ACPE-Accredited Online Training and Competency Assessment
In collaboration with U.S. Micro-Solutions, Inc.
Master Media Fill & GFT Samples Interpretation
Prove Your Competency with Confidence
The only ACPE-accredited online program that teaches media fill interpretation and colony counting and validates your competency against expert analysts.
What you'll achieve
✅ Accurately count and interpret CFUs even in complex plates
✅ Make reliable pass/fail decisions when interpreting media fill results
✅ Prove competency with analyst-validated results
✅ Generate documentation aligned with USP <797> expectations
✅ Earn ACPE-accredited continuing education credits
Why this training matters
Colony counting is not just technical it's subjective and error-prone.
Misinterpretation can lead to:
❌ False pass/fail results
❌ Missed or incorrectly assessed contamination events
❌ Regulatory findings during inspections
Under USP <797>, competency must be both demonstrated and documented not just trained.
Lack of documented competency can lead to:
• Inspection findings
• Compliance gaps
Source: Pharmacy Practice News
Program Details
| Activity type | Application-based |
| Delivery mode | Online Home Study |
| Target audience | Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacists, Quality Managers |
| Area of practice | Pharmacy Practice |
| Contact | 2.5 hours |
| UAN for Pharmacists | 0692-0000-26-003-H07-P |
| UAN for Pharmacy Technicians | 0692-0000-26-003-H07-T |
| Release Date | March 30, 2026 |
| Expiration Date | March 30, 2029 |
| Retake Policy |
• First retake: Free
• Second retake: $50
|
QUESS 360 - Pharmacy Solutions is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
Find the course that fits your role and needs.
Compare the options below.
Interpreting Culture Media & Performing Colony Counts |
Interpreting Media Fill & GFT Samples |
Colony count training & ConFirm coUnt™ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Best option if you are 👉 | Handling environmental monitoring and aseptic technique assessment (GFT samples and media fill) | Handling aseptic technique assessment (GFT samples and media fill) | Performing colony counting for environmental monitoring |
| This course focuses on | Staff Assessment + Viable Sampling |
Staff Assessment | Viable Sampling |
| Contact hours | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1.0 |
| Initial training fees | $345 USD |
$295 USD |
$245 USD |
| Learning objectives |
1. Define nutrient media 2. Select the appropriate media 3. Apply the incubation requirements for culture media 4. Interpret and analyze the results following incubation as per <797>: • Differentiate contaminated vs non-contaminated media fill samples
• Explain colony forming units
• Differentiate CFUs based on morphology
• Accurately count CFUs on agar plates
|
1. Define nutrient media 2. Select the appropriate media 3. Apply incubation requirements for media fill and GFT samples 4. Interpret and analyze the results following incubation as per USP <797>: • Differentiate contaminated vs non-contaminated media fill samples
• Explain colony forming units
• Differentiate CFUs based on morphology
• Accurately count CFUs on agar plates
|
1. Describe how colony forming units (CFU) are formed 2. Identify CFU based on morphology 3. Demonstrate how to count CFU on agar plates 4. Analyze and interpret the results as per USP <797> |
| Retake policy First retake: Free Second retake: $50 |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Multi-user discount : $25 per user (5+ users) |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Subsequent annual assessment fees | $295 USD |
$245 USD |
$195 USD |
| LEARN MORE | BUY NOW | Learn more |
Interpreting Culture Media & Performing Colony Counts
Best option if you are 👉 Handling environmental monitoring and aseptic technique assessment (GFT samples and media fill)
This course focuses onStaff Assessment + Viable Sampling
Contact hours3.5
Initial training fees$345 USD
Learning objectives
1. Define nutrient media
2. Select appropriate media
3. Apply incubation requirements for culture media
4. Interpret and analyze the results following incubation as per USP <797> interpretation:
2. Select appropriate media
3. Apply incubation requirements for culture media
4. Interpret and analyze the results following incubation as per USP <797> interpretation:
• Differentiate contaminated from non-contaminated media fill samples
• Explain colony forming units
• Differentiate CFUs based on morphology
• Accurately count CFUs on an agar plate
Retake Policy (1st free / 2nd $50)✔
Multi-user discount :
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
Subsequent annual assessment fees$295 USD
Interpreting Media Fill & GFT Samples
Best option if you are 👉 Handling aseptic technique assessment (GFT samples and media fill)
This course focuses onStaff Assessment
Contact hours2.5
Initial training fees$295 USD
Learning objectives
1. Define nutrient media
2. Select the appropriate media
3. Apply incubation for GFT & media fill
4. USP <797> interpretation of CFUs and results:
2. Select the appropriate media
3. Apply incubation for GFT & media fill
4. USP <797> interpretation of CFUs and results:
• Differentiate contaminated from non-contaminated media fill samples
• Explain colony forming units
• Differentiate CFUs based on morphology
• Accurately count CFUs on an agar plate
Retake Policy (1st free / 2nd $50)✔
Multi-user discount :
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
Subsequent annual assessment fees$245 USD
Colony count training & ConFirm coUnt™
Best option if you are 👉 Performing colony counting for environmental monitoring
This course focuses onViable Sampling
Contact hours1.0
Initial training fees$245 USD
Learning objectives
1. CFU formation process
2. CFU morphology identification
3. CFU counting on agar plates
4. USP <797> interpretation
2. CFU morphology identification
3. CFU counting on agar plates
4. USP <797> interpretation
Retake Policy (1st free / 2nd $50)✔
Multi-user discount :
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
$25 per user (5+ users)✔
Subsequent annual assessment fees$195 USD
Learning Objectives
From Accuracy to Assurance – Your Path to Best Practice
Interpreting Media Fill & GFT Samples Online Training, developed by QUESS 360 – Pharmacy Solutions in collaboration with U.S. Micro-Solutions, Inc., is the first online program to include a competency assessment specifically designed for personnel responsible for interpreting media fill and gloved fingertip sample results.
Define nutrient media
Select the appropriate type of media
Apply the incubation requirements for media fill and gloved fingertip samples
Interpret and analyse the results following incubation
Differentiate contaminated from non-contaminated media fill samples
Explain what colony forming units (CFUs) are
Differentiate CFUs based on their morphology
Accurately count CFUs on an agar plate
This course includes
✓ Theoretical and practical pretest
✓ Training module
✓ Theoretical and practical competency assessment
✓ Statement of completion (upon successful completion)
Requirements for completion
• Completing pre-test
• Complete all presentation modules and questionnaires
• Score at least 80% on the theoretical questionnaire assessment and 100% on the practical assessment
• Submit the feedback survey
About our experts
QUESS 360 Pharmacy Solutions, powered by BCE Pharma Inc., provides innovative compliance, training, and quality management tools for sterile and non-sterile compounding. Our platform supports pharmacies in meeting regulatory standards and improving operational efficiency.
Carl Nikolaidis, B.Sc.
Trainer and Consultant in Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
Roxanne Tellier
Trainer and Consultant in Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding
U.S. Micro-Solutions, Inc. is an accredited microbiology laboratory specializing in environmental testing, sterile compounding support, and USP compliance. They provide expert analysis, training, and guidance to help pharmacies maintain safe and compliant practices.
Kelly Faulisi, CQIA
President
Deanna Kiska, Ph.D.
Technical Manager
Becky Moran
Operations Manager
What Our Customers Say
Based on post-training survey responses (n = 260+ participants since 2024) most participants agreed or strongly agreed that:
92%
The training content met their expectations
96%
The course content is relevant to their professional role
94%
The training improved their knowledge, skills, or abilities
93%
Interactive elements effectively reinforced learning
★★★★★
"Examples of real plates"
★★★★★
"The ease of access being it is available online"
★★★★★
"I liked how each of the colony morphologies were thoroughly explained."
★★★★★
"The examples and practicing the counting before the assessment."
FAQ
How can I buy?
+
For a single user, you can purchase online using a credit card for immediate access. For teams of 5 users or more, volume discounts apply ($25 off per user). You may also contact us for invoicing options and to have a discount code created for your organization.
Do you offer discounts?
+
Yes, for 5 or more users, get $25 off per user.
How does the course work?
+
You'll begin with a theoretical and practical pretest. The practical portion includes:
- Media fill videos to assess contamination
- Real-world plates (GFT and viable sampling) to count CFUs
You'll then complete the training and a theoretical assessment (minimum 80% to pass; retakes allowed).
Finally, you'll complete a practical assessment requiring 100% of responses to meet expert-defined criteria, including correct contamination assessment (yes/no) and CFU counts within an expert-validated acceptance range.
Do users receive the same test?
+
No. Each user receives a unique combination of agar plates (ranging from easy to complex) and media fill scenarios that reflect real-world conditions.
Our system includes over 3,675 possible combinations, ensuring fairness, variability, and assessment integrity across users.
Does this meet regulatory expectations of USP <797>?
+
Yes. This program is designed to support compliance with USP <797> by providing documented, objective evidence of personnel competency in interpreting GFT samples and media fill assessments.
Do participants receive a certificate?
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Yes. Upon successful completion, participants receive a statement of completion demonstrating their competency. Managers can also track certification status and expiry through the LMS. Contact us to learn more.
How long does the course take?
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The course can typically be completed in 2.5 hours, depending on the user's experience and pace. It is designed to be flexible and self-paced.
What happens if I don't pass?
+
Participants must achieve:
- 80% on the theoretical assessment
- 100% within the expert-validated range on the practical assessment
If a retake is needed, we do include the 1st retake attempt for free (no additional cost). A second retake may be completed for a $50 fee. If you need assistance, our team of experts is here to support you. Contact us to learn more.
When will I receive my results?
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Results are available immediately upon completion of each assessment component. This eliminates delays associated with manual review or physical submissions.
Does this require any equipment or shipping?
+
No. This is a fully online, web-based program. There is:
- No shipping
- No physical materials
- No delays
You can start immediately after purchase.
Can this be implemented across my organization?
+
Yes. The platform is designed for team deployment and includes:
- Manager dashboards
- Training progress tracking
- Certificate expiry notifications
- Centralized oversight
This removes the need for manual tracking (e.g., spreadsheets). Contact us to learn more.
How often should this training be completed?
+
Best practice is to complete competency testing:
- Annually, or
- During onboarding of new staff
Some organizations perform testing more frequently based on inspection history or internal quality standards.
Help Achieve Compliance With Regulatory Standards
USP General Chapter <797> – Sterile Preparations
Section 2.0 – 'Personnel who compound or have direct oversight of compounding personnel must be initially trained and qualified by demonstrating knowledge and competency... initially and at least every 12 months in appropriate sterile compounding principles and practices…'
Section 20 – 'All facilities where CSPs are prepared must have and maintain written or electronic documentation to demonstrate compliance with the requirements in this chapter. This documentation must include, but is not limited to, the following: Personnel training, competency assessments, and qualification records, including corrective actions for any failures…'
FDA cGMP – 21 CFR
Section 211.25(a) – 'Each person engaged in the manufacture, processing, packing, or holding of a drug product shall have education, training, and experience, or any combination thereof, to enable that person to perform the assigned functions.'
FDA Guidance for Industry (2004)
Section V.B – 'The basic principles of training, aseptic technique, and personnel qualification in aseptic manufacturing also are applicable to those performing aseptic sampling and microbiological laboratory analyses. Processes and systems cannot be considered to be in control and reproducible if the validity of data produced by the laboratory is in question.'
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
High-speed internet (min. 10 mbps download)
Spearker or headphones
SUPPORTED BROWSERS (LATEST VERSIONS)
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Safari