Microbiology Practice Questions (ASCP MLS and MLT)
15–20% of the MLT exam · 17–22% of the MLS exam, in ASCP’s content guidelines
100 questions across all seven content areas in 2 hours 30 minutes, with a score for Microbiology so you know where you stand.
Free Microbiology drillThe recommended test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a first-catch urine is what?
Microbiology on the ASCP exams
Microbiology is 15–20% of the MLT exam and 17–22% of the MLS exam. Questions follow a specimen from collection through identification and susceptibility testing to the report, across bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.
- Share of the exam
- MLT 15–20% (17 of 100 on our MLT mock) · MLS 17–22% (19 of 100 on our MLS mock)
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 74 microbiology questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What Microbiology questions test
- Preanalytic: specimen collection, transport, rejection criteria, media, incubation and biosafety
- Bacteriology by body site: blood, CSF, sterile fluids, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, genital and urine cultures, including colony counts
- Identification: Gram and acid-fast stains, catalase, coagulase, oxidase, PYR, CAMP and other rapid tests, MALDI-TOF and molecular panels
- Susceptibility and resistance: disk diffusion and MIC methods, CLSI QC, mecA, vanA, ESBL, carbapenemases and inducible clindamycin resistance
- Mycobacteria, virology, parasitology and mycology: culture and stains, Plasmodium identification, ova and parasite exams, yeasts, molds and dimorphic fungi
- Postanalytic: critical values, corrected reports and reporting to infection prevention and public health
Sit the full exam under the real clock
100 questions across all seven content areas in 2 hours 30 minutes, with a score for Microbiology so you know where you stand.
Free Microbiology drillHow to study it
- Build identification flowcharts: gram-positive cocci (catalase, coagulase, hemolysis, PYR, optochin) and gram-negative rods (oxidase, lactose).
- Learn which specimen goes on which medium and why each medium is selective or differential.
- Know the sentinel laboratory steps for select agents such as Bacillus anthracis.
Common questions
How much microbiology is on the ASCP MLS exam?
Microbiology is 17–22% of the MLS exam and 15–20% of the MLT exam. Our MLS mock includes 19 microbiology questions and our MLT mock 17.
Which susceptibility standards do the questions use?
Susceptibility questions follow CLSI methods (M02, M07 and M100), the US standards used in clinical laboratories.
100 questions across all seven content areas in 2 hours 30 minutes, with a score for Microbiology so you know where you stand.
Free Microbiology drillThe other content areas
Sources
- ASCP BOC: MLT and MLS Examination Content Guidelines (revised June 9, 2026)
- ASCP BOC: About the Examination (format, CAT, scoring, field test questions, calculator)
- ASCP BOC: Medical Laboratory Technician, MLT(ASCP): eligibility routes and $235 fee
- ASCP BOC: Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP): eligibility routes and $260 fee
- ASCP BOC: Examination Results
- ASCP BOC: After the Examination (re-applying, five attempts per route, 30-day wait)
- ASCP BOC: Schedule or Reschedule Your Examination (Pearson testing centers)
- ASCP BOC: MLS and MLT Credential Maintenance Program requirements (36 points, three years)
Original practice questions for exam preparation, 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.