Molecular Cytogenetic Testing
• Chromosome Analysis and Imaging
• Laboratory Operation

Use Practice Test to grasp Everything

Practice tests are an amazing source for exam preparation because you can get a full grip on the exam syllabus, know about the additional attention content, and monitor your progress in exam preparation. Furthermore, practice tests help to keep information in mind for a long time.

You can choose the MLSIACADEMY perp bundle with practice tests for exam preparation.

FAQs for CG (ASCP)