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CTBS is the only professional designation available specifically for the tissue banking community
CTBS: Your Pathway to Excellence in Tissue Banking
Certified Tissue Bank Specialist (CTBS) is the only professional designation specifically for the tissue banking community, signifying deep knowledge of fundamental principles and AATB Standards. Whether you're entering the field or a seasoned expert, CTBS validates your expertise and dedication.
Who Should Pursue CTBS Certification?
Successfully passing the CTBS exam signifies knowledge of critical job functions, AATB's Standards for Tissue Banking, and regulatory requirements for donated human tissue for transplantation. CTBS certification is essential for professionals engaged in various aspects of tissue banking, including but not limited to:
- Tissue Recovery
- Family Support/Services
- Donor Screening
- Medical Directorship
- Birth Tissue Acquisition
- Quality Assurance/Compliance
- Tissue Processing
- Tissue Distribution
- End-User Support
Employers often require or prefer CTBS certification, recognizing its significance in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
The CTBS Process: Your Journey to Certification?
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Eligibility
Candidates should possess a Baccalaureate Degree and six months of experience, or 12 months of relevant experience in tissue banking-related fields. Diversified experience and participation in the AATB CTBS Review Course are highly recommended. - Register for the CTBS Exam
Developed by the AATB Certification Committee, the CTBS Exam evaluates candidates' understanding and application of AATB Standards, regulations, and best practices.
2025 Exam Dates:
October 1-31, 2025
Pricing:
Member: $675 | Non-Member: $975
Registration for the 2025 CTBS Exam will open in June in the AATB Portal. If you do not have an AATB Portal Account, you will need to create one to proceed with registration.Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your exam up to 72 hours before your scheduled exam time. A $100 processing fee will apply and will be deducted from your refund.
Testing Center Locations:
Before you register for the exam, search for a testing center near you
*Please note that AATB is unable to offer the CTBS examination in the following list of sanctioned countries: Belarus, Cuba, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Sudan, and the Syrian Arab Republic. Candidates wanting to take the examination will need to select a location within the list of valid countries and provinces. - Register for the CTBS Review Course
The CTBS Review Course is free for individuals registered for the CTBS Exam in the same calendar year and is also available for separate purchase. Access to the course will open in June.
The AATB CTBS Review Course, the sole AATB-approved program, offers 15 hours of comprehensive tissue banking content. This self-paced course equips aspiring CTBS professionals with essential resources to excel in the CTBS Exam, covering vital areas like Quality, Donor Screening, Recovery and Acquisition, Tissue Processing, and Tissue Distribution. Through video lectures, handouts, and practice tests, participants hone their test-taking skills and fortify their knowledge, ensuring thorough preparation for certification. Moreover, it serves as an invaluable refresher for seasoned tissue bank professionals, reinforcing core principles and concepts.
CTBS Review Course Syllabi:1. Introduction
a. Course and Examination Overview
b. Introduction: Terms, Phrases, and Definitions2. Quality Module
a. Quality Systems Overview
b. Recalls and Adverse Outcomes
c. Overview of AATB’s Accreditation Process and Its Relation to AATB’s Standards3. Donor Screening Module
a. Authorization & Informed Consent
b. The Donor Risk Assessment Interview (DRAI)
c. DRAI Rationale
d. Review of Relevant Medical Records
e. Physical Assessment
f. Donor Testing and Basic Immunology Concepts
g. Plasmadilution: Basic Concepts & Algorithms
h. Donor Cooling Guidelines & Ischemic Criteria -
4. Recovery and Acquisition Module
a. Donor Preparation & Recovery Site Assessment
b. Review of Aseptic Technique
c. Overview of Birth Tissue & Relevant AATB Standards
d. Relevant Anatomy
e. Clinical Application of Split and Full Thickness Skin Grafts
f. Musculoskeletal Recovery Overview
g.Cardiovascular Recovery Overview5. Tissue Processing Module
a. Tissue Processing6. Tissue Distribution Module
a. Tissue Distribution 101
b. Clinical Applications of Cardiac and Vascular Tissues
c. Clinical Applications for Musculoskeletal Allograft
Live CTBS Q&A Sessions:
Professionals will have an opportunity to join two live Q&A sessions to connect and ask questions to CTBS Review Course presenters and AATB staff about the course materials, examination and/or registration process or any other information you may want to know before you take the CTBS exam.
Pricing:
Member: $475 | Non-Member: $775
Free for CTBS Exam registrants during the same year the exam is administered.
Why should you enroll in the CTBS Review Course?
• Learn from experiences tissue bank professionals with expertise in all core subject areas.
• Course content is aligned with topics commonly covered on the CTBS examination.
• Each module includes multiple-choice practice tests to build confidence and reinforce learning.
• Downloadable and printable handouts for flexible, self-paced study.
• Exclusive access to two live CTBS Q&A sessions with CTBS experts.
• Earn up to 15 CEUs for current CTBS and/or CEBT professionals.
Course Access and Refund Policy:
Purchasing the CTBS Review Course provides access for three years. Please note. No refunds will be issued to individuals who purchase the course but do not register for the current exam cycle.
*Please note the CTBS Review Course is FREE for CTBS Exam registrants during the same year the exam is administered.
Maintaining Your CTBS Designation
Certified Tissue Banks Specialists must renew the CTBS designation every three years. Recertification requires a minimum of 40 CEUs and timely payment of the recertification fee.
PDF: AATB CTBS Recertification Guide - For Those Recertifying in 2025 and Beyond
The CTBS Recertification Guide is a vital resource, outlining policies and procedures crucial for maintaining the CTBS designation. Regularly reviewing and updating this guide is paramount, ensuring alignment with evolving practices.