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BACE Exam Overview
Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE)
The Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) validates a candidate’s readiness to enter this dynamic, highly 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. Earning the credential demonstrates that a candidate understands fundamental workplace expectations, including accuracy, safety, quality, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Earning the BACE credential demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to entering the biotechnology and life sciences field with a strong foundation and a clear understanding of essential industry practices.
Exam Fees & Retakes
-
Remote Testing via ProctorU
- Attempt 1: $200 (Includes free retake)
- Attempt 3: $50
Remote Testing Candidates enroll and then schedule their preferred exam date with ProctorU. Remote Testing candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts per calendar year.
-
On-site Testing* with an Exam Site
- Attempt 1: $185 (Includes free retake)
- Attempt 3: $50
*Please note the required lead time for exam orders:
| First Attempts | Place order at least six weeks prior to testing date |
| Second Attempts | Schedule at least two weeks prior to testing date |
| Third Attempts | Place order at least two weeks prior to testing date |
On-site Testing candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts per academic year. All ordered exams must be used by 08/10/2027.
Exam Format
- Closed-book, computer-based format
- Delivered online through the University of Florida’s e-Learning platform
- 124 multiple-choice, scenario-based, true/false, and matching questions
- Exam length: up to 4 hours
- Permitted exam locations: at a Biotility-approved Exam Site with an in-person proctor or through remote proctoring via ProctorU
- Required score to pass: 80%
- Length of credential validity: five years
Exam Blueprint
|
Category |
Questions |
Points |
Distribution of Points per Category |
|
Technical Skills & Applications |
25 |
33.25 |
19% |
|
Safety & Workplace Culture |
15 |
21 |
12% |
|
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology |
13 |
17.5 |
10% |
|
Regulation & Quality |
12 |
15.75 |
9% |
|
Biotechnology Skills |
24 |
40.25 |
23% |
|
Applied Mathematics |
15 |
21 |
12% |
|
Standard Equipment |
10 |
14 |
8% |
|
Experimental Design & Data Analysis |
10 |
12.25 |
7% |
|
Total |
124 |
175 |
100% |
Last Updated: 11/05/2026