Free Practice Questions for QIHC
Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.
Loading practice questions...
Explore More ASCP Certifications
Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.
More From This Family
Videos and articles for deeper review.
Key Facts: QIHC Exam
50
Total Items
ASCP BOC
90 min
Exam Time
ASCP
$260
Exam Fee
ASCP
6 mo
Required Experience
IHC in last 5 years
The ASCP QIHC (Qualification in Immunohistochemistry) is a 50-item, 90-minute, $260 qualification exam. Eligibility: 6 months IHC experience in last 5 years. Master HIER (citrate pH 6.0, EDTA pH 8-9), DAB detection, common IHC marker panels (lung TTF-1+/p40+; lymphoma CD20/CD3/CD30; melanoma S100/SOX10), and CAP validation rules (≥10 positive + ≥10 negative for predictive markers).
Sample QIHC Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the QIHC exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 150+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What is the gold-standard fixative for routine immunohistochemistry?
2For breast ER, PR, and HER2 testing, what formalin-fixation interval is specified by ASCO/CAP guidance?
3Cold ischemia time refers to:
4Which clearing agent is most commonly used during routine paraffin tissue processing?
5Standard section thickness for IHC is:
6Which slide type is preferred for IHC to ensure tissue adhesion through retrieval and washes?
7What is the general rule for setting the flotation-bath temperature for paraffin sections?
8The chemical mechanism of formalin fixation is:
9Heat-induced epitope retrieval (HIER) primarily reverses:
10Citrate buffer used for HIER typically has a pH of:
About the QIHC Exam
ASCP BOC Qualification credential for histology professionals performing immunohistochemistry. Validates working knowledge of IHC fundamentals (formalin fixation, antigen retrieval HIER vs enzymatic), detection systems (DAB chromogen, polymer-based UltraView/EnVision), common diagnostic IHC marker panels (CK7/CK20, lymphoma markers, melanoma S100/SOX10), predictive markers (HER2, ER/PR, PD-L1, MMR), QC and validation per CAP guidelines, and troubleshooting.
Exam sponsor: ASCP BOC. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Questions
50 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
Scaled
Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Official sources
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Tissue Fixation, Processing, Antigen Retrieval
10% NBF, fixation timing, HIER vs enzymatic, decalcification effects
Detection Systems & Chromogens
ABC, polymer (UltraView, EnVision), DAB vs AEC, counterstain
Common IHC Antibody Panels
CK7/CK20, lung (TTF-1, p40), breast (ER/PR/HER2), lymphoma, melanoma, prostate, MMR
Predictive Markers
HER2 0/1+/2+/3+ scoring, ER/PR Allred or %, PD-L1 (TPS, CPS), Ki-67
QC, Validation & Troubleshooting
CAP validation rules, controls, lot QC, artifact troubleshooting
Lab Operations, Compliance, Safety
CAP/CLIA, automation (Ventana, Leica, Dako), formalin/xylene safety
Preparing for the QIHC Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled
- Exam length: 50 questions
- Time limit: 90 minutes
- Exam / certification fees: $260 Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 150 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
QIHC: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What antigen retrieval should I use?
HIER (heat-induced epitope retrieval) is most common: citrate buffer pH 6.0 (broad use); EDTA pH 8.0/9.0 (targets formaldehyde-cross-linked epitopes especially nuclear); pressure cooker, microwave, or water bath. Enzymatic retrieval (proteinase K, trypsin) for select antibodies. Manufacturer datasheet specifies optimal method per antibody.
How is HER2 IHC scored?
ASCO/CAP scoring 0/1+/2+/3+ for breast cancer HER2: 0 = no staining; 1+ = faint incomplete membrane <10% cells; 2+ = weak-moderate complete membrane >10% cells (EQUIVOCAL — reflex to FISH); 3+ = strong complete membrane >10% cells (POSITIVE). For gastric: similar but adjusted for tumor heterogeneity.
What is CAP validation for IHC?
Per CAP guidelines: non-predictive markers require ≥20 positive + ≥20 negative tissues for new antibody validation, with ≥90% concordance. Predictive markers (HER2, ER/PR, PD-L1) require ≥40+/40 (initially proposed; check current guideline). New lot of validated antibody requires 1 positive + 1 negative tissue verification.
How should I study for ASCP QIHC?
Plan 30-50 hours over 4-6 weeks. Focus on common IHC marker panels (25%) and detection systems (20%). Master CK7/CK20 patterns by anatomic origin, lung adenocarcinoma vs squamous (TTF-1/Napsin A vs p40), HER2 scoring, MMR/MSI panel (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2), and PD-L1 clones (22C3, 28-8, SP142, SP263).