Biosafety

Certification & Training

Training in proper microbiological techniques is required for anyone working with recombinant DNA, infectious agents, select agents, and biological toxins or who works in a laboratory where these materials are used/stored. The assurance of proper training is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) or laboratory supervisor of the facility in which the hazard is used. We recommend that the PI/Lab Supervisor supplement the training courses by conducting practical demonstrations and assessments of competence in the laboratory.

Biosafety Training Courses
Biosafety Principles and Practices (required core course)

All persons involved in the conduct of research with infectious agent(s), biological toxin(s), Select Agents/Toxins, and/or recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules must complete the core course requirements before they directly handle the biological material. This must be completed by those who have not completed it previously.

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Continuing Education Courses  (triennial requirement)

Completion of any one of the web-based courses will meet the triennial continuing education (CE) requirement. The online courses are only available for those who have completed the core course in a previous year. These courses are located on YouTube and can be accessed worldwide from the Internet. Each takes about 45 minutes to complete.

  • Biological Safety Cabinets
  • Guidance for the Safe Use of Autoclaves
  • Introduction to Gene-Based Viral Vectors
  • Institutional Biosafety Committee Overview
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Selection and Use of Disinfectants
  • Working Safely with Centrifuges

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CITI Biosafety and Biosecurity Series (triennial requirement)

The CITI modules address basic information for multiple regulations, standards, and guidelines that can be completed to be fulfill the triennial refreshers training requirement. Each course typically takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes to complete. 

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*If you register through the VA, you must send a copy of your certificate to the Biosafety Program office via email.

Special Topics (required only for persons involved in certain types of work)

Biosafety, Radiation & Animal Allergen General Orientation (Bio-Rad) 
This course, offered through Canvas, is required on an annual basis for any USF Physical Plant Staff who will service research laboratory areas. 

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Shipping Biohazardous Materials
Those personnel who ship and/or receive potentially infectious biological agents are required to complete this course biannually. It is a self-paced training module that takes an average of 2-3 hours to complete and includes an open-book exam. At the completion of the program, you will be able to package, label, prepare documentation, and ship hazardous materials in compliance with the U.S. DOT and IATA shipping regulations. Testing is conducted at: 3702 Spectrum Blvd., University Technology Center, Suite 155. You must score 85% or better to earn your certificate. The training is good for two years There is no cost for employees of USF and its affiliates (Moffitt, VA, ACH, etc.) to take the course. 

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training certificates

Biosafety
Type your last name in the search box and click “Search.” A list of all your Biosafety trainings will show up. Select the training certificate that you want to have and click download. This will download a PDF of your certificate.

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CITI Certificates
Click "CITI Reports". Click "CITI Completions by Last Name". Enter last name in search bar. Certificates are posted within two business days after completion.

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