Prerequisites:

• The candidate must have experience with clinical application and education in blood management as described in the PBMS® Job Description.
• The candidate must have knowledge of statistical analysis, laboratory, blood banking, and education techniques with preparation to perform leadership, coordinating, or educational roles for a patient blood management program involving inpatient perioperative and surgical practices. See the Job Analysis Chart for reference.
• Participation in outpatient services with an anemia clinic is beneficial.

Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the application process.

🔔 Important Update for Applicants

As of June 11, 2025, a new Proctor Form is required as part of the application process. This revised form replaces all previous versions; outdated forms will not be accepted.

In the online PBMS® Certification Application, you will be required to provide:

• Personal information (including mailing address), professional background, employment/facility information, and confirming individual information.
• Proctor Application (Proctors must be neutral third parties—no acquaintances, relatives, coworkers, or supervisors. Carefully review the criteria in the Proctor Application Form to avoid delays in approval).
• A non-refundable $200.00 exam fee.

Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the application process.

Upon Application Review

Once an application has been reviewed, applicants will receive an email approving or denying their eligibility to take the exam. The email will contain important information about the exam. APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY REVIEWED DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD.

One week before exam period opens

Proctors will receive an email with detailed exam instructions and a Test Verification Form. (The Test Verification Form must be completed by the proctor AFTER the exam and returned within 48 hours in order for exam results to be valid).

48 Hours before exam period opens

Candidates will receive an emailed invitation from IBBM Exam Administrator to the test taking platform EasyLMS. Please note: some institutions' security systems may block emails from this address. If you do not receive your access email, please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org.

Examinees may take the online exam at any time during the testing window, with their proctor present. The exam consists of 100 questions, and examinees have three (3) hours to complete it. Preliminary results (exam day results) are provided immediately after completing the exam. The exam day results are final when the exam window closes, and the exams are certified by the Board.

Within 30 days of the exam, passing candidates will receive a digital certificate and non-passing candidates will receive instructions to retake the exam. Paper certificates are available upon request for a $25 fee. To request a paper certificate, email ibbm@amsect.org. The National Office will mail any necessary certification documents within 90 days of the period close.

If the applicant does not pass the exam, a letter will be mailed showing the areas of deficiencies. To retake the exam, applicants must pay a retake fee, submit an updated proctor form, and notify ibbm@amsect.org of their intent to re-take the exam. If the applicant retakes the exam within nine (9) months, the fee is $100.00 USD. IBBM will reach out to those eligible for the discounted retake exam.

In the PBMS® Recertification Application, you will be required to provide:

• Personal information (including mailing address), professional background, employment/facility information, and confirming individual information.
• Completed CEU Activity Information Tracking Sheet.
• Documentation of ten (10) Blood Management Continuing Education Units.
• $150 non-refundable recertification fee: a late fee will be added to any applications submitted after February (see below for details).

Please reach out to ibbm@amsect.org if you have questions regarding the recertification process.

If there are any issues with the application, we will contact you at the email associated with your AmSECT profile. Applications are reviewed within approximately 30 days, at which time, approved applicants will receive a digital certificate. Paper certificates are available upon request for a $25 fee. To request a paper certificate, email ibbm@amsect.org. The National Office will mail any necessary certification documents within 90 days of the period close.

Note: Every 25th application will be audited by the IBBM board.

Every Patient Blood Management Specialist® (PBMS®) must complete the recertification process every two years. Recertification is intended to declare to the public that the PBMS® continues to meet standards of current knowledge in the field through continuing education and clinical activity. Recertification is required to occur 1-4 months prior to your expiration date.

A $50 late fee will be added to any applications submitted within 3 months of the application period and will increase to $100 thereafter. Failure to recertify within the year of expiration could result in revocation of the certification, which would require the candidate to re-sit for the exam.

A PBMT is an “Autotransfusionist” or Platelet Gel/Stem Cell device operator in the operative setting; primarily, they operate the cell washers for red blood cell recovery in the perioperative setting. The PBMS® is the next and higher level up. A more focused program; however, unlike the PBMT the PBMS® is not restricted to only autotransfusionists. Typical candidates are blood banking managers/ professionals, hospital blood utilization committee, which include doctors, nurses, perfusionists, Jehovah Witness coordinators, and industry representatives.

Anyone with confidence in the body of knowledge of blood management can take the exam. The PBMS® test is more advanced and covers a broader scope of material. While the PBMT certification is not required to take this exam, certified PBMTs may notice familiar topics and concepts addressed in the PBMS® test.

The Patient Blood Management Specialist® (PBMS®) Exam is offered three times a year, typically in May, August, and November. The exam application period begins approximately two months prior to the exam date. The examination period is three days. The exam can be taken anytime during the exam period. Candidates have three (3) hours to complete the exam.

These steps will not work on a mobile device.

1. Log in at my.amsect.org from a computer
2. Click on Certifications › My Certifications
3. Find your Current Certifications
4. Click the blue download button under Certificate