Top 11 Biostatistician Certifications

Certifications are important for a biostatistician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and competency in the field. Employers can use certifications to assess an applicant's knowledge and skill set, as well as their commitment to continuing education and professional development. Certifications also serve as an indication of dedication to the profession, which is often seen favorably by employers. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for biostatisticians, such as access to higher-level jobs or positions that require specialized skills.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for biostatisticians and explain how they can help advance a biostatistician's career.

What are Biostatistician Certifications?

Biostatistician certification is a form of professional recognition that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and competence in the field of biostatistics. It is awarded by organizations such as the American Statistical Association (ASA) and the International Biometric Society (IBS).

Holding biostatistician certification can help individuals to stand out from other applicants for jobs in the field, as it shows employers that they have expertise in this area. It also allows individuals to demonstrate their commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with emerging research and best practices. Certification may also be beneficial for promotions or raises, as it proves that an individual has mastered a certain skill set. Finally, having biostatistician certification may give individuals access to more job opportunities in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, epidemiology, clinical trials, data analytics, public health, and more.

Pro Tip: When considering certification as a biostatistician, make sure to research the various certifications available and pick the one that best fits your skillset and career goals. Additionally, it’s important to understand the requirements for certification, such as experience and training, so you can determine if it is something that you are capable of achieving.

Related: What does a Biostatistician do?

Top 11 Biostatistician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Biostatisticians today.

1. Certified Professional Statistician (CPS)

Certified Professional Statistician (CPS) is a certification for professional statisticians offered by the American Statistical Association (ASA). The CPS designation is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of statistical principles and practices. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of statistics.

The requirements for becoming a Certified Professional Statistician include: having at least three years of full-time professional experience in the field of statistics, completing at least two courses in statistics or related fields, and passing an exam administered by the ASA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as probability theory, sampling theory, data analysis, experimental design, and statistical computing.

To obtain the CPS certification, applicants must submit an application to the ASA along with supporting documents such as transcripts from completed courses and verification of their professional experience. Once an application is approved, applicants can register for the examination. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are already an ASA member or not; it typically costs between $150-$250 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their Certified Professional Statistician certificate from the ASA.

In total, it usually takes about six months to complete all the requirements for obtaining CPS certification.

2. Certified Biostatistician (CB)

Certified Biostatistician (CB) is a professional certification for biostatisticians, which is awarded by the American Statistical Association (ASA). The CB credential recognizes the expertise of biostatisticians who have demonstrated mastery of the core concepts and skills necessary to practice in the field.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of two parts: a written portion that tests knowledge of biostatistical theory and practice, and a practical portion that tests problem-solving skills. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background and experience in biostatistics.

The process usually takes around 6 months from start to finish. To begin, applicants must submit an application form and fee to the ASA. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ASA; members pay $300 while non-members pay $500. After passing both portions of the exam, applicants will be notified that they have earned their CB credential.

3. American Statistical Association (ASA) Certified Biostatistician

The American Statistical Association (ASA) Certified Biostatistician (CB) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills required to practice biostatistics. The CB credential is awarded to those who have met the requirements set forth by the ASA, including passing an exam and meeting experience requirements.

To become an ASA Certified Biostatistician, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in biostatistics or a related field, plus two years of professional experience in biostatistics. Applicants must also pass the CB Exam, which covers topics such as statistical methods and applications, data management and analysis, research design and interpretation, communication of results, ethical considerations in research, and professional development.

The CB Exam is offered twice a year at test centers around the world. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but usually ranges from $150-$400 USD.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will be awarded their CB credential from the ASA. This credential is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

4. Society for Clinical Trials Certified Clinical Trials Statistician (CCTS)

The Society for Clinical Trials Certified Clinical Trials Statistician (CCTS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of clinical trials statistics. The CCTS credential is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an examination that covers topics such as study design, data management, statistical analysis, and regulatory requirements.

To become a CCTS, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having a minimum of three years of experience in clinical trials statistics or related fields; having a master’s degree in statistics or biostatistics; and passing the CCTS exam. Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for the CCTS exam.

The CCTS exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as study design, data management, statistical analysis and regulatory requirements. The practical portion consists of simulations that test the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in various scenarios. Both portions must be passed in order to obtain the CCTS credential.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire process from application submission to receiving the certification. The cost of taking the exam is $750 USD for members of SCT and $950 USD for non-members.

5. National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) Certified Biostatistician

The National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS) Certified Biostatistician is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in biostatistics. The certification is designed to recognize professionals who have acquired the necessary skills to work in the field of biostatistics.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements and pass an exam administered by NISS. Applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in biostatistics, statistics, or a related field from an accredited institution, and must have at least two years of relevant experience working with data analysis and interpretation.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as statistical methods, data analysis, research design and interpretation, sampling techniques, epidemiology, and more. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

In order to apply for the NISS Certified Biostatistician program, applicants must submit their application online along with all required documents including transcripts from an accredited college or university showing completion of a master’s degree or higher in biostatistics or a related field. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned an examination date.

The cost of the NISS Certified Biostatistician program is $350 USD for members of NISS ($450 USD for non-members). This fee includes access to study materials as well as registration for the exam.

6. American Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (AAPHSIS) Certified Biostatistician

The American Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (AAPHSIS) Certified Biostatistician is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who are proficient in biostatistical analysis. This certification is intended to demonstrate an individual’s ability to apply statistical methods to public health research and practice.

To qualify for the AAPHSIS Certified Biostatistician credential, applicants must have completed a graduate degree in biostatistics or a related field from an accredited institution. In addition, they must have at least two years of experience in biostatistical analysis or related work experience.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between three and six months. During this time, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with their transcripts and other supporting documents. Once the application is approved, applicants then take a written examination that covers topics such as statistical methods, data management, epidemiology, health services research, survey design and sampling techniques. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken online or in person at one of AAPHSIS’s test centers across the country.

The cost for taking the AAPHSIS Certified Biostatistician exam varies depending on the location where you take it. Generally speaking, the fee ranges from $150-$250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certification within four weeks of completing all requirements.

7. International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB) Certified Professional in Biostatistics

The International Society for Clinical Biostatistics (ISCB) Certified Professional in Biostatistics is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of biostatistics. The ISCB Certified Professional in Biostatistics credential is awarded to those who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications of biostatistical methods.

The certification process involves passing an exam that tests knowledge and skills related to biostatistical methods, data analysis, and interpretation. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of five years' experience in biostatistical research or practice.

To get the ISCB Certified Professional in Biostatistics credential, applicants must first apply online through the ISCB website. Once approved, they will be sent an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Applicants must then complete all required steps within six months from the date they receive their approval email. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their certification card within four weeks from the date they took it.

The cost for taking the ISCB Certified Professional in Biostatistics examination is $250 USD.

8. International Society for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Certified Professional in Health Economics and Outcomes Research

The International Society for Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Certified Professional in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (CPHEOR) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of competency in the field of health economics and outcomes research. This certification is designed to help demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively practice health economics and outcomes research. It is intended to provide employers with assurance that certified professionals have met rigorous standards of proficiency in this field.

The CPHEOR program consists of two parts: an online exam and an oral defense. The online exam tests your knowledge of topics such as epidemiology, economic evaluation methods, decision analysis, health technology assessment, and other related areas. To pass the exam you must achieve a score of at least 70%. The oral defense consists of a one-hour presentation on a topic related to health economics and outcomes research followed by questions from the panel of experts.

The CPHEOR program takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. You will need to register for the program through ISPOR’s website and pay an application fee before you can begin the process. After registering, you will be sent study materials which you will use to prepare for the online exam. Once you have passed the online exam, you will be invited to participate in the oral defense which usually takes place over two days at ISPOR’s annual meeting or another designated location.

The cost of obtaining the CPHEOR certification depends on several factors including whether or not you are an ISPOR member. For non-members, it costs $1,000 USD for registration plus $250 USD for each additional year of membership if desired. For members, it costs $750 USD for registration plus $150 USD for each additional year of membership if desired.

9. American College of Epidemiology (ACE) Certified Epidemiologist

The American College of Epidemiology (ACE) Certified Epidemiologist (CEp) credential is a professional certification for epidemiologists. It is designed to recognize epidemiologists who have demonstrated mastery in the field and to promote excellence in the practice of epidemiology.

To become an ACE Certified Epidemiologist, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having a graduate degree in epidemiology or a closely related field from an accredited institution. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in the field of epidemiology, with at least one year in a leadership role. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ACE.

The ACE CEp exam consists of two parts: a written section and an oral section. The written section includes multiple choice questions on topics such as biostatistics, public health surveillance, research design and methods, infectious disease epidemiology, chronic disease epidemiology, environmental health science, and other areas relevant to the practice of epidemiology. The oral section consists of an interview with a panel of experts who evaluate the applicant’s knowledge and skills related to the practice of epidemiology.

The cost for taking the ACE CEp exam is $1,000 USD. This fee covers both parts of the exam as well as any additional materials required for completion. The entire process typically takes about six months from application submission to results notification.

10. National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Certified Educational Measurer

The National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Certified Educational Measurer (CEM) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in the field of educational measurement. The CEM designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the use of tests, assessment instruments, and other evaluation tools.

The CEM credential requires passing an examination that covers topics such as test construction, item analysis, reliability and validity, score interpretation, and other related topics. The exam is administered by NCME and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the CEM exam, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher in educational measurement or a related field from an accredited institution; three years of full-time work experience in educational measurement; or a combination of education and experience that meets the requirements set forth by NCME.

The cost for taking the CEM exam is $400 USD. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 USD to maintain the CEM credential.

11. American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Board-Certified Genetic Counselor

American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Board-Certified Genetic Counselor is a certification that recognizes genetic counselors who have met the highest standards in their field. The ABGC was founded in 1991 to provide a mechanism for certifying qualified genetic counselors and to ensure the quality of care they provide.

To become an ABGC Board-Certified Genetic Counselor, one must first complete an accredited Master’s degree program in Genetic Counseling, which typically takes two years of full-time study. After completing the Master’s degree program, one must then pass the ABGC Certification Exam, which consists of both written and oral components. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States.

In order to be eligible to take the ABGC Certification Exam, applicants must meet certain criteria including: completion of an accredited Master’s degree program in Genetic Counseling; completion of at least 500 hours of supervised clinical experience; and completion of an approved course in ethics and professional practice. Once these requirements are met, applicants may submit their application materials to the ABGC for review and approval.

The cost for taking the exam is $1,500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. This fee covers all materials related to taking the exam such as registration fees, study materials, and travel expenses if necessary. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with becoming board certified such as continuing education credits or membership dues for professional organizations.

Overall, becoming an ABGC Board-Certified Genetic Counselor requires significant dedication and commitment but can lead to rewarding career opportunities within this growing field.

Do You Really Need a Biostatistician Certificate?

Biostatisticians are essential in the field of healthcare, and having a certificate can be beneficial. Biostatisticians use data to analyze the effectiveness of treatments and medications, as well as to assess the risks associated with different therapies. This data is then used to inform decisions about how best to treat patients and improve public health.

A biostatistician certificate can open doors for those seeking employment in this field. It provides evidence of your knowledge and expertise in biostatistics and shows potential employers that you have the necessary skills to do the job. Having a certificate also demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to further your education in this area, which will help set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs.

In addition, having a biostatistician certificate may allow you access to certain resources or opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available. For example, some organizations offer fellowships or grants specifically for those who have completed certification programs or have achieved a certain level of education in biostatistics. This could give you an advantage over other applicants when applying for these positions or receiving funding for research projects.

So while it is not absolutely necessary to have a biostatistician certificate in order to work in this field, having one can certainly make it easier to find employment opportunities and gain access to additional resources. Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue certification depends on your individual career goals and objectives, but it is certainly worth considering if you want to maximize your career prospects in this field.

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FAQs About Biostatistician Certifications

Q1. What is a Biostatistician Certification?

A1. A Biostatistician Certification is a credential that recognizes individuals who have extensive knowledge and practical experience in the field of biostatistics. It is typically awarded by organizations that specialize in the field, such as the American Statistical Association (ASA).

Q2. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Biostatistician Certification?

A2. Prerequisites vary depending on the organization awarding the credential, but generally include a combination of education, professional experience, and passing an examination or assessment. Most organizations require applicants to hold at least a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics or related fields, and some may also require additional advanced degrees or certifications.

Q3. How long does it take to complete a Biostatistician Certification?

A3. The time to complete a certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the individual applicant’s background and experience level. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to obtain a certification.

Q4. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Biostatistician Certification?

A4: With a Biostatistician Certification, you will be qualified to pursue many types of roles within the biostatistics field including medical research scientist, epidemiologist, clinical trial statistician, public health analyst, health informatics specialist and more!

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my Biostatistician Certification?

A5: Yes! Most organizations that award certifications require that individuals maintain their credentials through ongoing continuing education credits (CECs). This often includes taking courses related to biostatistics or attending conferences or seminars related to the field.