100+ Free ASCP PA Practice Questions
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Key Facts: ASCP PA Exam
100
Exam Questions
ASCP PA exam page
2.5 hrs
Exam Time
ASCP PA exam page
400
Minimum Passing Score
ASCP examination procedures
$240
Application Fee
ASCP BOC
~85%
First-Time Pass Rate
ASCP BOC data
30-35%
Surgical Pathology Weight
ASCP PA content guideline
The ASCP PA examination tests pathologists' assistants on surgical pathology (specimen accessioning, fixation, frozen sections), organ-specific grossing protocols (margin assessment, lymph node dissection), autopsy procedures (evisceration methods, organ examination), laboratory management (SOPs, turnaround times), and quality/safety (OSHA compliance, chemical safety). The exam uses CAT format with 100 questions in 2.5 hours.
About the ASCP PA Exam
The ASCP PA exam certifies pathologists' assistants in gross examination, surgical pathology, autopsy procedures, grossing techniques, laboratory management, and safety. Passing earns the PA(ASCP) credential.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score
Scaled score 400 (100-999)
Exam Fee
$240 (ASCP BOC / Pearson VUE)
ASCP PA Exam Content Outline
Surgical Pathology
Specimen accessioning, tissue fixation, frozen sections, processing, biomarker requirements, and tissue triage
Grossing Techniques
Specimen orientation, inking, margin assessment, lymph node dissection, and organ-specific grossing protocols
Autopsy Procedures
Evisceration methods, organ examination, brain and spinal cord examination, cause of death determination
Laboratory Management
SOPs, turnaround times, synoptic reporting, specimen retention, process improvement, biobanking
Quality and Safety
OSHA compliance, PPE, formaldehyde safety, infection control, specimen identification, waste disposal
How to Pass the ASCP PA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled score 400 (100-999)
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Exam fee: $240
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ASCP PA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the ASCP PA exam?
The ASCP PA exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions delivered in computer adaptive testing (CAT) format with a 2 hour 30 minute time limit.
What score do I need to pass the ASCP PA exam?
ASCP reports scores on a 100-999 scale, and 400 is the minimum passing score for the PA certification exam.
What is the ASCP PA exam fee?
The ASCP PA application fee is $240. This fee is non-refundable and covers one examination attempt.
What topics are covered on the PA exam?
The PA exam covers surgical pathology (fixation, frozen section, processing), grossing techniques (inking, margins, lymph nodes), autopsy procedures (evisceration, organ examination), laboratory management, and quality/safety (OSHA, PPE).
How should I prepare for the ASCP PA exam?
Focus on organ-specific grossing protocols and surgical pathology fundamentals (largest domains), master margin assessment and lymph node dissection guidelines, review autopsy evisceration methods, and study OSHA formaldehyde regulations.
What career does ASCP PA certification lead to?
The PA(ASCP) credential qualifies you to work as a pathologists' assistant performing gross examination of surgical specimens, assisting with autopsies, preparing frozen sections, and managing gross room operations.