Biosafety Cabinets Basic Accreditation Programme
The basic accreditation programme is for individuals who field certify Class II Type A1/A2 Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) outside North America.

Biosafety Cabinets Basic Accreditation Programme - What Is the Basic Accreditation Programme?
The basic accreditation programme is for individuals who field certify Class II Type A1/A2 Biosafety Cabinets (BSCs) outside North America. The programme aims to encourage and assist with developing a BSC maintenance infrastructure in under-resourced countries to address public health and safety concerns.
Who Qualifies for The Basic Accreditation Programme?
The basic accreditation programme is offered to individuals living and working outside North America*. By utilising loaned or donated test equipment and leveraging in-country resources, the costs associated with the basic accreditation programme are kept to a minimum. Individuals outside North America* may also apply for accreditation under our enhanced accreditation programme. Enhanced accreditation is recommended for certifiers who regularly test Type B BSCs.
How to Become Accredited
The basic accreditation programme includes both objective written and practical evaluations of a candidate’s aptitude. Approved NSF personnel will travel to the country in which training is taking place to offer the accreditation examinations, provided that a minimum number of accreditation candidates attend the test session.
The written examination*, when possible, is provided in the language of the host country. It addresses NSF/ANSI 49 and the EN 12469 standards. There are no questions related to Type B BSCs. Design elements such as dampers are not assumed.
For information on how to become accredited, download the PDF below.
*The latest NSF 49 Field Certifier accreditation Basic programme policies now consider North America, the USA, and Canada. Government organisations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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