Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS)

This qualification will help further the advancement of scientific discoveries through the field of biobanking, biological and environmental. Biobanks are vital for scientific progress in many arenas and disciplines (e.g., medical research, precision medicine, environmental research). Qualified biorepository professionals are essential to the high-quality results required for the advancement of biomedicine and biospecimen-based science. Given the global growth of the field of biobanking, there is an increasing demand for related education and professional standards. This qualification is designed to help meet the needs of all ISBER members and biorepository communities.

There are six different eligibility routes for the QBRS. Both North American and International applicants can qualify through these eligibility routes. For the full list of requirements, please visit www.ascp.org/boc/qbrs and review the section titled "Eligibility Routes for Qualification in Biorepository Science, QBRS".

On the www.ascp.org/boc/qbrs page linked called "Accredited Colleges and Universities" there is a section entitled "Regionally Accredited Colleges or Universities Outside of the United States and Canada". It is noted here that all foreign academic transcripts must be evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency for foreign transcripts. The list of acceptable evaluation agencies (Appendix A) is found through the link “Acceptable Evaluation Agencies for Foreign Transcripts”.

Canadian Education requirements are also detailed on that page.

• Qualification criteria
• The scope of the exam
• Suggested reading material
• Work experience documentation form
• Information about regionally accredited colleges and universities
• Application form for the Qualification in Biorepository Science

As noted above, information about your academic background and work experience is required to review your application prior to allowing you to register for the examination. Please complete the application process and submit all necessary documents. In addition, the ASCP BOC website (www.ascp.org/boc/qbrs) will provide valuable information about what to expect on the examination and how to prepare for it.

The process is open through ascp.org/boc/qbrs

Once your application is approved, you will receive an admission notification by email. The 50 question, multiple choice, timed test is self-administered on your own computer on the date and time of your own choice within the 60-day examination period indicated on the examination notification. Ninety minutes are allocated to complete the examination.

The examination may be attempted a total of five times under one eligibility route if initially unsuccessful.

QBRS certificate holders will be required to revalidate their qualification every three years by documentation of required continuing education or other educational activities as defined by ASCP BOC. Specific requirements for maintaining the QBRS credential can be found at ascp.org/boc/qbrs.

Your previous work experience in a biobanking laboratory will be beneficial as you should have the majority of the skills and experience that will be covered as part of the exam questions. The topic outline, found at www.ascp.org/boc/qbrs provides a comprehensive list of the areas within biobanking that are covered on the exam, so that attention to those areas in your review will be helpful. A suggested reading list is also available that should help direct your review.

The qualification working group, comprised of subject matter experts sets the passing standard for the qualification exam. A rigorous procedure called standard setting is used to set the passing standard. The qualification working group undergoes training to define a valid passing standard. Using their subject matter expertise, the working group members define minimal competency and core knowledge essential to perform the job competently. The passing standard translates into the number of correct answers an examinee must achieve to pass the examination.

Within four business days of completing the exam, you will receive an email to log in to your ASCP account to view your score report. Your official score report will indicate “pass” or “fail” status and the scaled score on the examination.

The Essentials of Biobanking Course is designed to help biobankers gain knowledge required for operating and managing biobanks, how to apply knowledge gained through applying ISBER Best Practices 4^th ed. and the ISO 20387:2018 standard and to help the biobank prepare for certification or accreditation by ISO, CTRNet or CAP. The Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS) is designed to help individuals confirm that they have the qualifications, knowledge and skills to be competent as biorepository scientists.

The ASCP BOC developed the concept of a “qualification” in the early 1990’s to address the need to recognize the competence of individuals in specific technical areas, such as cytometry, immunohistochemistry, etc. After meeting specific eligibility requirements, individuals complete a 50 question time-limited online test, at their own computer. Qualifications are for technical areas with a defined scope of study. There are no training programs accredited by an outside agency for these limited areas. Individuals apply based on specific academic requirements and experience.

There are no current plans to administer the QBRS exam in any language other than English.

No, you do not need to provide a social security number with your application.

The work ASCP BOC is authorized to do is processed without the need for affirmative consent from each applicant. The General Council of the CMSS (Council of Medical Specialty Societies) organizations have been in general agreement that much of the processing done as medical specialty organizations is authorized by GDPR.

"Signing up to take the QBRS exam was a personal decision for me.  I became involved in biobanking at  my institution with no previous experience.  ISBER best practices and NCI guidelines  became my go to resources.  I saw information about QBRS on the ISBER website and followed the updates on implementation.  I started my application process in December 2020.  Once I was approved, I put together a selection of study guides based on ASCP/ISBER recommendations  and committed myself to a review schedule.  Only my spouse knew that I had been approved to take the exam.  I felt confident  after completing the exam,  but I still  checked the ASCP website several a day until my results posted.   Being able to place QBRS (ASCP)cm  in my signature line gave a confidence boost  in dealing with investigators both internal and external.  I encourage everyone thinking about it to apply."

R. Ellen Friday, PhD, QBRS^CM
Technical Supervisor - FWCC Center for Precision Medicine Genomics Laboratory 
Scientific  Director- FWCC Biorepository 
Department of Medicine- Feist Weiller Cancer Center 

"Preparing for the QBRS exam was hectic, especially for me having to put together all the supporting documents before eligibility could be determined, as well scheduling dedicated time to study the reading materials. Obtaining the QBRS has improved my confidence in handling and managing biospecimens as championed by ISBER Best Practices, and my visibility and network within the biobanking and scientific community has equally improved. The qualification has complemented my biorepository experience to provide high quality service, and it enhances the pool of expertise at the disposal of my employer."

Yusuf Ibrahim, QBRS^CM
Sr. Scientist/Biobanking Lead, 54gene

"The QBRS qualification is a great opportunity to gain recognition for your skills and competencies as biobankers. The ability to study at home and do the exam online really helped with fitting in around daily work commitments. I highly recommend anyone who wants to further strengthen their professional development to undertake the QBRS qualification."

Non Williams
Laboratory Technician
Wales Cancer Bank

"Standardizing the world of biospecimens is an important undertaking to ensure that reproducible research results can be obtained. Working in the field of biobanking is my way of contributing to this mission and obtaining the QBRS was my way to demonstrate that dedication to myself and others. The biorepository medical director was immensely supportive of this endeavor and is proud of the fact that our biorepository is not only CAP accredited but also has someone with the professional credential of ISBER/ ASCP leading the way. The knowledge that I have gained over the years has been invaluable towards my career and having the QBRS only solidifies the progress that we are making in biobanking. I really do feel honored to be one of the first few internationally with this qualification and believe that this will greatly impact the world of biobanking and increase the awareness of our expertise in the world of laboratory professionals and research."

Karla J. Murga, MS, QBRS^CM
Manager, Biorepository within the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Tufts Medical Center

"As the manager of my hospital’s new biorepository, it was a no brainer that the QBRS credential was a must.  It was important to me that, as I designed our biorepository, I had up to date knowledge of what policies, procedures, and standards would be needed to ensure we provided high quality biospecimens to investigators.  Preparing for the QBRS helped me know what was considered important to achieve that goal.  I felt that the study guidelines and the exam itself covered a vast amount of information that made me feel prepared to manage biospecimens and the biorepository at the highest standards possible."

Reubin McGuffin MT(ASCP) QBRS^CM
Specimen Procurement Service Center Manager
Carle Foundation Hospital