Credential Overview
Purpose and Value
Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the life sciences, with applications across healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and manufacturing. The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) validates a candidate’s readiness to enter this dynamic, regulated industry by confirming core competencies needed in academic and professional settings.
Developed with input from industry professionals and aligned to national standards, the BACE credential demonstrates that a candidate has the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and professional practices necessary to succeed in laboratory and production environments. It helps distinguish candidates in a competitive job market and supports advancement in roles requiring precision, safety, and regulatory awareness.
Credential Highlights
- Validates core scientific and technical skills in biotechnology
- Confirms readiness for research, manufacturing, and quality control roles
- Supports both workforce entry and postsecondary pathways
- Recognized by employers, educators, and state agencies as a trusted workforce credential
Earning the BACE shows a candidate is serious about entering the life sciences field with confidence, credibility, and a strong foundation for growth.
Earning Your Credential: The BACE Exam
To earn the BACE Credential, candidates must take and pass the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE), which assesses both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies aligned with current industry standards. The exam covers eight core categories, including laboratory techniques, safety, biochemistry, regulation, equipment use, and data analysis.
- Closed-book, computer-based format
- Delivered online through the University of Florida’s e-Learning platform
- 100 multiple-choice, scenario-based, and matching questions
- Exam length: up to four hours
- Permitted exam locations: at a certified BACE Exam Site with a live proctor or through remote proctoring via ProctorU
- Required score to pass: 80%
- Length of credential validity: five years
Exam Fee
- Remote Testing via ProctorU – $200 (includes one free retake)
- Testing with an Exam Site – $185 (includes one free retake)
Included Resource: All candidates receive free access to Biotility’s Practice Exam Course and Badging System, which offers review activities, practice quizzes, and digital badges aligned with the exam categories.
“Simply holding this credential can open doors you might have thought would take years to access. It serves as proof not only of your expertise but also of your ability to learn, understand, and successfully perform whatever investigative procedure asked of you.”
– Kwesi Asante, Biomedical Engineering Student