Specialist diplomas: about and reference documents

The following information is produced to guide specialist practitioner training, completion of the portfolio and preparation for the assessment for the award of a Specialist Diploma. It should be read in conjunction with the information provided in the portfolio.

Download all information in pdf document

Quick introduction

The IBMS has developed the Specialist Portfolio to enable the recognition of structured, standardised post-registration (newly qualified) training and assessment of practitioners. The portfolio enables biomedical scientists to provide evidence of training, practical skills, specialist knowledge and competency gained in the two years after registration into the profession. Completion of the portfolio and successful assessment will lead to the awarding of a Specialist Diploma in the disciplines listed below.

During completion of the portfolio individuals will be gathering evidence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and competence to practice.

Agenda for Change will only allow career advancement through its pay bands upon demonstration of the required knowledge and skills. The portfolio can be used as evidence to help biomedical scientists seeking promotion to a higher pay band.

The portfolio can also be used by Higher Education Institutions in assessing work-based learning and accredited learning for postgraduate qualifications; or by employers when considering eligibility for promotion or identifying education and training needs. Where possible, National Occupational Standards (NOS) for healthcare scientists have been incorporated into the standards that constitute the generic and discipline specific components of the portfolio. The portfolio also maps to the knowledge and skills framework (KSF), which will be a tool for identifying education and training needs.

About specialist diplomas

Newly registered practitioners who are, as a minimum requirement, Licentiate members of the Institute have the opportunity to evidence their development of specialist knowledge and competencies in their chosen field by completion of the Institute’s Specialist Portfolio. On completion of the portfolio and successful end-point assessment they will be awarded a Specialist Diploma in one of the following disciplines:

cellular pathology
cytopathology
clinical biochemistry
clinical immunology
haematology & transfusion science
histocompatibility & immunogenetics (developed in conjunction with BSHI)
medical microbiology
transfusion science
virology.

The Specialist Diploma confers eligibility to upgrade Institute membership from the class of Licentiate to Member provided the individual has a minimum of 2 years professional experience as a Licentiate member.

Reference and documents

Reference versions of the portfolios are available in pdf format below. Bound reference copies for managers and training officers can be obtained from the Institute, priced £25.

Hardback copies for specialist practitioners in training are available, priced £95. This includes the cost of the portfolio and the end-point assessment for the award of a specialist diploma. Please note that applicants must be a corporate member of the Institute. The portfolio is not available to Associate members of the Institute or individuals undertaking pre-registration training.

The Institute recognise that the Specialist Portfolios may change in line with future developments within the profession. The version completed by each student, if current at the time of study, will be recognised.

Specialist portfolios: reference copies

Application forms

Request form for the assessment of the Specialist Portfolio
Order form for the Record of Training for the Specialist Diploma
Application form to become a specialist portfolio assessor

Specialist Practice: further information

Further information and articles on specialist diplomas is available in the members area.

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