> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/bactobox-skill-levels.md).

# BactoBox® skill levels

Pages across the help center carry a skill level, so you know what a task expects of you before you start. The levels build on each other, from anyone-can-do-it all the way towards a [custom solution](/advanced/what-is-a-custom-solution.md).

<figure><img src="/files/SUSKwLXm0hBa2Jelgqlv" alt="An ascending staircase of the four skill levels: No skill requirement, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level builds on the one before, and Advanced needs a custom solution."><figcaption><p>Each level builds on the one before it.</p></figcaption></figure>

You reach a level by working through the pages of the level below it. Each level lists what to work through to get there.

## <i class="fa-backpack">:backpack:</i> No skill requirement

Everyone starts here. Out of the box, anyone can begin, with no prior microbiology or instrument experience. You follow step-by-step guides using the supplied items and a couple of common lab tools.

## <i class="fa-shoe-prints">:shoe-prints:</i> Beginner

You are a beginner once you have set up and qualified your BactoBox®. You know the device and can run the QC test and routine maintenance on your own.

**Reach beginner by completing Getting started:**

{% content-ref url="/spaces/eYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW/pages/LNvHS092deYHW13UA40e" %}
[BactoBox® first steps](/getting-started/bactobox-r-at-a-glance.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## <i class="fa-graduation-cap">:graduation-cap:</i> Intermediate

You can measure on real bacterial cells. You prepare a bacterial suspension, dilute it to the working range, and get a trustworthy BactoBox® measurement.

**Reach intermediate by working through the two tutorials in Measure on cells:**

{% content-ref url="/spaces/eYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW/pages/yOiWxVnPgOuX7cibH9R9" %}
[Do a simple measurement](/tutorials/measure-vitroid-tm-disc.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/spaces/eYTtd7c0A325muFr5lMW/pages/OY34hwi0CQzLh3AKkLyT" %}
[Measure a dense culture](/tutorials/measure-overnight-culture.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## <i class="fa-puzzle-piece">:puzzle-piece:</i> Advanced

The advanced level is reserved for *custom solution* users.

{% hint style="info" %}
This is an advanced feature. We only support advanced features through a *custom solution*. Contact SBT for details.
{% endhint %}

The advanced skill level is not the same as an advanced feature. See [What requires a custom solution](/advanced/advanced-skill-level-vs-advanced-feature.md) for the difference, and [What is a custom solution?](/advanced/what-is-a-custom-solution.md) for how we support both.


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