The ITA IBCO Training Program aims to provide qualified and professionally registered nurses, physicians and phlebotomists with the knowledge to apply their existing professional clinical skills in the context of the sport anti-doping field.
An IBCO will be a trusted expert in the professional, operational and regulatory aspects of the World Anti-Doping Code and will undertake blood sample collection from athletes at both international sporting events, and in the community during the out-of-competition period.
Graduates will be certified by the International Testing Agency (ITA) as an International Blood Control Officer (IBCO), in accordance with the professional requirements stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Code. A current professional registration, or license to practice as a nurse, physician or phlebotomist with a medical regulatory agency in their country of practice is also a mandatory requirement to undertake blood collection as an IBCO.
It is important to note that this program does not teach the clinical skills required to collect blood – participants are required to be fully trained, registered and competent in blood collection before they join this program.
Gain essential knowledge through seven comprehensive modules covering the complex landscape of anti-doping protocols, procedures, and best practices.
Engage in the face-to-face small group virtual training sessions with our experienced ITA IBCO trainers.
Upon successful completion, receive an ITA IBCO Certificate, valid two years providing you also hold a current authority to legally collect blood in your country of practice, such as registration with your national health or medical regulatory agency.
Access exclusive continuing professional development opportunities, tailored specifically for sample collection workforce, ensuring you stay at the forefront of advancements and regulatory changes in the field of anti-doping.
To be eligible to enrol and receive ITA IBCO Certification on completion, participants are expected to meet the following criteria:
The program content focuses on the essential knowledge required for IBCOs to undertake blood sample collection in the sports setting, and on how to best support athletes throughout the testing process. It is important to note that the program does not teach the clinical skills required to collect blood.
Participants will develop knowledge and skills in:
Part 1. Online learning
The online learning component presents the core processes that are mandatory for testing operations in accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and the International Standards.
The program comprises seven modules, with short quizzes at the end of each module, followed by a longer final examination. This program can be completed from home at the participant’s own pace.
Each of the modules must be completed in full and in sequential order. The final examination must only be undertaken after all modules are completed. Topics include:
Part 2. Face-to-face training
The face-to-face live virtual event component of the course is a training event at which participants join other colleagues for an interactive learning experience with two of the ITA’s expert IBCO trainers.
The live virtual event will be delivered via the Zoom meeting platform. Example topics may include:
Delivery to organisations
The ITA also delivers the IBCO Training Program in collaboration with organisations such as NADOs and RADOs and event organisers.
Please contact [email protected] to discuss and obtain a quote for the delivery of the course specifically for your workforce.
Following successful completion of the course, graduates will be encouraged to gain practical experience as a BCO involving blood sample collection from athletes during supervised testing missions.
Graduates will be personally responsible for applying to work as a BCO and seeking this work experience through their local sport and anti-doping organisations, private sample collection agencies, or directly with the organising committees of sporting events. When applying for work as a BCO, graduates will be subject to the recruitment procedures specific to the organisations they apply to work for.
When working for an anti-doping organisation or private sample collection agency, BCOs will likely be required to undertake further training or obtain a specific accreditation as per that organisation’s rules and protocols before undertaking testing missions for it.
BCOs will also be subject to an annual accreditation process and performance evaluation specific to their employing organisation. Further information about the requirements and process for accreditation of BCOs when they work in an anti-doping organisation can be found in the WADA Guidelines for Sample Collection Personnel.
Will this course guarantee me a job as a Blood Collection Officer?
Not necessarily. You will still have to apply directly to an anti-doping organisation to work as a BCO for that organisation. It will be your responsibility to apply for BCO positions directly to that organisation.
We would recommend speaking to potential anti-doping organisations who you may be interested in working for to see if they are currently recruiting for BCO positions.
Who appoints Blood Collection Officers?
The appointment of BCO positions is usually done by: National Anti-Doping Agencies, Major Event Organisers, Private Sample Collection Agencies, International Testing Agency, and other sporting federations or organisations.
A list of National Anti-Doping Agencies and Major Event Organisers can be found on the WADA website.
The application form to apply to become a BCO for the International Testing Agency can be found here.
What fees do BCOs get when they are working?
Different organisations have different fee structures for the BCOs that undertake the testing for them. The rates of pay will depend on the organisation you work for and the country you work in.
BCOs are often contracted on a part-time or freelance basis, but occasionally some organisations employ BCOs on a full-time basis. Some organisations pay an hourly or daily rate for the work undertaken. BCOs would usually be reimbursed for any travel and hotel expenses incurred when conducting testing missions.
When working as a BCO at a sporting event, the organising committee of that event often sets the terms of employment with the BCO. For example, at previous Olympic Games, BCOs have been paid a daily per-diem and have had accommodation support provided.
Will I be a WADA accredited BCO after completing the course?
No. BCO accreditation is linked to the organisation that you work for. When you work for an organisation, you would need to comply with their accreditation requirements. BCOs are likely to be subject to an annual accreditation process and performance evaluation specific to their organisation.
Further information on the accreditation process for BCOs when they work in an anti-doping organisation can be found in the WADA Guidelines for Sample Collection Personnel.
Will this course teach me the clinical skills of blood collection?
No. To be eligible to do the course you must have already received the qualifications and professional registration to collect blood in your country of practice. You must submit evidence of this training and qualifications at the time of application.
However, the course will teach you about how to apply your existing clinical blood collection skills to the sports setting, to be able to conduct blood collection from athletes for anti-doping tests.
I am not a nurse, doctor or phlebotomist – can I still do the course?
No. The course is only open to these specific healthcare professionals who are qualified and legally able to collect blood in their country of practice.
I am not currently working in a blood-collection role – can I do the course?
No. You must be currently employed or contracted to an organisation where you are actively involved in blood collection. You must have undertaken blood collection within this role in the last 6 months.
Will this course mean I work for the ITA?
No. Completion of this course does not constitute employment by the ITA and does not grant you the right to represent yourself as a Blood Collection Officer working for or on behalf of the ITA in any context. You will be separately required to apply and be granted employment in an anti-doping organisation, such as a National Anti-Doping Organisation, Private Sample Collection Agency or Major Sporting Event Organiser, for which you will undertake the role of an IBCO under their employment jurisdiction.
