How to Prepare for the CABP Exam: Practical Study Tips and Tools

AABB’s Certified Advanced Biotherapies Professional (CABP) exam is a first-of-its-kind certification recognizing professionals with advanced knowledge in biotherapies. Designed to validate expertise across various domains of the biotherapies field, including manufacturing, quality, regulatory environments and patient care, the CABP exam is rigorous and comprehensive—but achievable with the right preparation.

With the recent release of AABB’s CABP Study Guide , candidates now have a comprehensive and structured resource to help plan and execute their study approach. The guide provides an overview of the CABP exam, and includes detailed explanations of the seven exam domains, explanation of exam question structure and step-by-step tools like the CABP Self-Assessment and Study Plan tools. These resources are designed to help candidates evaluate their current knowledge, build a personalized study plan and track progress effectively. The Study Guide also includes real-life study tips from certified professionals, making it both practical and motivational.

1. Start With a Self-Assessment

Before you dive into textbooks or study groups, take the CABP Self-Assessment Tool. This helps identify knowledge gaps by rating your familiarity with each exam domain (e.g., basic, intermediate, advanced). Prioritize the topics you rated lowest, especially in areas with the highest exam weighting—quality systems (21%) and operations and equipment (19%).

2. Build a Personalized Study Plan

Use the CABP Study Plan Tool to schedule study blocks and assign specific topics to each session. Consistency is key; set a schedule that fits your lifestyle and build in flexibility. Keep all study materials organized by topic, and use the exam syllabus to identify relevant readings. Remember, this isn’t just about test prep—it’s a chance to expand your cross-disciplinary knowledge of biotherapies.

3. Diversify Study Techniques

Avoid cramming. Instead, use proven learning methods like spacing (studying over weeks) and interleaving (rotating topics). Active study strategies—quizzing yourself, joining study groups, using flashcards or summarizing notes—can help boost long-term retention.

4. Learn from Certified CABPs

Two professionals featured in the Study Guide offer insights into their successful approaches:

• Robert Otto Jones, RN, BSN, MPH, CABP, focused first on reinforcing what he already knew from his role in apheresis nursing. He then studied less familiar areas like CAR T-cell therapies and gene therapy manufacturing by reading package inserts, REMS materials and clinical trial data. His foundational text was Cellular Therapy: Principles, Methods, and Regulations, which helped him understand both the big picture and specific processes across the biotherapy lifecycle.

• Jennifer L. Chain, PhD, CABP, emphasized understanding how the exam questions require application—not memorization. She found the exam syllabus invaluable, particularly the domain objectives and sample questions. She also recommended reviewing reference lists (one can be found at the end of each chapter in the Study Guide) for targeted learning.

5. Use All Available Resources

In addition to the CABP Study Guide, AABB offers

• 100-question sample sets available in the AABB Store 
• The online CABP Exam Prep Bootcamps video series, free with a successful application ($275 value)
• The CABP Certification Handbook and Exam Syllabus
• Study group planning tools for collaborative learners

Final Advice

Give yourself time, study actively and stay flexible. The CABP certification is not just a credential—it’s a signal of your commitment to excellence in biotherapies. And with the right strategy, you can earn it.

For more information on AABB’s CABP certification program, please visit the CABP web page or Becoming a CABP web page.