Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing labeled probe nucleic acids from genomic nucleic acid template are provided. In the subject methods, a conserved coding consensus region primer is employed to enzymatically generate a select set of labeled probe nucleic acids corresponding to coding regions of genes from a genomic template via a primer extension protocol. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications, and are particularly suited for use in the preparation of labeled probe nucleic acids for use in array based comparative genomic hybridization applications. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods.