Training

After a common introductory module the course comprises of six modules as follows:

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Professional and Academic Qualifications
• Planning and Organising Laboratory Training
• Communication
• Learning Techniques and Presentation Skills
• Assessment and Evaluation

See below for details for the course dates. More information on the learning outcomes for each module can be found here

You can access course content through a designated area of the Ulster University's website, which includes candidate email and discussion forums.  The IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP) in Training is assessed through two assessment pieces and an online examination.

CEP Course Information Summary

More information on the Certificate of Expert Practice qualifications including the reflective tasks within the modules, the expectations around participants involvement in the discussions forums and how the qualification is assessed can be found here.

The course dates for 2025 are stated below. Please note that each module last two weeks apart from the module in which Easter falls, which in 2025 is at the start of module six, that module will last three weeks.

Applications for 2025 open	W/C 19 August 2024
Closing date for applications (See how to apply section on number of placed available)	13 December
Log-in details available	W/C 13 January
Introductory Module	17 January
Module 1	31 January
Module 2	14 February
Module 3	28 February
One week break	14 March
Deadline for submission of first assessment piece	20 March
Module 4	21 March
Module 5	4 April
Module 6	18 April
Finish	8 May
Examination	22 May
Deadline for submission of second assessment piece	13 June
Exam Result Notification	16 June
Examination (Re-sits)	26 June
Results Released	15 July
Certificates Sent Out	W/C 21 July

To undertake this CEP you must have active Member (MIBMS) or Fellow (FIBMS) status of the IBMS at the point of application and you must maintain your membership throughout the duration of the qualification. When the application window opens to apply you will need to submit via email to the IBMS Examinations Team:

• a completed Certificate of Expert Practice in Training Application Form
• your payment of £770 (for the 2025 course)

Payment can be made via Purchase Order (which should accompany the completed application form) or by card payment. If you wish to pay by card, you will be contacted for your card payment details once the application form has been received. On the application form you are requested to briefly describe why you are applying to undertake the qualification. Your application will not be accepted or rejected based on what is stated instead this information is being requested simply to enable us to understand your level of experience and the motivation for applying.  Candidates are only allowed to undertake one of the CEP courses at a time. 

Update 30 October 2024 -  We have now reached capacity for this CEP for the 2025 running of the course. Any applications that are received from now will be put on a waiting list and if a candidate who has registered on the course drops out before it commences then places will be awarded on a first come first served basis.

Update 8 January 2025 - The application window for the 2026 running of this CEP will open later in the year and information will be published in due course.

Grant Funding (Updated 6 January 2025) - At the present there is no funding available for employers of candidates undertaking this CEP in 2025 in any part of the UK. If this changes information will be made available on this page and all eligible candidates will also be informed directly.

You can find articles and online resources to support you in completing an IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training in our Resources section

If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances please contact examinations@ibms.org as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training please contact examinations@ibms.org