This list of Frequently Asked Questions reflects those issues typically addressed in email and telephone correspondence between potential applicants and the NBBTP. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list nor presented in lieu of personal interaction. Potential applicants are encouraged to review this information and then contact the NBBTP at their convenience.

What is the NBBTP?
What training opportunities are available at the NBBTP?
How do I request an application?
What are the requirements for applying to the NBBTP?
What is the application deadline?
Are there any standardized tests required for admission to the NBBTP?
The NBBTP brochure says Fellows are expected to successfully complete the review course for Certified Biosafety Professionals? Do I have to pay for this course? 
How long will it take to process my application?
How will I know if something is missing from my application?
How do I check the status of my application?
How will I know if I've been accepted to the NBBTP?
If my application is not successful, may I reapply?
Will the candidates have advisors for career path discussions and guidance?
What will an NBBTP Fellowship do for me?
Will health insurance be available for me?
Is there campus housing?
Where is the campus?
How long is the Fellowship?
What is the curriculum?
Do NBBTP Fellows receive a salary?
Is the NBBTP Fellowship stipend considered taxable income?

What is the NBBTP?
The NBBTP is the National Biosafety and Biocontainment Training Program Fellowship has been established through a partnership between the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

The NBBTP is a fellowship that prepares individuals for a professional career in biosafety and biocontainment. The NBBTP offers two-year post baccalaureate and post-doctoral fellowships at the NIH Bethesda Campus providing a rare opportunity to receive professional training in biosafety and biocontainment at one of the foremost biomedical research centers in the world. Fellowships provide an extraordinary learning environment and rigorous program including academic training, experiential learning, mentorship, developmental assignments, and applied occupational safety and health research opportunities.

The NBBTP is administered by the Frontline Healthcare Safety Foundation Ltd., a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) education and research foundation and equal opportunity employer.

What training opportunities are available at the NBBTP?
The NBBTP offers two-year post baccalaureate and post-doctoral fellowships at the NIH Bethesda Campus providing a rare opportunity to receive professional training in biosafety and biocontainment at one of the foremost biomedical research centers in the world.

The NBBTP Fellowship provides an extraordinary learning environment and rigorous program including academic training, experiential learning, mentorship, developmental assignments, and applied occupational safety and health research opportunities.

How do I request an application?
Interested candidates may download an application or contact the NBBTP to receive an application via mail.

What are the eligibility requirements for acceptance to the NBBTP?
To be eligible to apply for the NBBTP program candidates must:

• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a national of the United States
• Graduate or post-graduate with academic degree(s) in microbiology, public health, medicine (human or veterinary), or other allied sciences (industrial hygiene, engineering, etc.)
• Microbiology and/or research laboratory experience combined with excellent professional performance
• Outstanding personal, professional, and academic recommendations
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in the English language (for non-native English speakers)*
• Meets all requirements established under federal regulations & policies necessary to work with Select Agents
• Excellent employment history
• Participates in academic, professional and/or civic organizations
• Committed to the mission and vision of the NBBTP

• Submit to on-going personnel reliability screening assessments
• Submit all required application materials, including references and academic credentials, by the stated deadline.
• Must be willing to relocate to the Bethesda, MD area for two years.
• Must be able to travel to participate in multi-week assignments.

What is the application deadline?
The Frontline Healthcare Workers Safety Foundation administers the application and selection process. Applications are accepted until July 6, 2010 for Fellowships beginning January 5, 2011. Applications must be submitted as directed; incomplete application packages will be reviewed as submitted. Materials, including references and/or transcripts, that arrive after July 6, 2010 will not be considered on your behalf.

Are there any standardized tests required for admission to the NBBTP?
No, but please note that all applicants who are not native English speakers are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. All other non-native speakers must achieve at least a minimum score on either the TOEFL or IELTS test. Test scores must be received by the application deadline date. Applicants should allow six to eight weeks from the test date for the reporting of scores to the institution.

TOEFL: A minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based tests) or 80 (iBT test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL information: http://www.ets.org/toefl/

IELTS: A minimum score of 7.0 from the International English Language Testing System. IELTS Information: http://www.ielts.org

The NBBTP brochure says Fellows are expected to successfully complete the review course for Certified Biosafety Professionals? Do I have to pay for this course?   
No. If you are accepted into the NBBTP, you are not personally responsible for the fees associated with the review course for Certified Biosafety Professionals.

How long will it take to process my application?
The Selection Committee begins reviewing applications the first day AFTER the application cycle closes. Please review the Admission Cycle for additional information.

How will I know if something is missing from my application?
The NBBTP Admissions Committee is not responsible for ensuring a candidate’s submission package is complete prior to review. It is the responsibility of each candidate to confirm that their application, reference forms, transcripts and any other required materials are received in the NBBTP office by the application deadline.

How do I check the status of my application?
Candidates are welcome to call or email the NBBTP office to confirm receipt of their application materials until the stated deadline stated deadline . Once the application review process begins, the status of each application remains confidential until the candidate is notified of his/her status.

How will I know if I've been accepted to the NBBTP?
The NBBTP staff will notify successful candidates by mail and email of their acceptance to the program. Selection Information will not be provided over the phone.

If my application is not successful, may I reapply?
Yes, provided all eligibility requirements are met at the time of reapplication. This is a highly-competitive program offering only a few training slots in each application round, so non-selection should not be considered as an inability to successfully perform in this program. Re-application guidelines for candidates exist so that interested and qualified applicants can improve their applications for subsequent classes.

Will the candidates have advisors for career path discussions and guidance?
Yes. The Program Directors serve in this role.

What will an NBBTP Fellowship do for me?
The NBBTP provides an exciting opportunity for developing or advancing a career in biosafety and biocontainment.

Will health insurance be available for me?
Yes.

Is there campus housing?
No. Housing is available in the surrounding metropolitan Washington, D.C., area, including Maryland and Virginia. There is a ready supply of rooms to rent and houses and apartments to share in the immediate area. The NIH campus is situated at the Medical Center Metro stop on the Red Line. Buses and carpools are also available and ride-sharing is encouraged!

Where is the campus?
The NBBTP is located on the National Institutes of Health Bethesda campus in Bethesda, MD.

How long is the fellowship?
Two years.

What is the curriculum?
The NBBTP Fellowship curriculum is a rigorous program including academic training, experiential learning, mentorship, developmental assignments, and applied occupational safety and health research opportunities. Each Fellow follows an Individual Professional Development plan in addition to the completing the general curriculum.

Do NBBTP Fellows receive a salary?
No, NBBTP Fellows do not receive a salary because the NBBTP Fellowship is not an offer of employment. However, Fellows do receive a stipend. Initial stipends are established based on relevant research experience or completed education level. A stipend increase for year two of the Fellowship may be granted within the framework of established NIH/Intramural Research Training Award Guidelines based on growth, development, and accomplishments as determined by the NBBTP Advisory Board of Scientific Directors. Stipends are currently paid by check on the last day of each month; direct deposit is not available.

Is the NBBTP Fellowship stipend considered taxable income?
NBBTP Fellowships are considered awards for training rather than wages for services, and, therefore neither Social Security nor Medicare is deducted from stipends. However, NBBTP Fellowship stipends, including the value of health and dental premiums, may be subject to Federal, State, and Local income taxes. The Frontline Foundation does not withhold taxes from the Fellow's stipend. The Foundation's accounting department provides NBBTP Fellows with an annual Form 1099-misc, a copy of which is provided to the IRS. Fellows are individually responsible for all tax-related matters.