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Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates should review the appropriate Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) before testing:

The CIB includes contact numbers, resource links, detailed exam descriptions, technical requirements, and exam policies.

  • Exam Sites: $185 per candidate
  • Remote Testing Option via ProctorU (individuals): $200.

The fee includes:

  • Access to the online Practice Exam Course
  • Two attempts at the exam (first and second)
  • A digital credential upon passing

The BACE consists of one exam that includes both a Practical and a Knowledge portion. Candidates must complete both portions in one session. There are two administration methods available:

  • Computer-Based Testing (CBT): The exam is administered at an approved Exam Site with a live proctor present. Candidates complete both the Knowledge and Practical portions on a computer.
  • Computer-Based Testing via Remote Testing Option (RTO): The exam is taken remotely using a computer and is proctored by a third-party remote proctor, ProctorU.

Candidates have up to four hours to complete the entire exam.

Candidates may take the exam up to three times per year.

There is a mandatory 20-day waiting period between exam attempts. While 20 days is the minimum, candidates are encouraged to wait four to six weeks between attempts to allow sufficient time for study and improvement.

Candidates must have an account to access BACE content on UF e-Learning (UFEL). Biotility will email the Exam Site an invitation with a unique Enrollment Link to distribute to candidates. To create an account, candidates should:

  • Select the Enrollment Link.
  • Complete registration using an external identity (Google, LinkedIn, or Microsoft).
  • Provide the requested registration information (name, birthdate, email address, and phone number).
  • Verify the account by responding to the account confirmation email.

Please refer to the Guide to UF e-Learning section of the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) for a complete description of the account creation and enrollment process.

The suggested study references are listed below.

  • Brown, J. Kirk. Biotechnology: A Laboratory Skills Course (Second Ed.). Hercules, CA: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., 2018.
  • Daugherty, Ellyn. Biotechnology: Laboratory Manual (Second Ed.). St. Paul, MN: Paradigm Publishing, Inc., 2017.
  • Daugherty, Ellyn. Biotechnology: Science for the New Millennium (Second Ed.). St. Paul, MN: Paradigm Publishing, Inc., 2017
  • Seidman, Lisa. Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology: Textbook and Laboratory Reference (Third Ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2021

Additionally, the online Practice Exam Course is an excellent representation of the content candidates will encounter during the actual exam, as well as home to supplemental study resources and materials. Many of the study materials within the Practice Exam Course are also available publicly on the Preparation page.

The BACE exam is divided into two main portions: Knowledge and Practical.

Knowledge portion:

  • Technical Skills & Applications
  • Safety & Workplace Culture
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Regulation & Quality

Practical portion

  • Biotechnology Skills
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Standard Equipment
  • Experimental Design & Data Analysis

For detailed information on how much each category contributes to the overall score and the specific sub-categories included on the exam, refer to the BACE Exam Specifications and the Detailed Exam Categories section in the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB).

If technical difficulties occur during the exam, candidates should notify the proctor immediately.

  • For CBT at an exam site, the proctor will assist in resolving the issue.
  • For RTO, candidates should follow the instructions provided by ProctorU for resolving technical issues.

If the issue cannot be resolved during the exam, rescheduling or retaking the exam may be necessary. Contact Biotility for further assistance.

Exam Sites with candidates requiring accommodations should submit an Accommodation Request. Submit requests a minimum of two weeks in advance to allow sufficient time for processing. The accommodation form will guide you through the necessary details and documentation.

Accommodation Request Form

Candidates should refer to their Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) for detailed instructions on what to bring and what is prohibited.

Whether candidates can cancel or reschedule their exam depends on the testing method:

Computer-Based Testing (CBT): Candidates should contact their exam site directly to discuss specific cancellation and rescheduling policies. Biotility does not provide refunds for missed or canceled exam dates. However, most exam sites offer a three-day window to complete exams, and Biotility allows make-up exams in certain situations, such as a documented illness.

Computer-Based Testing via Remote Testing Option (RTO): If a candidate misses the scheduled appointment, no fee will be incurred from Biotility as long as the exam is completed within the allotted time period (First Attempt – 180 days, Second Attempt – 90 days, Third Attempt – 90 days). However, candidates may be subject to a rescheduling fee from ProctorU.

Computer-Based Testing (CBT/RTO): After completing the computer-based test, candidates may immediately view their unofficial scores by navigating to the “Grades” section. Category results are accessible by selecting the “Learning Mastery” tab and reviewing the Learning Mastery Gradebook.

Once Biotility finalizes the scores, a cumulative report with official results is sent to the Site Administrator and designated Score Recipients within one (1) weeks. The Site Administrator is then responsible for notifying candidates of their official scores.

Exam scores may be invalidated if the candidate violates the exam rules and policies outlined in the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB). These rules include restrictions on communication, use of unauthorized materials, and conduct during the exam. It is important for candidates to review and follow these rules carefully to ensure their scores remain valid.

In order to maintain accuracy when making calculations for solutions, a question may ask for significant figures, for a number with a specified amount of decimals, or for a whole number. It is important for candidates to remember to use significant figures only when the question specifically asks for them. Otherwise, they must follow the directions in each question.

For example, a candidate may see a question similar to the following:

“Calculate the volume in mL of 20X TAE Buffer required to make 1500 mL of 1X TAE Buffer. Record the correct amount below.”

C1V1 = C2V2

(1X TAE) (1500 mL) = (20X TAE) (V2)

V2 = 1500 mL / 20X TAE

V2 = 75 mL

If you were to follow significant digit rules, the answer would be 80 mL of 20X TAE stock buffer.  However if you plug this answer back into the equation, you get a value of 0.9375X TAE buffer for C2, which is incorrect.

C1V1 = C2 V2

(20X TAE) (80 mL) = (C2) (1500 mL)

C2 = 1500 mL / 1600 mL

C2 = 0.9375X TAE

Please follow the directions in each question.

Upon passing the BACE, electronic credentials are sent to the candidate’s registered email address. Credentials are issued through Accredible, offering multiple options for sharing.

More details are available in Accredible’s Recipient Knowledge Base.

The BACE credential is valid for five years. To maintain the credential, candidates must retake and pass the BACE exam before the end of the five-year period. Keeping the credential up to date ensures the candidate’s skills and knowledge remain current in the rapidly evolving biotechnology field.

Employers can verify a BACE credential online using Accredible’s Credential Verification Tool. Verification methods include the credential URL, Credential ID number, or an open badge image upload.

Biotility offers a public registry where credential earners can choose to showcase their verified achievements. By opting into this registry, candidates make their credentials easily accessible for employers to view and verify, enhancing their professional visibility. This online registry highlights all verified credentials issued by Biotility, allowing employers to directly confirm a candidate’s accomplishments.