This course ͏has been designed to meet the knowledge requirements of The Registered Biorisk Adviser (RBA) pathway of the Biorisk Professional Registration Scheme (BPRS). This course is approved by the Royal Society of Biology. Training course approval is an independent review process that recognises relevant, high quality training. Upon completion of this course, attendees can claim 123 CPD points.

Who should complete this course?

This course is aimed at anyone acting as a practitioner providing advice, support or oversight of the management, control or containment of biological risks, including:

  • Health, safety and biosafety advisors and professionals
  • Facility mangers and coordinators
  • Managers (including science and operations)

Note: The material presented in this course is based primarily on universal principles, such as those outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). While this course mentions specific UK and international law at different points, this is to provide examples of how some of those fundamental principles are legislated. Hence, this course is open to audiences from any country or geographical location.

Requirements and qualifications

Basic understanding of how biological laboratories are operated is recommended. This course is taught in English.

Course details

  • Facilitated eLearning
  • Approximately 41 hours to complete
  • Dates:
    • October-November 2026
    • April-May 2027
    • October-November 2027
  • £2,200 ex VAT (note, the price does not include accommodation or transport to the course venue)
  • Internet access required
  • Approved by The Royal Society of Biology
  • 123 CPD points

Course description

The Biorisk Advisor Training explores the key topics of biorisk management. Hence, it provides fundamental knowledge for those involved in the management, control or containment of biorisk. 

Each topic is delivered as eLearning (34 hours total) over a period of 8 weeks, and will be further facilitated by:

  • A risk assessment exercise to be completed individually and submitted for review
  • An instructor-led virtual tour of high-containment facilities
  • Two instructor-led open discussion sessions
  • Ongoing support from the course organiser, as and when needed (e.g. to clarify information, answer questions etc)

The eLearning is comprised of:

  • Biorisk management, including:
    • Principles of biorisk management
    • Engagement and impact
    • Monitoring
    • Ethics and sustainability
  • Risk assessment and biological hazards
  • Genetic modification
  • Containment and control
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Competence and training
  • Incident management
  • Waste management
  • Principles of transport of infectious substances

Note: This course is an online-only version of the Biorisk Advisor Training: Blended learning.

Assessment and certificate

Each part of this eLearning will end with a multiple-choice quiz with a pass mark of 70%. Upon successful completion of all parts of the course you will receive a certificate of completion.

Please note that the knowledge of specific national legislation is not part of the learning objectives and will not be tested during the assessment. 

Next steps

Contact Pirbright Training to enrol, or for further information (e.g. specific learning objectives).

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