Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Credential

The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Credential (formerly the Biotechnician Assistant Credential) is administered by Biotility at the University of Florida’s Center of Excellence for Regenerative Health Biotechnology (UF CERHB). This credential validates a candidate’s foundational knowledge and essential skills required for success in the biotechnology workforce.

To earn the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Credential, candidates must achieve an overall score of 80% or higher on the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE). The exam includes both a knowledge and a practical portion, assessing competencies across key biotechnology topics.

Knowledge Categories

Technical Skills & Applications covers the foundational techniques used in biotechnology workplace settings. It includes understanding and applying methods such as aseptic technique, cell culture, DNA isolation, and various assays. The focus is on both the theoretical principles and the practical application of these techniques, including the use of advanced equipment and procedures such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography.

Safety and Workplace Culture emphasizes the importance of safety, ethics, and proper behavior in the biotechnology workplace. It includes understanding and following safety protocols, using personal protective equipment (PPE), handling hazardous materials, and responding to emergencies. It also covers the ethical considerations in biotechnology, workplace behaviors, and compliance with regulations enforced by agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology focuses on the molecular and biochemical principles that underpin biotechnology. It includes understanding DNA structure and function, gene expression, protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and cell biology. It also covers processes and techniques related to molecular biology and protein expression, such as monoclonal antibody production, immunotherapy, and the role of mRNA in therapeutics.

Regulation & Quality involves understanding the regulatory environment and quality practices associated with the development, manufacture, and testing of biotechnology-based products and processes. It covers the roles of Current Good Laboratory Practices (CGLP), Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), Good Documentation Practices (GDocP), and regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It also includes knowledge of the processes involved in product development, regulatory approval, departmental roles, and maintaining data integrity and security.

Practical Categories

Biotechnology Skills centers on technical skills essential for quality work. It includes accurately measuring liquids and solids, preparing solutions, performing serial dilutions, and using standard equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and biosafety cabinets. The focus is on mastering these practical skills to ensure precise and reliable outcomes.

Applied Mathematics covers the mathematical skills needed to perform common bioscience workplace calculations and data analysis. It includes using scientific notation, significant digits, metric conversions, making dilutions, calculating weight and volume measurements for buffer and media prep, graphing data, and performing statistical analyses. These skills are crucial for designing experiments, preparing reagents and solutions, and interpreting results.

Standard Equipment focuses on the proper identification, use, and maintenance of standard equipment. It includes understanding the safe operation of micro and macro pipettes, balances, pH meters, centrifuges, and other essential tools. Mastery ensures an aptitude for the accurate and safe handling of equipment, and critical parameters such as calibration, maintenance, and validation.

Experimental Design & Data Analysis involves understanding how to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively. It covers the use of controls, maintaining a laboratory notebook, applying statistical methods, and adhering to the principles of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). The focus is on ensuring that experiments are well-designed, data is accurately interpreted, and results are clearly communicated.