M (ASCP) – Technologist in Microbiology

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Technologist in Microbiology (M ASCP) identifies bacteria, viruses, moulds and parasites in tissue specimens and body fluids to help in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Candidates must have both education & experience prerequisites to pass the exam in order to be awarded (M ASCP)CM certificate.

A Microbiology Technologist has a very important role in medical and healthcare. Furthermore, it contributes directly to combating disease. So, due to its significance, the international M ASCP Microbiology certification is in growing demand.

Want to advance your career in microbiology? Then, go for the M(ASCP) certification. Furthermore, the American Society for Clinical Pathology Technologist in Microbiology certification will provide you with the latest skills and knowledge in this area.

It offers a rewarding career path. Furthermore, there are many opportunities for career advancement for ASCP-certified Technologists in Microbiology.

Watch: M (ASCP) – Technologist in Microbiology Video

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What Does M (ASCP) Stand For?

M (ASCP) stands for a certified Medical Technologist in Microbiology, issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology. It is an American Board Certification. The ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) offers this certificate for both international candidates and U.S. citizens.

In addition, ASCP Technologists in Microbiology identify bacteria, viruses, molds, and parasites in tissues and body fluids. Furthermore, they assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Certification Routes and Eligibility Requirements for M ASCP

To become a certified ASCP Technologist in Microbiology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology, you must meet all the eligibility requirements of one route.

So, the eligibility routes are as follows:

M(ASCP) US Routes

Route 1

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Valid MT or MLS(ASCP) certification

Route 2

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a major in biological science or chemistry. OR 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry
• One year of clinical experience in microbiology, earned within the last five years

Route 3

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a major in biological science or chemistry. OR 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry
• Completion of a microbiology program from a NAACLS-accredited medical laboratory program, completed within the last five years

Route 4

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution in microbiology or a related field
• Six months of clinical experience in a microbiology lab, earned within the last five years

Route 5

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in medical laboratory science. OR a bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry
• Completion of a Medical Laboratory Scientist program accredited by NAACLS, completed within the last five years

International M(ASCPi) International 

Route 1

• Hold a valid MLS(ASCPi) certification
• Have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited or approved institution

Route 2

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in biological science or chemistry, or any baccalaureate degree with 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry (combined)
• Have one year of acceptable clinical experience in microbiology from an accredited or approved laboratory

Route 3

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in biological science or chemistry, or any baccalaureate degree with 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry (combined)
• Successfully complete a microbiology clinical training program that includes an internship

Route 4

• Hold a master’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field from an accredited or approved institution
• Have six months of acceptable clinical experience in microbiology from an accredited or approved laboratory

Route 5

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or Biomedical Laboratory Science) from an accredited or approved institution
• Successfully complete a Medical Laboratory training program

Clinical Laboratory Experience

Candidates must have experience in at least three of the following six areas:

• Bacteriology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Mycobacteriology
• Mycology
• Parasitology
• Virology

Clinical Laboratory Experience

For a Technologist in Microbiology certification by ASCP, you must have clinical experience in at least three of the following areas. This experience must be within the past five years:

• Bacteriology
• Molecular Microbiology
• Mycobacteriology
• Mycology
• Parasitology
• Virology

Eligibility Check for ASCP Technologist in Microbiology Requirements

First, check your eligibility before applying for the exam, because you will not get back your exam application fee. The American Society for Clinical Pathology BOC has a built-in eligibility assistant, so you can check your eligibility status before applying.

In short, the eligibility assistant serves as a guide, helping you decide if you should apply for the ASCP Microbiology certification.

To use it, go to the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s Examination Eligibility Assistant. For example, let’s consider Route 1. Follow the steps below to view your eligibility results.

1. ASCP Eligibility Assistant

First, agree to the ASCP conditions. So, check the checkbox. Then press begin to continue.

2. Select ASCP BOC Certification

Secondly, select the ASCP certification program. Every American Board Certification has a specific set of requirements.

3. Check the M – Technologist

M – Technologist in Microbiology for ASCP certification. It is under the umbrella of Additional Certificates. After that, press next.

4. M ASCP Questionnaire

Now you have to fill in the questions. However, the questions are about your educational background and clinical experience.

Question 1: Do you have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university?

Select yes and then click on the Next button.

Question 2: Do you have a valid (not expired) ASCP MT or MLS certification?

Again, click “Yes,” then click “Next.” Meanwhile, you will see the progress bar at the bottom. However, you can go back to the previous question at any stage. Just click the “Previous” button to go back.

7. M ASCP Eligibility Results

Finally, check your eligibility results. The results here show the fulfillment of the requirements for Route 1. To get started, use the Eligibility Assistant here.

M ASCP Technologist in Microbiology Exam

The Microbiology certification exam by the American Society for Clinical Pathology consists of 100 questions. Meanwhile, the allotted exam time for the Technologist in Microbiology is 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Furthermore, the passing score for the ASCP Microbiology certification is 400. However, you should aim to answer as many questions correctly as possible.

Above all, the point value of each question may vary. Most importantly, the score is assigned according to the question’s difficulty level.

Computer Adaptive Testing

The exam is administered using Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). In CAT, the computer shows the next question based on your previous response. In short, if you answer correctly, the next question will be more difficult. However, if you answer incorrectly, the computer will show an easier question.

M (ASCP) Exam Study Guide (Content) Per The BOC

You have to study four subjects to become a certified ASCP Technologist in Microbiology through the American Society for Clinical Pathology. So, these subjects, along with their percentages, are:

• Preanalytic Procedures (10 – 15%)
• Analytic Procedures for Bacteriology (45 – 55%)
• Analytic Procedures for Mycobacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, and Mycology (20 – 30%)
• Laboratory Operations (10 – 15%)

The content areas of the following subjects are listed below:

Preanalytic Procedures

• Specimen Collection and Transport
• Specimen Processing
• Stains (Procedure, Principle, and Interpretation)

Analytic Procedures for Bacteriology

• Blood and Bone Marrow
• Cerebrospinal Fluid
• Body Fluids From Normally Sterile Sites
• Lower Respiratory
• Upper Respiratory
• Gastrointestinal
• Skin/Soft Tissue/Bone
• Genital Tract
• Urine
• Identification Methods
• Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing and Antibiotic Resistance
• MRSA/MSSA
• VRE
• ESBL/CRE Screening
• BSL-3 Pathogens
• Select Agents (Bioterrorism)

Analytic Procedures for Mycobacteriology, Virology, Parasitology, and Mycology

• Specimen Sources
• Major Pathogens
• Disease States
• Identification Methods
• Serology

Laboratory Operations

M ASCP Technologist in Microbiology Reading Material

Clinical Microbiology

• Carroll, K.C., et al. (Eds.). (2019). Manual of Clinical Microbiology (12th ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.
• De La Maza, L.M. et al. (2020). Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology (3rd ed.). Washington, D.C.: ASM Press.
• Hata, D.J. & Thomson Jr., R.B. (2016). Gram Stain Benchtop Reference Guide. College of American Pathologists.
• Leber, A.L. (Ed.). (2016). Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook (4th ed.). Washington, D.C.: ASM Press.
• Mahon, C.R. & Lehman, D.C. (2019). Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Procop, G.W., et al. (2017). Koneman’s Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
• Tille, P.M. (2021). Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology (15th ed.). Elsevier.

ASCP Board Of Certification (BOC).

Molecular And Immunology

• Detrick, B., Schmitz, J.L, & Hamilton, R.G. (Eds.). (2016). Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology (8th ed.). Washington, D.C.: ASM Press.
• Persing, D.H. et al. (Eds.). (2016). Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press

ASCP Board Of Certification (BOC)

Parasitology

• Ash, L.R. & Orihel, T.C. (2007). Atlas of Human Parasitology (5th ed.). Chicago: ASCP Press.
• Garcia, L.S. (2016). Diagnostic Medical Parasitology (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: ASM Press.
• Pritt, B.S. (2014). Parasitology Benchtop Reference Guide. College of American Pathologists.

ASCP Board Of Certification (BOC)

Mycology And Virology

• Loeffelholz, M.J., et al. (Eds.). (2016). Clinical Virology Manual (5th ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.
• Love, G.L. & Ribes, J.A. (2018). Color Atlas of Mycology: An Illustrated Field Guide Based on Proficiency Testing. College of American Pathologists.
• Walsh, T.J., Hayden, R.T., & Larone, D.H. (2018). Larone’s Medically Important Fungi: A Guide to Identification (6th ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.

ASCP Board Of Certification (BOC)

Journals For M ASCP Certification

You can also get relevant content from these journals:

• Clinical Microbiology Newsletter: It is published by Elsevier Science Publishing Company.
• Clinical Microbiology Reviews: It is published by the American Society for Microbiology.
• Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease: It is published by Elsevier Science Publishing Company.
• Journal of Clinical Microbiology: It is published by the American Society for Microbiology.
• Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes this.

ASCP Technologist in Microbiology Exam Online Resources

• Clinical And Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Publications
• ClinMicroNow – American Society of Microbiology (ASM)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• College of American Pathologists (CAP)
• DPDx – CDC’s Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria

M ASCP exam study resources recommended by the American Society for Clinical Pathology BOC are quite varied and large. So if you are looking for an all in one M ASCP technologist in microbiology study materials, exam practice questions and live classes, check our course that is compiled by ASCP specialist in microbiology.

How to Get M ASCP/ ASCPi Technologist In Microbiology in 6 Steps?

M (ASCP) Technologist in Microbiology Study Guide, Materials & Exam Prep

Looking for an easier way to pass the M ASCP Technologist in Microbiology exam? MLSIA live classes are a practical solution to help you pass the exam on your first attempt.  Our training team includes certified ASCP Microbiology Specialists, so you’ll master every part of the M ASCP content through:

• Live coaching sessions
• Study materials
• Practice exam questions

You can also get 1-on-1 consultation from experienced professionals. Before taking the exam, it helps to speak with an expert so you can mentally prepare and stay focused.

FAQs for M(ASCP) Technologist in Microbiology

Can I Be an ASCP Medical Technologist With a Microbiology Degree?

To become a microbiology technologist, you must have an M(ASCP) BOC certification, which validates your eligibility to work in clinical labs.

How Do I Become a Certified Microbiologist by the American Society for Clinical Pathology?

To become a certified microbiologist, you have to pass the M(ASCP) exam. The ASCP Board of Certification administers and awards the certification upon passing.

What Is a Microbiology Technologist?

Microbiology technologists collect samples, cultivate, isolate, and identify microorganisms, so they can help develop effective medicines and treatments.

Where Can a Microbiology Technologist Work?

ASCP Microbiology Technologists work in hospitals, clinical laboratories, medical schools, research institutes, and government labs. They analyze microbes to support diagnosis and therapy.

Is a Microbiologist a Lab Technician?

An ASCP Technologist in Microbiology performs many lab technician duties in clinical settings, using advanced techniques and protocols to evaluate microorganisms.

What Is a Microbiologist’s Salary?

The average salary for a microbiologist in the U.S. is $69,787 per year, according to recent data.

How Difficult Is Microbiology?

Microbiology can be challenging because you need to memorize detailed microbial taxonomy, lab protocols, and basic chemistry. However, it offers a rewarding and growing career path.

Is There a Demand for Microbiologists?

Yes, demand for microbiologists has increased due to their scientific, analytical, and problem-solving skills in public health, biotech, and clinical research.

What Is SM(ASCP)?

SM(ASCP) is the Specialist in Microbiology certification issued by the ASCP Board of Certification for those who pass the SM(ASCP) exam. This title is also referred to as SM(ASCP)CM.

Is Microbiology a Good Career?

Yes, a degree in Microbiology opens doors to clinical, research, industrial, pharmaceutical, and academic roles with strong growth potential.

How Long Does ASCP Certification Last?

ASCP certification is valid for three years. You must complete the Credential Maintenance Program (CMP) before renewal.

Which Is the Highest‑Paid Job in Microbiology?

The highest-paid microbiology roles are typically in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare companies, especially in management or R&D.

Is a Microbiologist a Doctor?

A doctor can specialize in microbiology, but microbiologists are usually scientists or lab professionals. Both can work in labs, though doctors may focus more on clinical settings

Is a Microbiologist a Scientist?

Yes, a microbiologist is a scientist who researches microorganisms in body fluids and tissues, contributing to medical, environmental, and industrial science.

What Can I Do With a BS in Microbiology?

– Research laboratory technician
– Quality control analyst
– Clinical microbiologist
– Food or dairy microbiologist
– Environmental microbiologist
– Recombinant DNA technologist
– Fermentation technologist
– Research scientist
– Patent examiner
– Pharmaceutical salesperson
– Immunologist
– Toxicologist

Is Virology Part of Microbiology?

Yes, virology is a specialized branch of microbiology that focuses on the study of viruses.

 

Elshawadfy Abdelhalim, PhD, MLS(ASCP), SM, MB

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.

www.drhalim.com