BACE: Biotechnology Skills (Practical)
2025
Biotechnology Certification
Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam
The BACE is a nationally recognised credential administered by Biotility (University of Florida) that validates the core theoretical and practical knowledge of entry-level biotechnology technicians for roles in pharma, agbio, and research labs.
Free Practice Tests & Papers
7 availableExam Details & Pattern
Eligibility Criteria
- No formal prerequisites are mandated; the exam is open to high school graduates, community college students, and university-level candidates in biotechnology or life sciences
- Completion of or current enrolment in a biotechnology, biology, chemistry, or allied science certificate/degree programme is strongly recommended
- Early-career laboratory professionals seeking to validate their entry-level biotechnology competencies are encouraged to apply
- Registration is done through the Biotility portal; candidates must agree to testing policies and pay the applicable exam fee
Marking Scheme & Pattern
Total Questions~150 multiple-choice questions
Question FormatSingle-best-answer MCQ
Duration~3.5 hours
ScoringPercentage of correct answers; passing threshold set by Biotility
Negative MarkingNone
Syllabus Overview
Laboratory Safety
OSHA standards, Chemical hygiene plan, Biohazard protocols (BSL levels), PPE selection and use, Hazardous waste disposal, Emergency procedures, SDS interpretation
Mathematics for Science
Metric system & SI units, Unit conversions, Scientific notation, Significant figures, Solution preparation & dilutions (molarity, percent solutions), Basic statistics (mean, median, standard deviation)
Biology & Chemistry Foundations
Cell structure & function, Central dogma (DNA→RNA→Protein), Basic genetics & heredity, Biochemistry of proteins, lipids & carbohydrates, Acid-base chemistry, Buffer preparation & pH calculations
Core Biotechnology Techniques
Recombinant DNA technology, PCR & qPCR, Gel electrophoresis (agarose & PAGE), Cell culture (aseptic technique, sterile technique), Fermentation & upstream bioprocessing, Downstream processing & purification (chromatography, filtration)
Instrumentation & Equipment
Spectrophotometry & UV-Vis, Centrifugation (types & applications), Microscopy (light, phase contrast, fluorescence), Autoclave & sterilisation methods, Pipetting techniques & calibration, ELISA instrumentation
Quality Systems & Regulatory Compliance
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Batch record documentation, FDA/EPA regulatory overview, Deviation reporting & CAPA
Bioinformatics
DNA & protein sequence databases (GenBank, UniProt), NCBI BLAST searches, Sequence alignment basics, Introduction to bioinformatics tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should take the BACE exam?
The BACE is ideal for students completing a biotechnology certificate or AS/BS degree programme, as well as entry-level lab technicians who want an industry-recognised credential to strengthen their CV when applying for positions in pharmaceutical, agricultural biotech, or research laboratory settings.
How long is the BACE credential valid?
The BACE credential is valid for 3 years from the date of passing. To maintain the credential, holders must either complete approved continuing education credits or retake the examination before the expiry date.
Is the BACE accepted nationally across the USA?
Yes, the BACE is recognised by biotech, pharmaceutical, and agriscience employers across the United States as a validated benchmark of entry-level biotechnician competency. It is particularly respected among Florida-based programmes, but its recognition is growing nationally.
