ABSA CBSP study plan
ABSA CBSP · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Biological Risk Assessment and Risk Management
Classify biological agents into risk groups using the four-level framework and justify each classification with agent-specific characteristics.
Explain the chain of infection and identify at least three intervention points relevant to laboratory-acquired infections.
Compare risk assessment methodologies (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, matrix-based) and select an appropriate method for a given scenario.
Draft a risk assessment for a hypothetical procedure involving a Risk Group 2 agent, documenting hazards, likelihood, and mitigation.
Your checkpoint
A completed risk assessment template for a mock procedure, including agent risk group, exposure routes, and control measures.
Biological Risk Assessment and Risk Management & Containment Principles, Facility Design, and Engineering Controls
Apply the hierarchy of controls to select engineering, administrative, and PPE controls for a specified laboratory activity.
Describe the key design features of BSL-2 and BSL-3 facilities and explain how each feature contributes to containment.
Differentiate between primary and secondary containment barriers and provide examples of each.
Evaluate a floor plan for a BSL-2 laboratory and identify at least three design deficiencies with corrective recommendations.
Your checkpoint
A annotated floor plan critique (1–2 pages) listing deficiencies and proposed fixes for a mock BSL-2 lab.
Containment Principles, Facility Design, and Engineering Controls & Biosafety Practices, Procedures, and Administrative Controls
Explain the operating principles of a biological safety cabinet (BSC) and list daily and annual verification checks.
Outline the procedures for responding to a spill of infectious material inside and outside a BSC.
Describe standard microbiological practices and their role in breaking the chain of infection.
Develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for safe handling of sharps in the laboratory.
Your checkpoint
A written SOP for sharps handling that includes engineering controls, work practices, and disposal steps.
Biosafety Practices, Procedures, and Administrative Controls & Personal Protective Equipment and Personnel Safety
Select appropriate PPE for tasks involving Risk Group 2 and Risk Group 3 agents, justifying each selection based on hazard and task.
Demonstrate (in writing) the correct sequence for donning and doffing PPE to prevent self-contamination.
Identify administrative controls such as training, signage, and access restrictions that support biosafety practices.
Analyze a case study of a laboratory-acquired infection and propose procedural changes to prevent recurrence.
Your checkpoint
A PPE selection matrix and a step-by-step donning/doffing checklist for BSL-2 and BSL-3 scenarios.
Decontamination, Disinfection, and Sterilization & Biological Waste Management
Differentiate between disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination, and select appropriate methods for given microorganisms and materials.
Explain the mechanism of action, advantages, and limitations of at least three chemical disinfectants and two physical sterilization methods.
Classify biological waste according to risk categories and describe proper segregation, storage, and treatment procedures.
Outline the steps for decontaminating a spill of bloodborne pathogens in a clinical laboratory setting.
Your checkpoint
A waste segregation flowchart and a disinfection selection table for common laboratory scenarios.
Decontamination, Disinfection, and Sterilization & Biological Waste Management & Regulations, Standards, and Guidelines
Summarize the key requirements of major biosafety regulations and guidelines (e.g., OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, CDC/NIH BMBL, WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual).
Identify the regulatory bodies and their roles in oversight of laboratory biosafety in the United States.
Describe the process for reporting incidents and exposures as required by regulations.
Compare the containment requirements for BSL-2 and BSL-3 across at least two guidance documents.
Your checkpoint
A comparison chart of BSL-2 vs. BSL-3 requirements from two different guidelines.
Regulations, Standards, and Guidelines & Biosafety Program Management and Training
Design a biosafety training program for new laboratory personnel, including topics, frequency, and assessment methods.
Explain the components of a biosafety manual and the process for periodic review and update.
Outline the steps for conducting a biosafety audit and identifying corrective actions.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of a biosafety officer and an institutional biosafety committee.
Your checkpoint
A one-page training plan outline with learning objectives, delivery methods, and evaluation criteria.
Biosafety Program Management and Training & Biological Risk Assessment and Risk Management & Containment Principles, Facility Design, and Engineering Controls & Biosafety Practices, Procedures, and Administrative Controls & Personal Protective Equipment and Personnel Safety & Decontamination, Disinfection, and Sterilization & Biological Waste Management & Regulations, Standards, and Guidelines
Integrate knowledge from all domains by completing a comprehensive practice exam under timed conditions.
Review incorrect answers and create a personalized list of weak areas with corresponding study resources.
Revisit key concepts from Domains 1 and 2 using spaced repetition and self-quizzing.
Develop a post-exam plan for maintaining biosafety competency through continuing education.
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with a written reflection and a list of three specific areas for further review.
Milestones
Week 2: Successfully complete a 20-question quiz on risk assessment and containment principles with ≥80% accuracy.
Week 4: Pass a practical skills checklist (self-assessed) for PPE donning/doffing and spill response procedures.
Week 6: Score ≥85% on a 30-question cumulative quiz covering Domains 1–6.
Week 8: Achieve ≥80% on a full-length practice exam covering all domains.