Can I apply before completing the required education?

No. To apply for all registrant categories (minus the Student Biologist) an applicant must have completed the required education and have proof of education completed (e.g., degree, diploma has been conferred and states so on official transcripts) before applying. There are other streams of entry for the RBTech and ABT designations that include various education requirements and do not require a diploma, certificate or course work. These are detailed in the Credentialing Standard. There is also a Student Biologist category.