MB (ASCP) – Technologist in Molecular Biology

MB ASCP technologist is one of two unique certificates in molecular biology for medical laboratory technologists skilled in DNA and RNA testing. It's awarded by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, ASCP BOC.

Moreover, it is also for those who want to advance their career in the field of molecular biology, genetics and biotechnology to get nominated and certified as MB (ASCP/ ASCPi)CM by the most prestigious organization in the field of clinical pathology, ASCP.

This American Society for Clinical Pathology BOC certification is also suitable for those who want to learn novel techniques or upgrade their career.

However, it is also for international medical technologists who are preparing to get work licensure in many countries especially in the USA.

Watch: MB (ASCP) – Technologist in Molecular Biology Overveiw

Here is the quick video, breaking down MB (ASCP) Credential. Everything you need to know about technologist in molecular biology certification by ASCP. If you prefer watching over reading, then start here?

What is the MB (ASCP)^CM?

MB (ASCP) is a certification awarded to technologists in molecular biology by ASCP. Moreover, the demand for molecular biologists is increasing. So, the American Society for Clinical Pathology offers ASCP Molecular Biology certification.

ASCP Molecular Biology Technologists are responsible for diagnosing diseases through biological methods. They also use advanced techniques to help identify the most effective treatments. However, this career is rewarding and challenging.

Requirements for MB (ASCP) Technologist in Molecular Biology

Firstly, make sure that you are eligible for the ASCP exam per the American Society for Clinical Pathology (BOC) before applying, as the application fee is non-refundable.

The application fee for the MB is $200, though it may be around $95 for some countries.

There are four eligibility routes for MB certification. You must meet all the requirements of at least one route.

US Routes for MB ASCP

Route 1

• ASCP Technologist/Scientist or Specialist certification
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university

Route 2

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Completion of a NAACLS-accredited Diagnostic Molecular Science program within the last five years

Route 3

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in biological science or chemistry
  OR
• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a combination of 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry
• One year of clinical experience in a molecular biology lab within the last five years
  OR
• One year of veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology lab in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years

Route 4

• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science, or a related field
• Six months of clinical experience in a molecular biology lab within the last five years
  OR
• Six months of veterinary, industry, or research experience in a molecular biology lab in the U.S. or Canada within the last five years.

International Routes for MB(ASCP)

Route 1

• A valid ASCPi technologist, scientist, or specialist certification, and have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved school.

Route 2

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved institution, plus you must complete an approved diagnostic molecular science program that includes an internship. Your academic or program coursework must cover biology and chemistry.

Route 3

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved school qualifies you.

Route 4

• A bachelor’s degree in biological science or chemistry, or a bachelor’s with at least 30 semester hours combined in biology and chemistry (either as part of your degree or as additional coursework). 

• One year of clinical experience in a molecular biology lab, or one year of relevant experience in a veterinary, research, or industry setting.

Route 5

• A master’s degree in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, medical laboratory science, or a closely related field. 

• Six months of hands-on experience in a molecular biology lab, either clinical, veterinary, industry, or research-based.

Molecular Biology Laboratory

A molecular biology laboratory provides individuals with knowledge and hands-on experience in molecular techniques. It includes nucleic acid isolation, amplification, detection, sequencing, hybridization methods, and data analysis.

Eligibility Check for MB ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology

Use the BOC Examination Eligibility Assistant for MB (ASCP). It helps you determine if you qualify for the American Society for Clinical Pathology BOC certification. The process includes the following steps:

• Accept the terms and conditions
• Select your certificate type
• Fill out the questionnaire
• View your eligibility result

Follow these steps to check your eligibility. In this example, we’re using Route 1 as the reference.

1. Eligibility Assistant for MB ASCP Route Determination

Firstly, go to eligibility assistant of the American Society For Clinical Pathology BOC . Secondly, select the checkbox to agree with ASCP BOC terms. Then, click on begin.

2. MB ASCP Route Determination: Select certificate

Then, select the certificate from the list of ASCP certification programs.

3. Check MB – Technologist in Molecular Biology

For MB ASCP, check the MB – Technologist in Molecular Biology. You will see it under the additional certifications section. Finally, click on next.

4. Fill Questionnaire

After that, a questionnaire will pop up. Certainly, the questions will be related to your education and experience. Firstly, select your desired option. Then, hit next to move forward.

Furthermore, you can also view the progress bar at the bottom. However, you can return to any question at any time by clicking on the previous button.

• Question 1: Do you have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university?

• Question 2: Have you successfully completed a NAACLS* accredited diagnostic molecular science program within the last five years?

• Question 3: Do you have a valid (not expired) ASCP certification as a technologist/scientist or specialist?

5. Eligibility Results

Finally, you can view the eligibility results. In this example, we used Route 1 for MB (ASCP), so you’ll see the specific requirements listed for that route. If your inputs meet those criteria, it means you fulfill the Route 1 requirements for ASCP Molecular Biology Certification.

You can find the Eligibility Checker here .

MB (ASCP)Exam Questions, Pass Score, Study Guide, and Material

The ASCP Molecular Biology Certification exam includes 100 questions, and the time limit is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The test is tailored to match each individual's ability level.

It uses computer adaptive testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty changes based on your answers. If you get a question right, the next one will be harder. If you miss one, the next will be easier.

Each question is weighted based on its difficulty. The passing score is 400. To earn your ASCP Molecular Biology Technologist certification, you’ll need to answer as many questions correctly as possible.

Looking for an MB (ASCP)study guide and materials? Keep reading.

MB ASCP Exam Study Guide Per BOC Site

The exam questions comprise four subjects. Moreover, subject names and percentages are as follows:

• Applications of Molecular Testing: 30–35%
• Molecular Techniques: 30–35%
• Molecular Science: 20–25%
• Lab Operations: 15–20%

Molecular Science

The molecular science contents for ASCP Molecular Biology Certification are:

• Basic molecular theory
• Chemistry of Nucleic acid
• Human/microbial genetics
• Biochemical reagents

Molecular Techniques

The Molecular Techniques contents for Molecular Biology Certification by ASCP are:

• Nucleic acid (NA) isolation
• NA separation and detection
• NA amplification
• DNA sequencing
• Other molecular techniques

Lab Operations

The Lab Operations section includes:

• Specimen processing
• Contamination control
• Reagents
• Assays (performance, validation, and troubleshooting)
• Proficiency testing
• Results (calculation, interpretation, and reporting)
• Instrumentation
• Guidelines and regulations
• Safety
• Continuing education
• Quality control (QC)
• Competency assessment

Applications of Molecular Testing

This section includes:

• Genetic disorders
• Genetic identity
• Infectious diseases
• Pharmacogenomics
• Histocompatibility
• Oncology
• Bone engraftment

MB ASCP Exam Reading List Acc. To ASCP BOC Site

For ASCP Molecular Biology Technologist Certification, you can refer to the following textbooks as seen on the ASCP site.

General Molecular Biology

• Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed.). New York: Garland Science.
• Molecular Diagnostics: Fundamentals, Methods, & Clinical Applications (3rd ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
• The Molecular Basis of Human Disease (2 nd ed.). Elsevier Inc.
• The Cell: A Molecular Approach (8th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Lewin's Genes XII (12th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. 
• Principles and Applications of Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier Inc.

American Society For Clinical Pathology Board Of Certification (ASCP BOC).

Applications Of Molecular Science

• Diagnostic Molecular Pathology: A Guide to Applied Molecular Testing. Elsevier Inc.
• Principles and Practice of Oncology: Primer of the Molecular Biology of Cancer (3rd Ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health.
• Hematopathology – CHAPTER 6: Molecular Diagnosis in Hematopathology ONLY (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, Inc.
• Clinical Genomics: A Guide to Clinical Next Generation Sequencing. Elsevier Inc. 
• Molecular Pathology in Clinical Practice (2nd ed.). New York: Springer. 
• Thompson and Thompson Genetics in Medicine (8th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Inc. 
• Molecular Microbiology: Diagnostic Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). Washington D.C.: ASM Press.

American Society For Clinical Pathology Board Of Certification (ASCP BOC).

Mathematics

• Fundamental Laboratory Mathematics: Required Calculations for the Medical Laboratory Professional. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.
• Mathematics for the Clinical Laboratory (4th ed.). St. Louis: Elsevier.
• Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory (3rd ed.). London: Academic Press.

ASCP Board Of Certification (ASCP BOC).

MB (ASCP)Online Content from Related Associations

You can also access online content for Molecular Biology Technologist certification from the following associations recommended by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (BOC):

• Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 
• Association of Genetic Technologists (AGT) 
• American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) 
• American Society for Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (ASHI) 
• Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) 
• American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 
• College of American Pathologists (CAP) 
• Pan American Society for Clinical Virology (PASCV)
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)

But if your are looking for a shortcut? For a comperhenisve MB study material, exam questions and online classes, Check our MB ASCP Prep Course?

MB (ASCP)Exam Prep: The All-in-One Solution

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How to Get Certified in 6 Steps

So, you've decided to apply for the ASCP Molecular Biology certification. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you become a certified Molecular Biology Technologist.

⏱️Total Time: 1 minute to understand the steps

FAQs for MB (ASCP) Technologist in Molecular Biology Certification