American College of Microbiology

NRCM Exam Information

If you have questions about preparing for the exam, click here.

EXAM FORMAT

The exams consist of 150 multiple-choice questions.

They are computer-based and administered at testing centers worldwide.

Candidates are allowed three and one-half hours in which to complete the exams. The time allotted is considered to be much greater than required for answering the questions, but the committee does not wish time constraints to be a factor in performance.

ABOUT THE EXAM QUESTIONS

Each question is multiple-choice with only one correct answer.

Questions have a stem and four or five possible responses.

Questions are updated and reevaluated annually. Candidates should expect to see questions on technical advances or issues that occurred during the past year.

SCORING

The certification exams of the American College of Microbiology use a criterion-referenced scoring system. This method sets a standard of performance in absolute, not relative, terms. Candidates are not graded on a curve and do not compete against each other. Instead, each candidate’s performance is measured solely against established criteria and standards. Candidates must demonstrate that they have mastered these criteria in order to pass the exam. Candidates who perform at or above the established performance standard pass the exam and are certified. Each candidate’s score is based only on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing.

WHAT IF I DO NOT PASS THE EXAM?

Candidates not passing the exam on their initial attempt will have two additional opportunities to reexamine; thereafter, a new application will be required. Additionally, candidates must successfully reexamine within three consecutive exam cycles or their application will be withdrawn. The reexam fee is the same as the initial exam fee (i.e., $200).

SM: BIOLOGICAL SAFETY

Those who wish to take the SM: Biological Safety exam must meet the Specialist Microbiologist eligibility requirements.

OBJECTIVE
The objective is to measure pertinent knowledge and the ability to develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive biological safety program.

EXAM CONTENT - Updated December 2007
Please click here to download the list of tasks tested on the exam.

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Please click here to download the suggested references list.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Please click here to download sample questions for the NRCM SM: Biological Safety exam.

SM: PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL DEVICE

Those who wish to take the SM: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device exam must meet the Specialist Microbiologist eligibility requirements.

OBJECTIVE
The objective is to measure the ability to supervise the effective operation of biological procedures in a pharmaceutical and medical device microbiology testing laboratory.

EXAM CONTENT - Updated July 2008
Please click here to download the list of tasks tested on the exam.

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Please click here to download the suggested references list.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Please click here to download sample questions for the NRCM SM: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device exam.

RM: PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL DEVICE

Those who wish to take the RM: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device exam must meet the Registered Microbiologist or Conditional Registrant eligibility requirements.

OBJECTIVE
The objective is to measure the factual knowledge, concepts, and laboratory skills needed in a pharmaceutical and medical device microbiology testing laboratory.

EXAM CONTENT - Updated March 2009
Please click here to download the list of tasks tested on the exam.

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Please click here to download the suggested references list.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Please click here to download sample questions for the NRCM RM: Pharmaceutical and Medical Device exam.

RM: FOOD

Those who wish to take the RM: Food exam must meet the Registered Microbiologist or Conditional Registrant eligibility requirements.

OBJECTIVE
The objective is to measure the factual knowledge, concepts, and laboratory skills needed in a food microbiology testing laboratory.

EXAM CONTENT - Updated March 2009
Please click here to download the list of tasks tested on the exam.

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Please click here to download the suggested references list.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS
Please click here to download sample questions for the NRCM RM: Food exam.

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY CERTIFICATION

The American College of Microbiology and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) conjointly develop and administer certification exams in clinical microbiology at the bench and supervisory levels. Individuals must meet ASCP eligibility requirements to take the exam. Those who pass the exam are certified as a Technologist in Microbiology (M) or Specialist in Microbiology (SM) by the ASCP and are issued a certificate with both organizations' names on it. For more information, visit http://www.ascp.org/FunctionalNavigation/certification.aspx.