MLS (ASCP) SM: How to Achieve Both?
The MLS (ASCP) SM represents the combination of two ASCP certifications: MLS ASCP and SM ASCP.
MLS (ASCP): certified medical laboratory scientist by the ASCP BOC.
SM (ASCP): certified specialist in microbiology by the ASCP.
To be an MLS (ASCP) SM, you have to pass the ASCP MLS and ASCP SM exams one by one.
The following is detailed information about the MLS (ASCP) SM exams; answer all of your questions in this regard.
MLS (ASCP) SM: Exam Content Areas
Only qualified and expert professionals in their field can pass the MLS (ASCP) SM certificate exams.
Each content area that the board determined for the exam has its own importance because it presents a specific number of questions for the exam.
The MLS (ASCP) SM exam content areas and question percentages
| MLS (ASCP) Exam Content Areas | Questions Percentages | SM (ASCP) Exam Content Areas | Questions percentages |
| Microbiology | 17-22% | Preanalytical Procedures | 5-10% |
| Laboratory Operation | 5-10% | Analytical procedures for bacteriology | 30-40% |
| Hematology | 17-22% | Analytical procedure of mycobacteriology, virology, mycology, and parasitology | 30-40% |
| Urinalysis/other body fluids | 5-10% | Laboratory operation | 20-25% |
| Immunology | 5-10% | ||
| Blood banking | 17-22% | ||
| Chemistry | 17-22% |
MLS (ASCP) SM: Reading List Resources
For MLS/SM ASCP exam preparation, the ASCP BOC suggests some books, journals, and online associations.
Some of these are given below:
For the ASCP Medical Laboratory Scientist Exam
Textbooks
- Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics (ninth edition).
- Immunology & Serology in Laboratory Medicine (Seventh Edition)
- Diagnostic Medical Parasitology (Sixth Edition)
- Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis (Fifth Edition)
Journals
- Medical Laboratory Observer. Published by Endeavor Business, Media, LLC.
- Laboratory Medicine. Published by the Oxford University Press.
Online Association
- AABB Resources
- The Fritsma Factor
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
For the ASCP Specialist in Microbiology
Textbooks
- Color Atlas of Medical Bacteriology (Third Edition)
- Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice (Third Edition)
- Parasitology Benchtop Reference Guide
Journals
- Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. Published by Science Direct.
- Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). Published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Online Associations
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- College of American Pathologists (CAP)
MLS (ASCP) SM: Prep Course Bundle
For the preparation of the MLS (ASCP) SM exams, you can get help from online academies.
Because the ASCP-recommended preparation resources are the partial sources.
When it comes to getting help from online academies, there is no alternative to MLSIAcademy.com.
The MLSIA is a dominant academy with many years of experience in designing the preparation course for the ASCP exams, including the MLS (ASCP) SM.
Here you will receive all under one roof on an affordable budget.
You will receive the following products after subscribing to each MLSIA ASCP certification prep course bundle:
- Live online classes
- Recordings
- A comprehensive study guide
- Practice exams
- Mock exams
- Questions and answers modules
- Flashcards
- Quiz modules
- CAT (computer adaptive testing) exams
MLS (ASCP) SM Certificate: How to Get?
First and foremost, you need to check your eligibility.
You can use the “BOC Eligibility Assistant” to determine your eligibility or consider routes (ASCP Board of Certification suggests 6 eligibility paths for MLS (ASCP), 5 for MLS (ASCPi), and 6 for SM ASCP/ASCPi.
If you are eligible for the exam, you must start your preparation.
Make sure to book the exams when you have covered your 75% syllabus.
Establish an effective and actionable study plan.
Before going for the exam, you must participate in the practice exams to know about the exam format and your preparation percentages.
Practice exams also increase your confidence and improve your time management skills.
On the exam’s final day, you must arrive at the exam center at least half an hour before starting the exams.
If you are not ready for the exam, you can reschedule it.
Make sure to do it at least one day before starting your exam.
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.
