If you administer, manage, or oversee an institutional biosafety compliance program, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and earn the Certified Professional Biosafety Compliance Administrator (CPBCA) credential.

Why take the exam now?

Biosafety compliance programs are entering a period of significant policy change. The January 2027 examination offers qualified professionals a final opportunity to pursue certification using the existing examination framework before anticipated revisions. The timing and substance of federal changes remain subject to official action; BSAA will communicate any resulting certification-program changes separately.

1. Distinguish yourself with a professional credential focused on IBC administration and institutional biosafety compliance.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of federal guidance, oversight responsibilities, and sound program-management practices.

3. Strengthen your professional credibility and show a commitment to continued learning and biosafety leadership.

4. Join a growing community of CPBCA-certified biosafety compliance professionals.

January 2027 examination

Examination window: January 2027 (specific test dates and times to be announced – Mid-January).

Format: Live, virtually proctored examination; final logistics will be provided to approved candidates.

Application deadline: January 4, 2027.

Examination fees: $350 for BSAA members; $475 for nonmembers.

Who is eligible?

The CPBCA examination is intended for professionals whose primary responsibilities include the development, administration, management, or oversight of an institutional biosafety program. Applicants must meet one of the following experience pathways:

1. A bachelor’s degree and at least two years of relevant IBC experience within the preceding ten years; OR
2. At least four years of relevant IBC experience within the preceding ten years.

Candidates must also submit an application and current CV/résumé documenting relevant experience and agree to the CPBCA Code of Ethics.

What does the examination cover?

Key areas include the NIH Guidelines (April 2024), IBC composition and responsibilities, the BMBL (6th edition), select agent and toxin oversight, dual-use and gain-of-function oversight concepts, occupational health and safety, biological-material export controls, and practical biosafety program administration.

Recommended preparation resources

The following resources are intended to support preparation; inclusion does not imply BSAA endorsement or guarantee examination success. Links were reviewed against accessible official sources in October 2026. Candidates should consult the versions and policies identified in BSAA examination instructions.

• NIH Office of Science Policy — biosafety and biosecurity
• NIH Office of Science Policy — home and NIH Guidelines access
• CDC/NIH BMBL, 6th edition
• Federal Select Agent Program
• Select Agents and Toxins List
• HHS Science Safety Security (S3) policy updates
• CDC Safe Labs — Biorisk Management
• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Occupational Health and Safety in the Care and Use of Research Animals
• Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR Parts 730–774)
• https://about.citiprogram.org/course/nih-guidelines-for-biosafety-administrators/ (Independent Resource: A cost may be associated)

Take the next step

This is the last planned offering of the current CPBCA examination before the anticipated regulatory transition. If certification is on your professional development agenda, make January your opportunity to move forward.

Contact: info@ibcadministrators.com  |  Biosafety Administrators Association