The Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB) certification by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is a credential for advanced laboratory professionals who demonstrate expertise in molecular biology techniques and their application to diagnosing and characterizing diseases, especially genetic and infectious diseases. This certification validates a professional’s specialized skills in high-complexity molecular testing, test development, and troubleshooting. It allows certified individuals to take on supervisory roles and serve as educators and advisors in their specialty.
The certification validates expertise in complex molecular biological techniques, including sequencing, proteomic analysis, and nucleic acid extraction.
SMBs apply these techniques to diagnose and characterize acquired and inherited diseases, including malignant, metabolic, and infectious conditions.
Certified professionals operate at an advanced level, assisting with high-complexity testing, test development, and troubleshooting in clinical laboratories.
The SMB credential signifies the ability to assume leadership, educational, and advisory roles within their molecular biology specialty.
The SMB certification from the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) is a popular and respected credential that enhances career prospects for molecular biologists.
An SMB ASCP professional typically performs tasks such as: