MB (ASCP) - Technologist in Molecular Biology

The Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) is offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Laboratory technologists that specialize in molecular biology seek certification to reflect their high level of scientific knowledge and ability and dedication to the science. 

Professional certification is available for microbiologists (M) and molecular biologists (MB) through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This credential offers preparation to enter the fields of pharmaceuticals, scientific research and development, chemical manufacturing, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and the federal government, among others.

Cost

• Exam Fee: $250

• International Candidate Fee: $250. Applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy will receive a $95 discount.

• Starting in January 2026, certification fees will increase by $10, with exceptions available for international candidates living in low-resource countries.

To be able to sit for the ASCP’s microbiology (M) certification exam, applicants must have:

At least one of the following degrees from a regionally accredited college or university, in addition to valid certification credentials and laboratory experience:

• A baccalaureate, master’s degree, or doctorate in molecular biology, chemistry, biology, immunology, microbiology, allied health, medical laboratory science or an appropriately related field from a regionally accredited college or university. 

• A baccalaureate degree in biological science or chemistry or a baccalaureate degree including a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of biology and/or chemistry

As well as:

• Valid ASCP certification as a technologist/scientist or specialist.

• One year of full-time experience (clinical, veterinary, industry or research) in a microbiology laboratory in the U.S., Canada, or an accredited laboratory within the last five years. 

• Successful completion of a NAACLS-accredited diagnostic molecular science program within the last five years. 

Those interested in microbiology technologist certifications (M) are encouraged to seek out Bachelor of Science or master’s programs that are programmatically accredited by NAACLS.

Every three years, the (MB)ASCP certified technologist must renew their credentials. Recertification requires at least 36 hours of credential maintenance program (CMP) credits. 

• At least one point must be earned in laboratory, patient safety, or quality control. 

• A minimum of two points must be in microbiology for both the (M) and (MB) certifications.

• The remaining points must be earned in areas such as lab specialty, management, education, or other related laboratory areas of interest. 

Renewal Fee

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• Fee is reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications that expire on the same day or will expire in three months of each other.

• Starting in January 2026, renewal fees will increase by $10.

Effective 1/1/2023, all certification categories are required to complete one CMP point of continuing education in the area of medical ethics (e. g., HIPAA, compliance, confidentiality training.)

Beginning January 2024, the amount of dedicated CMP points increased from 2 to 8 for the Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB). The overall CMP points required did not increase.

The ASCP offers resources for MB applicants, including:

• Content Guideline

• Reading List

• Experience Documentation

• Handbook

The ASCP also offers the following:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Cytotechnologist (CT)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)