Certificate of Competence by Equivalence
Equivalence route to HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
If you are currently working at the level of a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered biomedical scientist but are not HCPC registered you can now become HCPC registered by completing an IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.
Who can apply?
Candidates for the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) should have:
- relevant* professional experience at a level or beyond the level for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- be able to demonstrate they have met HCPC standards of proficiency in a manner equivalent to existing programmes accredited by the IBMS and approved by the HCPC
*Biomedical Scientist is a protected title regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council who define this as: "A biomedical scientist analyses specimens from patients to provide data to help doctors diagnose and treat disease" and they normally work in a clinical pathology service laboratory where these tests are undertaken. This includes clinical genetics and andrology.
Please Note: The Certificate of Competence by Equivalence route 2024 cohort is open for applications in Autumn 2023. Further information on the documentation you will be required to submit is shown below. Applications are welcomed from 1st November 2023 to 31st January 2024.
About the qualification
The equivalence route to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist involves the assessment of experiential learning, acquired from the combination of academic qualifications and professional practice.
Your level of qualifications, professional training, experience and competence are evidenced by completing IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio, which is hosted on the digital platform Onefile.
The IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence sections and modules, plus the module learning outcomes are mapped against the HCPC's standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists.
Once you have completed your IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio and had it successfully assessed, you will be awarded a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) and will be eligible to apply to the HCPC for registration as a biomedical scientist.
Full details of the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio and the assessment process for the award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) are available in the Programme Specification, Guidance for Applicants and The Role of Mentors.
IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Handbook
Candidates undertaking the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback form three months after receiving their portfolio - your feedback will help us to ensure our qualifications are meeting your needs.
Completing the portfolio
Candidates undertaking the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback form three to nine months after receiving their portfolio.
The candidate's mentor is asked to complete a Mentor Monitoring Feedback Form three to nine months after the candidate receives their portfolio.
IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Handbook
IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Specification
IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Guidance for Applicants
Assessment
Your portfolio of evidence will be assessed by an IBMS assessment panel, comprised of a professional, academic and lay person reviewer.
If your portfolio evidence adequately demonstrates that you meet the threshold standards for HCPC registration and practice as a biomedical scientist, you will be invited to attend an oral assessment (a viva voce) with the professional assessor.
Following the oral assessment, the panel will make a recommendation to the IBMS Education and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC). EPSC will confirm whether your portfolio, supporting evidence and oral assessment meet the requirements for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.
For further detail on completing the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio and the assessment process for the award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) please see our Guidance for Applicants.
Candidates who have completed the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Final Feedback form - your feedback will help us to ensure our qualifications are meeting your needs.
Fees and how to apply
Please refer to the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) application form for the fee and methods of payment for the route. Please read our Guidance for Applicants before beginning your application. Having read the documentation, if you meet the criteria please download the application form and Portfolio Development Plan document and complete them. Once completed, these documents should be emailed to equivalence@ibms.org Applications are open for the 2024 cohort from 1st November 2023 to 31st January 2024.
On receipt of your application
A professional reviewer will review your qualifications and experience against the entry criteria for the Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist).
Your application must include evidence of at least three years of training and professional practice in the duties and responsibilities commensurate with the minimum level of practice for an HCPC registered biomedical scientist.
If your application is successful, you will be admitted to the programme and issued with log in details to access your IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio.
For any enquiries please email equivalence@ibms.org