Microcredentials
At Bioscience Core Skills Institute (BCSI), we offer practical skills assessments either on-site or at third-party locations. Customers receive an equipment list and assessment objectives.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS microcredentials
These microcredentials are a stackable set ensuring that you are prepared for an entry-level position in the biotech industry. Our microcredentials are unique as we require a 3rd party evaluator to assess mastery of this skill in person before issuing this credential.
SAFETY: HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Lab safety is critical for a productive workplace. Industry partners highlight safety as an essential first skill that new employees must demonstrate. The lab safety-hazard assessment credential is for those wanting to demonstrate mastery of basic lab safety principles including how to identify safety concerns in an SOP, MSDS, and in a lab environment.
SAFETY: HAZARD ASSESSMENT
Lab safety is critical for a productive workplace. Industry partners highlight safety as an essential first skill that new employees must demonstrate. The lab safety-hazard assessment credential is for those wanting to demonstrate mastery of basic lab safety principles including how to identify safety concerns in an SOP, MSDS, and in a lab environment. Our microcredentials are unique as we require a 3rd party evaluator to assess mastery of this skill in person before issuing this credential.
Earners of this credential have shown mastery of the following tasks:
- Utilize information on an MSDS sheet.
- List safety steps needed to work in a particular lab environment.
- Describe safety hazards when viewing a lab bench.
GET READY
When you are ready to schedule your credential assessment, ensure that you can complete the tasks listed below:
- You will be asked questions about hazards present when handling a chemical. The MSDS sheet for the chemical will be provided.
- When provided an SOP describing lab work, you will be asked to describe appropriate PPE and safety considerations.
- You will be shown a lab bench with hazards present and asked to identify hazards.
COST
For your $20 credential fee you will be assessed in-person on the tasks listed above and issued a digital credential through Badgr. Our evaluators are available on a flexible schedule.
DOCUMENTATION AND SOP
DOCUMENTATION AND SOP
Ability to follow an SOP and evaluate a batch record.
Objective Measured:
- Communicate the answers to prompts about specific parts of an SOP.
- Evaluate an SOP for compliance with good documentation practice.
- Complete a batch record accurately.
Performance Assessed
- Student will be provided with an SOP and asked specific questions about the components.
- Student will be given an SOP with multiple errors that must be identified.
- Student will be asked to perform a simple task following an SOP to prepare a one ingredient solution. Upon completion of the task, student will be asked to fill out a batch record documenting the work completed.
Credential Alignment
- Washington Biotechnology/Biomedical Skill Standards
- D3. Enter and manage laboratory information electronically
- Data is entered accurately.
- Data is correctly cross-referenced and aligns with the linear progression of the work and the experiment methodologies and outcomes.
- C3. Review data and reports for compliance Data forms are complete, accurate, and legible and are completed in a timely manner. Standard operating procedures and guidelines are correctly documented.
Texas Biomanufacturing Skill Standards
- 1.1 Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- 1.2 Fill out batch records
- 1.3 Document and analyze data
BACE
Skills Category: Workplace Safety and Behavior
- Follow practices associated with regulatory compliance
- Demonstrate good documentation practices, including following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Properly label items, including solutions, buffers, Petri plates, samples, and products
Core Skill Standards for Bioscience Technicians
- Critical Work Function: Comply with applicable regulations and standards
- Key Activities
- Follow established policies and procedures
- Record information according to established procedures
- Exercise proper document control
- Recognize and address nonconformances
Numeracy
NUMERACY
Numeracy skills are critical in a laboratory environment for preventing costly errors. Numeracy includes skills such as reasonableness, estimation of volumes and sizes, and unit conversions. This credential represents mastery of these numeracy skills that are needed in a biotechnology laboratory. Our microcredentials are unique as we require a 3rd party evaluator to assess mastery of this skill in person before issuing this credential.
- Earners of this credential have shown mastery of the following tasks:
- Recognize reasonableness of numbers in laboratory calculation results.
- Convert units within the metric system.
- Order numbers based on size.
- Write and record numbers accurately.
ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE: LAB BENCH LEVEL
ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE: LAB BENCH LEVEL
Transfer of sterile solutions and cultures at the lab bench.
Objectives Measured
- Prepare the lab bench surface for aseptic benchwork.
- Handle instruments such as Bunsen burner (or equivalent), striker, inoculating loop, test tubes, serological pipet, pipet pump, and agar plates appropriately
- Aseptically transfer a bacterial colony to a culture tube with broth media.
- Aseptically transfer a volume of sterile broth to a new sterile tube.
Performance Assessed
- Student will be given the task of transferring a bacterial colony.
- All materials are located and arranged to be efficient while transferring bacteria.
- Bunsen burner is lit appropriately and adjusted if necessary.
Credential Alignment
Texas Biomanufacturing Skills Standards
- 2.1.2 Personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, aprons and respirators are worn as needed
- 2.1.4 Appropriate agent(s) and amounts for cleaning are used
- 4.6.4 Proper aseptic techniques are followed.
- 6.1.2 Microbial growth is identified
- 6.1.7 Basic microbiology lab techniques are performed
Washington Skill Standards
- A4 Maintain biological stock cultures
- A6 Prepare biological and/or chemical materials
- B5 Handle and/or maintain biological stock cultures
BACE
- Skill category: Biotechnology
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- Demonstrate proper aseptic/sterile technique
- Accurately measure liquids using micropipette and serological pipets
- Use of inoculating loop.
- Use of agar plate media.
- Use of culture tube with broth media.
- Handling of agar plate lid and test tube lids.
- Appropriate use of an inoculating loop to obtain a bacterial colony.
- Measure the volume indicated on a serological pipet (range of 1-9 mL).
- Aseptically transfer the volume to a new sterile tube.
SMALL VOLUME METROLOGY
Accurate transfer of small volumes is an essential skill in the laboratory. This hands on assessment evaluates mastery of liquid transfer from 1 microliter to 25 milliliters. Earners of this credential are able to accurately select the appropriate transfer instrument (micropipette or serological pipette), consistently transfer the appropriate volume, and demonstrate volume awareness in selecting container size.
SMALL VOLUME METROLOGY
Pipetting volumes from 1 microliter to 25 milliliters
For employers: Individuals with this credential will be able to measure small volumes accurately and operate safely while performing measurement tasks.
Throughout the testing process, the credential earner should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work safely. Volumes of liquid to be measured accurately will range from 1 microliter to 25 milliliters.
Required tasks to earn this credential
Credential earners will be asked to complete the following tasks while being observed by BCSI evaluators:
- Determine the appropriate device to use to deliver three different volumes (A, B, C) of liquid into new containers. Multiple aliquots of each volume will be delivered into new tubes. (For example 4 aliquots of Volume A, 4 aliquots of Volume B, etc.)
Performance Assessed
For each volume requested:
- Correct instrument is chosen based on the volume of liquid to be delivered.
- Correct tip is chosen when necessary.
- Interact with the following instruments and equipment appropriately:
- Serological pipet
- Pipette pump/controller
- Micropipette
- Micropipet tips
- Correct container/tube is chosen for delivering new volume.
- Disposal of tip or pipet is done appropriately.
- Accurate delivery of the volume into each new tube. (assessed by measuring weight)
Credential Alignment
Washington State
A1. Maintain laboratory and equipment
A3. Operate equipment
Knowledge of equipment operation and procedures for equipment such as pipette-aid, pipettmen, micropipettes, pH meter, centrifuge, scale, autoclave, or spectrophotometer, cleaning spatulas, stir bars and flow hoods.
Knowledge of equipment cleaning procedures and ability to keep equipment in good operating condition.
BACE
Skill Category: Biotechnology Skills
- Accurately measure liquids using micropipettes and serological pipets
Core Skill Standards for Bioscience Technicians
Critical Work Function: Perform measurements / tests / assays
Key Activities
- Collect samples according to established procedures and applicable sampling plans
- Prepare samples according to established procedures
- Follow appropriate test procedures/instructions
- Document data & results according to established procedures Interpret and/or analyze data & results as appropriate
LIGHT MICROSCOPY
ADVANCED microcredentials
CELL DENSITY: HEMOCYTOMETER
INSTRUMENTATION: PH
Instrumentation microcredentials ensure that a new employee has the skills to properly operate, maintain, and troubleshoot common laboratory equipment.
LAB SAFETY: CLEAN UP
Clean up of potentially hazardous spills and debris is an essential skill for laboratory employees. This hands on assessment evaluates whether credential earners can contain spills, clean up appropriately, and don appropriate PPE throughout.
PREPARATION OF SOLUTIONS
Preparation of solutions requires the ability to follow an SOP, select appropriate tools and perform basic calculations. Earners of this credential will be able to accurately and reliably prepare solutions needed in the laboratory.
Techniques in Lab-Scale Fermentation
Developed in partnership with Prism Immersive, this credential is earned by demonstrating mastery across ten core biomanufacturing skills in a performance-based assessment delivered within the BioSuite Virtual mixed reality environment, covering bioreactor assembly, sterility assurance, process control, and culture monitoring through shutdown.
Techniques in Lab-Scale Fermentation
Recipients of this credential were assessed through a performance-based assessment administered within the BioSuite Virtual mixed reality environment. The recipient demonstrated competency in:
- Personal protective equipment use.
- Bioreactor assembly and configuration.
- Chemical storage and hazardous waste handling.
- Sterility assurance and biosafety cabinet workflow.
- Bioprocess chemical literacy and culture development.
- Bioreactor systems operation, process monitoring, and data interpretation.
QUANTITATIVE SKILLS I
Quantitative skills emphasizes tasks used in making solutions, calculating dosage, and performing calculations given a standard equation. The quantitative skills level 1 credential is for those wanting to demonstrate mastery of math skills needed in the laboratory.
Aseptic Technique: Biosafety Cabinet
Biosafety cabinets are essential tools in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and research laboratories for protecting both products and personnel. The holder of this credential has demonstrated mastery of aseptic technique when working inside a certified biosafety cabinet (BSC). They can prepare materials and organize workflow to minimize contamination, perform sterile manipulations while maintaining proper cabinet airflow, and follow required biosafety and waste disposal protocols. This includes correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), verification of cabinet function, and the ability to respond appropriately to contamination risks.
Aseptic Technique: Biosafety Cabinet
For employers:
The holder of this credential has demonstrated mastery of aseptic technique when working inside a certified biosafety cabinet (BSC). They can prepare materials and organize workflow to minimize contamination, perform sterile manipulations while maintaining proper cabinet airflow, and follow required biosafety and waste disposal protocols. This includes correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), verification of cabinet function, and the ability to respond appropriately to contamination risks.
Performance Assessed:
- Correctly don PPE and verify BSC function before use
- Arrange and sanitize work zones within the BSC to maintain unidirectional airflow
- Use pipettes and transfer tools without introducing contamination
- Manage waste and materials to minimize cross-contamination
- Perform post-procedure cleaning and shutdown of the cabinet according to protocol
Credential Alignment
Washington State
A1. Maintain laboratory and equipment
A3. Operate equipment
Knowledge of equipment operation and procedures for equipment such as pipette-aid, pipettmen, micropipettes, pH meter, centrifuge, scale, autoclave, or spectrophotometer, cleaning spatulas, stir bars and flow hoods.
Knowledge of equipment cleaning procedures and ability to keep equipment in good operating condition.
Bioindustrial Microcredentials
The following microcredentials were developed in collaboration with the National Center for Therapeutics and Manufacturing at Texas A&M.
Process Monitoring
Catching a process deviation before it affects a batch is critical in biomanufacturing. The Process Monitoring Assessment covers not only reading common P&ID symbols and logging data, but also recognizing out-of-spec conditions and responding appropriately.
Process Monitoring
- Identify and label process symbols.
- Differentiate between present value and setpoint.
- Record process data accurately at defined time intervals.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to process deviations, including out-of-spec readings.Identify the root cause of process deviations.
Bioprocess Fluency I
Reasoning behind process and platform choices is what separates a technician who can troubleshoot from one who can only follow steps. BioProcess Fluency I ensures the earner has foundational understanding of upstream and downstream processes, and how deviations may affect the system.
Bioprocess Fluency I
- Demonstrate foundational fluency across bioprocessing operations
- Determine purpose of unit operations and manufacturing documents
- Identify key differences between bioindustrial and biopharma manufacturing
- Tracing product along manufacturing processes
Tangential Flow Filtration
Tangential Flow Filtration
Recipients of this credential were assessed in person by a trained evaluator. The recipient demonstrated the ability to:
- Confirm correct installation of the membrane and flowpath.
- Identify key system components.
- Configure the flowpath for flushing, concentration, diafiltration, and product recovery steps.
- Answer questions related to TFF principles, membrane performance, and process calculations.
FPLC: Setup and Operation
A properly set up chromatography system is the foundation of a successful purification run, and errors at this stage can damage the column or compromise results. Earners of this credential can configure a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) run following written instructions without harming the system.
FPLC: Setup and Operation
This credential is earned by demonstrating mastery of FPLC column installation, system preparation, and manual equilibration on bench scale chromatography systems, including proper pressure alarm configuration, inlet line setup, and fraction collection preparation, while maintaining appropriate PPE and preventing air introduction into the column throughout the assessment.
Recipients of this credential were assessed in person by a trained evaluator. The recipient demonstrated the ability to:
- Select and install column appropriately.
- Connect inlet lines and prepare appropriate collection vessels for waste, flow through, wash, and elution fractions.
- Purge and equilibrate the column.
- Identify the correct post-run sequence for system cleaning.
FPLC: Column Evaluation
A poorly packed chromatography column can compromise an entire purification run, so verifying column quality before use is essential. Credential earners can evaluate column packing efficiency to ensure the output meets the process’s optimal standards.
FPLC: Column Evaluation
This credential is earned by demonstrating mastery of Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography column qualification and working knowledge of HETP and asymmetry analysis to determine column packing efficiency against acceptable specifications.
Recipients of this credential were assessed in person by a trained evaluator. The recipient demonstrated the ability to:
- Equilibrate column
- Inject tracer into a column
- Evaluate column performance using HETP and asymmetry values
FPLC: Calculations & Data Analysis
Running a chromatography system is only half the job; interpreting the resulting data is what determines whether a run actually succeeded. Earners of this credential can calculate data, interpret results, and recognize deviations that signal a problem with the run.
FPLC: Calculations & Data Analysis
This credential is earned by demonstrating mastery of the analytical skills required to translate chromatography data into process decisions, including accurate calculation of process volumes and yield, interpretation of chromatogram and run log data, and recognition of deviations that signal a problem with the run.
Recipients of this credential were assessed in person by a trained evaluator. The recipient demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify key chromatogram events
- Calculate load and elution volumes from graph data
- Identify common process problems for data outputs
- Calculate column volume
- Perform yield calculations
BETA Skills microcredentials
The following microcredentials were developed in collaboration with the BETA Skills Community of Practice hosted by Forsyth Technical Community College.
Regulatory Auditor Communication
Communicating with regulatory auditors is a common practice in the biomanufacturing industry. This mock interview assessment focuses on answering questions accurately, professionally, and succinctly, choosing verification of information instead of subjective opinions or speculation.
Current Good Documentation Practices
Problem Solving in a GMP Environment
Problem-solving is an essential skill in a GMP environment.
- Investigate
- Document
- Communicate
- Resolve
- Prevent