Health ProfessionsTest + Skills

Genetics

New for 2026-27: a 50-question genetics test, then lab skills such as DNA extraction, bacterial gene transfer, model-organism crosses and chi-square analysis for the top scorers.

The AI judge does not score skill stations. Use the practice test for Round One.

About this event

Genetics is a brand-new solo two-round event for the Secondary and Postsecondary/Collegiate divisions, sponsored by Carolina Biological Supply Company. Round One is a 50-question multiple-choice test in 60 minutes written from Carolina's Genetics: A Guidebook for the HOSA Genetics Written Test. The test plan covers reproduction, mitosis and meiosis, classical genetics, chromosomal inheritance, experimental design and model organisms, molecular genetics, population genetics, and modern applications and careers. Top scorers advance to Round Two, a secret scenario built from the approved skills: DNA extraction (20 minutes), gene transfer in E. coli by bacterial conjugation or transduction (20 minutes each), a test genetic cross with Drosophila or Wisconsin Fast Plants (25 minutes each), interpreting genetic cross results with pedigrees and Punnett squares, and validating a mode of inheritance with a chi-square test (15 minutes). You bring eye protection, gown, non-latex gloves, face shield and masks. A 70 percent skill score is required to place; test and skill scores are added, with the higher test score breaking ties.

Test day

What to expect

Round One test, then skill stations

Round One is a 50-question test in 60 minutes; the top scorers advance to Round Two, the skill stations. Official format: 50-question test, 60 minutes, then Round Two skill scenarios of 10 to 25 minutes each for top scorers.

Written from the test plan

Questions follow the event's published test plan, section by section, and are written from the listed reference texts. Practice questions here are drawn in the same proportions.

How you advance

How many advance from regionals to states and on to the International Leadership Conference (ILC) depends on your association's rules. Study the official test plan: it lists each section and its share of the test.

What judges score

Skill I: DNA Extraction (20 minutes)Skill II-A: Perform Gene Transfer with Asexually Reproducing Organism (E. coli), Bacterial Conjugation (20 minutes)Skill II-B: Perform Gene Transfer with Asexually Reproducing Organism (E. coli), Bacterial Transduction (20 minutes)Skill III-A: Perform Test Genetic Cross with Sexually Reproducing Model Organism, Drosophila (25 minutes)Skill III-B: Perform Test Genetic Cross with Sexually Reproducing Model Organism, Wisconsin Fast Plants (25 minutes)Skill IV: Genetic Cross Results Interpretation (listed as 15 minutes; the rating sheet header says 10)Skill V: Validate Mode of Inheritance Using Chi-Square Test (15 minutes)

What's on the test

Reproduction, Mitosis and Meiosis · 20%Classical Genetics · 20%Chromosomal Inheritance · 10%Experimental Design and Model Organisms · 15%Molecular Genetics · 15%Population Genetics · 10%Modern Applications and Careers in Genetics · 10%

Study resources

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