SMB (ASCP) - Specialist in Molecular Biology

The Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB) certification is a professional credential for scientists and laboratory professionals specializing in molecular biology. This certification, administered by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), validates a professional’s expertise in molecular biological techniques and their applications in diagnostics, research and biotechnology.

Eligibility

Eligibility for an SMB certification includes several possible routes, with varying requirements, including:

• Route 1: Bachelor's degree, 3 years of clinical lab experience in a molecular biology lab and MB (ASCP) certification

• Route 2: Master's in molecular biology or a relevant science field and 3 years of post-grad molecular biology lab experience

• Route 3: Doctorate in molecular biology or a relevant field and 2 years of post-doctoral fellowship or clinical experience in molecular biology lab

• Route 4: Bachelor’s degree, MB(ASCP) certification and 3 years post-graduate experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology

• Route 5: Doctorate degree in molecular biology or a related field, MB(ASCP) certification and 1 year post-graduate experience as an academic educator in clinical molecular biology

• Route 6: Master’s degree in molecular biology or a relevant field, MB(ASCP) certification and 2 years of clinical lab experience in a molecular biology lab

To fulfill the experience requirement, applicants must have lab or teaching experience in at least two of the following areas: Genetics/Genomics, Oncology, Infectious Disease, Molecular Identity Testing or Informatics for clinical lab test interpretation and reporting.

Completion Time: 2.5 hours

Cost: $300 (nonrefundable)

International Fee: $260. There is a discount of $95 for applicants that have a medical laboratory education and reside in specific countries listed in the International Pricing Policy.

Exam Format

The SMB uses computer adaptive testing tailored to the test taker's abilities. The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 2.5 hours to complete the exam. Exams are scored on a scale of 100 to 999 with a minimum passing score of 400. The exam questions include:

• Molecular Science (20-25%)

• Molecular Techniques (30-35%)

• Laboratory Operations (15-20%)

• Applications of Molecular Testing (30-35%)

Candidates receive preliminary exam results at the Pearson VUE test center and receive official results via email. Those who are unsuccessful can re-apply to take the exam again after they receive their score report and pay the full application fee again.

Application Process

• Login or create an ASCP account online

• Select the category and route of application

• Verify contact information

• Complete online application

• Upload documentation as PDF files

• Submit application fee

• Request school to send official transcripts to the ASCP BOC

• Monitor application status

• Resolve any deficiencies on the application

• Schedule exam

• Prepare for exam day

• Sit for exam

• Receive official exam results

Must be renewed every 3 years and requires applicants to participate in the Credential Maintenance Program during the three-year cycle to track continuing education (CE) credits.

Renewal Fees

• Renewal fee: $100

• Reinstatement fee: $135

• Fee reduced by $20 if renewing multiple ASCP certifications expiring on the same day or expire within 3 months of each other.

• CMP fees are non-refundable.

Total of 36 points are required for continuing education, including:

• 10 points in molecular biology

• 1 point in laboratory or patient safety

• 1 point in medical ethics

• 24 points in area(s) of lab specialty, management, education or other related laboratory areas of interest

• SMB Content Outline

• ASCP Procedures for Examination & Credentialing

The ASCP also offers the following certifications:

• Technologist in Blood Banking (BB)

• Technologist in Chemistry (C)

• Technologist in Cytogenetics (CG)

• Histotechnologist (HTL)

• Technologist in Hematology (H)

• Technologist in Microbiology (M)

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)