Microbiology practice questions

10 questions · Untimed · Explanation after each question

Specimen collection and processing, media, stains, bacterial identification, susceptibility testing and resistance, mycobacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Microbiology is 15–20% of the MLT exam and 17–22% of the MLS exam.

Line drawing of culture plates with colonies, an inoculating loop, a Bunsen burner and an antibiotic disk dispenser

Before you start

Every question has four options and one correct answer. Each explanation says why the answer is right and why the most tempting wrong answer is wrong.
Check each answer to see the explanation before moving on. Checked answers cannot be changed.

Original practice questions written to the ASCP BOC MLT and MLS Examination Content Guidelines (revised June 9, 2026), not ASCP exam questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the ASCP Board of Certification or Pearson VUE. MLT(ASCP) and MLS(ASCP) are ASCP BOC credentials.