BACE FAQs

BACE Administration Documents – BACE Exam Site Personnel (BESP) should review the BACE Administration Documents for the current academic year. The key resource is the BACE Administration Procedures, a comprehensive checklist that includes links, timelines, and guidelines to ensure compliance with Biotility’s test administration policies. These documents are updated annually and published on Biotility’s website within one month of the academic year’s start.

BACE Reminders & Tips Emails – BESP are automatically enrolled in the BACE Reminders & Tips emails, sent every six weeks with site-specific actions. Individuals not directly involved with administering or proctoring the exam, such as staff and teachers, can opt in during Exam Site Registration or request enrollment via the Site Administrator at BACE@research.ufl.edu.

Biotility Client Service Representatives – When in doubt, reach out! Our Client Service Team is here to help you coordinate the BACE at your specific location. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET, at 386-462-3181 (Option #1) or BACE@research.ufl.edu.

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

• CIB for Paper and Pencil Testing (PPT): Administered at an Exam Site via paper and pencil, monitored by in-person proctors.
• CIB for Computer-Based Testing (CBT): Administered at an Exam Site via computer, monitored by in-person proctors.
• CIB for Computer-Based Testing via Remote Testing Option: For candidates not testing at an Exam Site, the exam is taken and monitored remotely by ProctorU.

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

Institutions and companies can register as BACE Exam Sites by completing the Exam Site Registration Form on the centralized BACE Exam Site Registration and Ordering website. This form also allows the designation of testing personnel. For full details, refer to the BACE Administration Documents.

The Exam Site Registration Form must be completed annually. Most Exam Sites register 4 to 6 months in advance of testing to provide candidates ample time to use the Practice Exam Course for preparation.

Within one (1) week of completing the Exam Site Registration Form, each designated BESP will receive an email invitation to enroll in the BACE Exam Site Personnel Certification Course in UF e-Learning. This course must be completed annually and at least two (2) weeks before a testing event. The Administration Documents provide a detailed description of the process and requirements for each administration type.

No, Biotility does not require BESP to earn the credential in order to administer the BACE. However, it is advisable for secondary and postsecondary schools to consult with their local or state Departments of Education to ensure compliance with any funding requirements related to teacher certification and industry-recognized credentials.

Exam Sites may not administer the BACE to BESP or educators. Educators and Exam Site Personnel are permitted to take the BACE directly through Biotility or through a Biotility approved teacher workshop. To register for the BACE through Biotility, they should visit the BACE Individual Registration Form or contact Biotility for more information on available teacher workshops.

Exam Sites may place orders and schedule exams through the centralized BACE Exam Site Registration and Ordering website. For first and third attempts, the Exam Site Administrator must complete the BACE Order Form, specifying the number of exams needed and selecting a three-day testing window. For second attempts, the Exam Site Administrator only needs to complete the BACE 2^nd Attempt Scheduling Form, selecting the three-day testing window.

Biotility does not provide refunds for missed or canceled exam dates. However, exam sites are permitted a three-day window to complete exams, and make-up exams are permitted in specific situations, such as a documented illness. For detailed information on Biotility’s billing policies, including change requests, cancellations, and refunds, please refer to the Exam Site Ordering & Scheduling Process document.

First attempt orders must be submitted at least six (6) weeks before the testing date, while retake orders must be submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance.

The exam fee is $185 per candidate, which covers:

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

Exam Sites may choose from three payment methods: EFT/ACH, credit card, or check. If paying by credit card, the Site Administrator and Billing Contact will receive an email with a payment link. For payments by check, they may be submitted to:

University of Florida

4735 NW 53rd Ave
Suite A
Gainesville, FL 32653

FEID 59-6002052

For a full description of payment options and deadlines, please review the Exam Site Ordering & Scheduling Process document.

The BACE is available in several administration methods to accommodate different testing environments and candidate needs. Each delivery option is designed to provide a secure and consistent testing experience, allowing flexibility based on the needs of the candidates and exam sites. The three BACE administration methods are:

• Paper and Pencil Testing (PPT): Candidates complete the exam in a science lab using a testing booklet and answer sheets. The exam includes a hands-on component, which accounts for approximately 15% of the Practical portion. This method is administered at an approved Exam Site with a live Exam Proctor and Skills Evaluator overseeing the process.
• Computer-Based Testing (CBT): Candidates complete the exam on a computer, typically in a testing center or classroom. This method is conducted at an approved Exam Site with a live Exam Proctor monitoring the session.
• Computer-Based Testing via Remote Testing Option (RTO): Candidates complete the exam from a remote location, such as their home. The exam is taken online using a computer and is proctored by a third-party service, ProctorU. Candidates are not permitted to take the RTO exam on their school campus. Exam Sites must contact a Biotility Client Service Representative by phone to arrange this option.

Yes, an Exam Site may administer multiple methods in an academic year, provided that the BACE Exam Site Personnel have completed the BACE Exam Site Personnel Certification Course for each respective method. Please note that no additional training is required for the Remote Testing Option (RTO), as ProctorU acts as the BACE Exam Site Personnel for this method.

No, the exam specifications remain consistent across all administration methods. Each method covers the same categories and subcategories, with the same distribution of points per category. For detailed information on how much each category contributes to the overall score and the specific subcategories included in the exam, please refer to the BACE Exam Specifications and the Detailed Exam Categories documents.

The BACE exam is divided into two main portions: Knowledge and Practical. The Knowledge portion covers four essential categories: Technical Skills & Applications, Safety & Workplace Culture, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, and Regulation & Quality. The Practical portion is also divided into four categories: Biotechnology Skills, Applied Mathematics, Standard Equipment, and Experimental Design & Data Analysis.

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 have four hours to complete the exam.

Candidates are not permitted to bring any items into Exam Rooms.

For Computer-Based Testing, a calculator is provided on-screen within the exam. The Exam Proctor is responsible for providing a pencil and scratch paper.

For Paper and Pencil Testing, the Exam Proctor is responsible for providing a pencil and a basic non-programmable calculator. Scratch paper is not permitted, as candidates should use the workspace provided in their exam booklet.

The suggested study materials include:

• 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 Candidate Resources page.

Despite preparation, unexpected issues like fire alarms or other disruptions may occur during an exam. The exam proctor should first troubleshoot using the guidance in the BACE Administration Policies and Procedures document, which lists common issues and solutions. If the issue cannot be resolved quickly, the proctor should immediately contact Biotility at 386-462-3181 (Option 1) for assistance. Any anomalies should be documented on the BACE Administrator Report in the Signs and Forms document. If the issue remains unresolved, rescheduling the exam may be necessary to ensure the affected candidates are tested fairly.

If a candidate needs testing accommodations, Exam Sites should email BACE@research.ufl.edu as soon as possible with a general description of the request. Biotility will respond with a list of the required information and documentation necessary to support the request. For further details, please refer to Biotility’s Exam Accommodations Policies in the BACE Administration Policies and Procedures document.

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 two (2) weeks. The Site Administrator is then responsible for notifying candidates of their official scores.

After a Paper and Pencil Testing event, Exam Sites return completed exams to Biotility using the provided return shipping label. Once received, Biotility scores the exams and emails the score reports (a cumulative report and individual score reports) to the Site Administrator and designated Score Recipients within two (2) weeks. The Site Administrator is responsible for distributing individual score reports to candidates and notifying them of their score.

To pass the BACE, candidates must achieve an overall score of 80%. 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.

Exam scores may be invalidated if the candidate violates the exam rules and policies outlined in the BACE Administration Policies and Procedures document. 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.

Exam Site technical staff should refer to the Technical Guide for UF e-Learning for a detailed list of computer requirements needed to support candidate access to the BACE exam and the online Practice Exam Course.

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.

For a complete description of the account creation and enrollment process, the Accessing UF e-Learning document should be reviewed.

Employers may 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 where credentialed candidates 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.

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.