CABP Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AABB Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional Credential?

The AABB Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) is a certification program that includes an exam designed to certify candidates have demonstrated the necessary knowledge to practice in the biotherapies field. This certification benefits the entire biotherapies field by establishing minimum standards of competence, identifying qualified and proficient professionals, and advancing safety and quality. Candidates must meet pre-requisites, obtain a passing grade on the exam and agree to the CABP Code of Conduct to earn the certification for a three-year cycle.

How does the AABB CABP certification differ from the AABB Cellular Therapies Certificate program?

The AABB Cellular Therapies Certificate Program is an educational program made up of 12 modules designed to advance knowledge in the cellular therapies arena. Upon successful completion, the participant earns a certificate (there are no maintenance requirements). By contrast, the AABB CABP includes an exam that certifies successful candidates have demonstrated the knowledge necessary to practice in the biotherapies field (recertification is required every three years to maintain certification).

Is the CABP certification a life-long recognition?

No, those who earn the CABP distinction remain certified for three years. A CABP’s certification may be revoked due to events such as non-compliance with the CABP Code of Conduct. During each CABP certification term, certificants are required to complete at least 36 credit hours of education in the exam domains. AABB recommends earning credits each year during each certification term. As CABPs near their three-year certification anniversary, they should apply for recertification at least one month before their certification expires.

How are CABPs recognized?

CABPs receive recognition on the CABP certification registry, AABB website, AABB publications, and at the AABB Annual Meeting. A digital badge is issued that can be used on social media platforms. A frameable certificate is also provided.

How much does the program cost?

The certification exam fee is $395 for AABB members and $495 for nonmembers. The price includes a $150 nonrefundable application review fee. There are also retesting fees of $150 and a late reschedule/no show exam fee of $150, if required. The cost to recertify every three years is $175 for AABB members and $225 for nonmembers. For more information on institutional pricing, please visit the CABP for Organizations webpage.

Am I eligible to take the CABP exam?

All certification candidates must meet pre-requisite requirements that include education and experience, as well as agree to the CABP Code of Conduct. There is the opportunity to waive a year of experience if you hold certain other certifications such as ASCP (e.g., e.g., SBB, BB, MLS, etc.), ASQ (CQA, CMQ/OM, CQE, etc.), OCN, QIA, or RAC. If you have a certification that helps you be more effective as a biotherapies professional that is not listed, we encourage you to contact AABB at certification@aabb.org before you apply. A summary of these requirements can also be found in the CABP Eligibility Requirements document.

You can also use AABB’s online CABP exam pre-approval questionnaire to receive further advice on your eligibility. Once submitted, we will contact you regarding the status of your CABP exam application pre-approval at the email address provided.

Do I have to be an AABB member to apply for the CABP certification?

No, the opportunity to sit for the certification exam is open to all professionals in the field, if they meet the prerequisites. Members of AABB receive a reduced exam fee as a benefit of membership. If you would like to save $100 on the CABP application fee and enjoy a variety of other valuable benefits as a member of AABB, visit www.aabb.org/join.

What is the application process?

All candidates should complete an online application with the requested documentation and fee. You will receive confirmation of submission of the application immediately and will learn your application status within ten (10) business days. During that period, you might be asked for clarifications to your application and/or additional documentation, which shall extend the response time to your application to ten (10) business days from the receipt of the additional information/documentation. If your application is accepted, you will receive a link to schedule an exam date and time. If your application is not accepted, you will receive feedback as to why it was not accepted and a refund of the fees (minus the $150 application review fee, which is non-refundable). As part of the application process, AABB reserves the right to validate the supplied information, e.g., through a university registrar, employment verification, etc. All applications are confidential and are governed by the AABB policies for the AABB CABP.

What supporting materials are required for the application?

In addition to completing the online application, candidates will be asked to provide supporting documentation of their education and work experience. Examples of acceptable documentation include:

• Education – Unofficial transcript showing conveyance of degree or copy of diploma.
• Work Experience – Resume/CV.
• Additional Certification – Copy of official certification or link to certification directory.
• Confirmation of Acceptance of Code of Conduct – Attestation in the online application.

The CABP Commission, or its designees, reserve the right to validate experience, education, and certifications with employers, academic institutions, and/or certifying bodies.

How do I obtain a receipt for my exam fee?

Upon submission of your application, a receipt will be emailed to you for the fee paid. If you do not receive a receipt, please check your spam or junk email folders before contacting support at support+AABB@prolydian.com.

How can I study for the CABP exam?

There is no substitute for experience, which is why all candidates are required to have minimum experience in biotherapies. We encourage all potential candidates to evaluate their knowledge against the exam syllabus to determine where they might have knowledge gaps. Once you have identified the areas that you need to reinforce your knowledge, you can gain that knowledge from AABB or any educational provider, you can work with a mentor to assist with your study, participate in a study group, read the suggested materials outlined on the exam syllabus, or a combination of these.

You may also wish to browse AABB’s online CABP Study Resources Library for more helpful tools, such as AABB’s CABP sample exam question sets.

When is the CABP exam administered?

The exam is offered on an ongoing 24/7 schedule.

Is the exam in-person or on-line?

The CABP exam is a computer-based proctored online exam. Please refer to the AABB CABP Certification Handbook for technical requirements needed in advance of taking, particularly the ‘Preparing to take the exam’ section from page 9 onwards.

How do I schedule an appointment to take the exam?

After your application is approved, you will receive an email that provides instructions on how to schedule your exam. That email will include the following steps: Access your account at https://aabb.prolydian.com, go to the “My exams” dashboard and click the "Schedule" button. Please make sure when scheduling your exam you select your time zone.

How long after my application is approved do I have to take the exam?

Candidates must successfully complete the CABP exam within one (1) year of application approval, otherwise a new application will be required.

Can I take the exam outside of the United States?

Yes. Since the exam is a computer-based online proctored exam, it can be taken anywhere, as long as candidates meet the testing technical requirements outlined in the AABB CABP Certification Handbook.

Is the exam available in languages other than English?

No, the exam is only offered in English.

How long after I take the exam will I get my results?

Once a candidate has submitted the exam, a score report will be sent to the email address on file for the candidate within 72 hours of exam completion. For security reasons, results will not be provided over the phone or sent by fax.

What are the renewal requirements?

CABPs must meet the recertification requirements, submit a recertification application and applicable fee before their certification expires (three [3] years from the initial awarding of the certification or recertification terms thereafter). Failure to take these steps will result in an expired certification status. Recertification requirements include earning a minimum of 36 continuing education credits within the CABP exam domains and reaffirmation to the commitment to the CABP Code of Conduct.

What happens if my certification lapses?

During the first year following expiration, individuals may pay a lapsed certification fee of $125 (in addition to the recertification fee) to access the recertification application. Upon approval of recertification during a lapsed period, such recertification is active for the standard three-year term, beginning upon expiration of the last active certification term. Continuing education credits must have been earned during the then current three (3)-year certification term. Credits earned during the lapsed period would apply to the next three (3)-year recertification term. After a certification has been expired for more than one year, the lapsed certificant must reapply for certification and retake the examination.

What is the cost of recertification?

The cost of recertification every three-year cycle is $175 for AABB members and $225 for nonmembers if recertification is completed prior to each three-year expiration date. A lapsed certification fee of $125 would be applicable in addition to the recertification fee if a CABP lets their certification lapse during the first year following their certification expiration.