Infection Prevention and Control: Level 1 Course – An introduction

Introduction to Infection Prevention and Control: Level 1 – Online Course

Course overview
This introductory online course provides essential knowledge of infection prevention and control, including how infections spread and how transmission risks can be reduced. Learners explore hygiene practices, personal protective equipment, environmental cleanliness and appropriate procedures for managing infection risks. The course is suitable for induction, refresher training, awareness and knowledge development. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and carries 2 CPD points.

Please note: This course provides introductory Level 1 knowledge of infection prevention and control. It does not replace any practical, regulated or role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to infection prevention and control
• Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) and their types
• Common sources and routes of infection transmission
• Illnesses associated with healthcare-associated infections
• Personal appearance, hygiene and duty of care
• Maintaining personal health and understanding skin conditions
• Bloodborne viruses
• Fitness to work considerations
• Effective hand hygiene
• Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Cleaning, decontamination and waste management
• Preventing the spread of infection
• Managing infection prevention and control
• Recognising higher-risk situations and vulnerable individuals
• Responding to exposure incidents and escalating concerns

Who is it for?
This course is intended for people who need introductory infection prevention and control knowledge as part of their role. It is suitable for:
• Healthcare support staff, including porters, cleaning staff and administrative personnel
• Care home employees, including care assistants, housekeeping staff and kitchen personnel
• Teachers, teaching assistants and school support staff
• Food handlers and catering staff
• Volunteers, charity workers and community support staff
• Employees completing workplace induction
• Existing staff undertaking refresher training or developing their awareness

Practical benefits
• Understand how infections spread and how transmission can be reduced
• Apply appropriate hand hygiene principles
• Recognise the importance of personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness
• Understand the role of PPE in infection prevention
• Follow basic principles for cleaning, decontamination and waste management
• Identify situations that may increase infection risks
• Understand the importance of reporting exposure incidents and escalating concerns
• Develop infection prevention awareness relevant to the workplace

What learners will be able to do
• Explain how infections can spread
• Recognise common sources and routes of transmission
• Apply effective hand hygiene principles
• Understand when personal protective equipment may be relevant
• Describe basic cleaning, decontamination and waste-management principles
• Recognise higher-risk situations and individuals who may be more vulnerable
• Understand appropriate procedures following exposure to infection risks
• Escalate infection-control concerns promptly

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz to assess their understanding of the course content. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded or printed. The course carries 2 CPD points and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. Unlimited assessment retakes are available.