Certified Tissue Bank Specialists (CTBS) Certification

CTBS is the only professional designation available specifically for the tissue banking community

What is the Tissue Bank Specialist Certification?

Certified Tissue Bank Specialist, or CTBS, is an individual designation that is attained by passing the CTBS Exam. This designation signifies that the certified individual has successfully demonstrated an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of tissue banking, and the AATB Standards for Tissue Banking.

CTBS is the only professional designation available specifically for the tissue banking community, and therefore encompasses all levels of tissue banking professionals, from those new to tissue banking, all the way through to medical directors and executives.

A certified tissue bank specialist smiling at the camera.

Who Should Become Certified?

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. Many employers require the CTBS designation upon hire, or within a specific time frame, for professionals working in roles such as tissue recovery, family support/services, donor screening, medical director, birth tissue acquisition, quality assurance/compliance, tissue processing, tissue distribution, and end-user support.

What's the CTBS Process?

  1. Have the Recommended Amount of Background Experience
    Baccalaureate Degree and six months of experience (or) 12 months of experience in one or more of the following tissue banking related fields: assessing donor eligibility; tissue recovery; tissue establishment management/ leadership; tissue processing; storage or distribution; quality assurance; educator/trainer; end-user (i.e. orthopedist or dental surgeon); supplier or manufacturer for tissue establishments; or supporting role. Diversified tissue banking experience and participation in the AATB CTBS Exam Prep Course are highly recommended.

  2. Register for the CTBS Prep Course
    The AATB CTBS Prep Course is the only AATB sanctioned course providing examinees with content, materials, and tools to prepare for the CTBS Exam.

    Prep Course Includes:
    On-demand lectures covering all aspects of the CTBS Exam
    AATB CTBS study reference guide
    Access to the AATB Standards for Tissue Banking
    Live Q&A sessions
    Practice quiz

    2024 Prep Course Dates
    June 1 - October 30, 2024

    Pricing
    FREE

    Register for the CTBS Prep Course
  3. Take the CTBS Exam
    The CTBS Exam is developed by the AATB Certification Committee and assesses the comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and application of the AATB Standards for Tissue Banking, relevant regulations, and best practices associated with tissue banking. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions related to quality assurance, distribution, donor screening and testing, processing, and recovery. It focuses on all tissue for transplant, including musculoskeletal, cardiac, vascular, skin/dermis, and birth tissue.

    2024 Exam Dates
    October 1-31, 2024

    Pricing
    Member Rate: $675
    Non-Member Rate: $975

    Exam registration is conducted through your AATB portal account. Once logged in, click “CTBS Exam” in the left-hand navigation, then click "Allow" to allow your information to be passed over to Webassessor to register. If you do not already have an AATB portal account, you will need to create one. 

    Register for the CTBS Exam

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

PDF: AATB CTBS Recertification Guide

This Recertification Guide outlines policies and procedures regarding the collection, approval, and processing of continuing education credits and is available as a reference to all Certified Specialists.

Download the PDF

Do you have questions about CTBS?