Basic Counselor Skills Training (BCST) - CTC

The Basic HIV/HCV  Test Counselor Skills Training (BCST) is a five-day course that introduces participants to the skills necessary to conduct HIV and hepatitis C rapid antibody testing and counseling. These skills include engagement, behavioral risk assessment, harm reduction, and cultural humility. Participants learn how to make appropriate referrals to services that can optimize client and community health, including HIV-related medical care, PrEP navigation, PEP, STD testing and treatment, HCV follow-up testing and care, and Partner Services. Our trainers teach HIV testing procedures using the OraQuick ADVANCE Rapid Test and the OraQuick HCV Rapid Test as well as the Alert Determine HIV Test. We also discuss Office of AIDS policy regarding testing and counseling and data collection.