Background: Well-trained repository staff are essential for assuring high-quality research specimens. The International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), the leading international repository society, and ASCP BOC (American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification), an organization providing excellence in global medical laboratory professional certification, have developed a shared qualification category through which individuals may earn a biorepository qualification credential, the Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS).
Methods: A Qualification in Biorepository Science (QBRS) Workgroup (WG) was established as a standing committee of the ASCP BOC. The WG’s task was to develop, review and update the biorepository qualification examination itself, perform job task analyses, develop the examination content guidelines, eligibility requirements, and candidate professional experience documentation forms needed for the QBRS credential. All QBRS credentials awarded will be time-limited. Individual qualification must be revalidated every three years with documentation of continuing education or other educational activities as defined by ASCP BOC. ISBER and ASCP BOC responsibilities have been established, and an annual review by each will be performed.
Conclusion: ISBER has joined forces with ASCP BOC to develop a QBRS credential program. ASCP BOC is an experienced, well-recognized organization for certifying professional competency among individuals worldwide, while ISBER Workgroup participants provide content knowledge and biobanking expertise. This agreement has allowed ISBER to fully participate in the development of a global QBRS credential program, requirements of which are essential for the future of sustainable quality biobanking. 43 individuals have obtained their credential to date.