ASCP MB Exam Guide 2026: Molecular Biology Eligibility, CAT Scoring, and Free Practice
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What is the principle of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)?
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Prepare for MB(ASCP) in 2026 with current ASCP fee, CAT format, 400 passing score, molecular content weights, eligibility routes, and free practice questions.
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What is the function of Taq DNA polymerase in PCR?
Region of a gene that remains in the mature messenger RNA and may code for part of a protein.
Molecular Science
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Introduction & Exam Strategy
1.1 ASCP MB Exam Structure, Eligibility Routes & Policies
Study guide
What does the Ct value (cycle threshold) represent in real-time PCR?
Read the clue and guess the term in 6 tries.
Game
What is the purpose of reverse transcriptase in RT-PCR?
Segment within a gene that is cut out of the initial RNA transcript and is absent from mature messenger RNA.
What is the difference between DNA and RNA in terms of structure?
Nucleic Acid Extraction
What is the purpose of chaotropic salts in nucleic acid extraction?
Question · Medium
Unit of three nucleotides that specifies one amino acid or marks the end of protein synthesis.
1.2 Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) & Scoring Mechanics
What is the 260/280 ratio used to assess in nucleic acid quality control?
Swap tiles to line up three of the same term.
Term Match
What is the principle of Sanger sequencing?
Sequencing
Complete set of DNA instructions in a cell, including the chromosomes in the nucleus and the small mitochondrial chromosome.
What is next-generation sequencing (NGS)?
What is the Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis principle?
Question · Hard
Laboratory method that copies a chosen DNA segment millions to billions of times through repeated rounds of DNA synthesis started by short synthetic fragments.
Molecular Techniques
1.3 Blueprint Navigation & Preparation Strategy
What is FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) used for in molecular diagnostics?
Gene Expression
Flip two cards at a time to find matching terms.
Term Pairs
What is the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, and why is it clinically important?
Molecular Oncology
Technique that affixes a person's chromosomes to a slide and uses a dye-tagged DNA piece to locate a specific sequence.
What is the significance of KRAS mutations in cancer?
What is the purpose of an internal control in molecular diagnostic assays?
Quality Assurance
Variation in the size of DNA pieces generated when a bacterial enzyme cuts at a recognized site, used as a genetic marker.
Nucleic Acid Chemistry & Molecular Structure
2.1 DNA Structure, Nitrogenous Bases & Thermodynamic Stability
What is a primer in PCR?
Find five hidden terms in a grid of letters.
Term Search
What is melt curve analysis in real-time PCR?
Short single-stranded DNA piece that pairs with a template and defines the region copied during amplification or sequencing.
What is digital PCR, and how does it differ from real-time PCR?
What is the difference between column-based and magnetic bead-based nucleic acid extraction?
Short single-stranded DNA tagged with a chemical or dye that binds its matching sequence in a tissue, cell or chromosome sample.
2.2 RNA Types, Secondary Structure & Chemical Lability
What is the purpose of RNase inhibitors during RNA extraction?
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What is the clinical significance of EGFR mutations in lung cancer?
Collection of thousands to millions of known nucleic acid pieces attached to a solid surface and bathed with labeled DNA or RNA from a sample.
What is BRAF V600E, and why is it tested?
What is pharmacogenomic testing?
Pharmacogenomics
U.S. law that lets CMS regulate human medical testing, with requirements that grow more stringent as test complexity rises.
Regulations and standards
2.3 Chromatin Organization, Histone Modifications & DNA Methylation
What is CYP2D6, and why is it important in pharmacogenomics?
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