Immunocytochemistry
Demonstrate expert professional skills and advanced knowledge
The IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry provides evidence of both the theoretical knowledge that underpins the practice of immunocytochemistry and the practical competence required to perform the techniques.
Candidates who achieve an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry will be able to:
- to undertake a role that involves the interpretation and evaluation of the use of antibodies and antibody techniques
- participate in the training of biomedical scientists wishing to sit the Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry
Further information
Who can apply
To apply you must be a Member or Fellow of the IBMS and HCPC registered with experience in Immunocytochemistry. You must also:
- have a single named consultant pathologist trainer who has overall responsibility for mentoring and guiding you and monitoring your progress
- working in a laboratory that is UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) registered laboratory and that has IBMS laboratory post-registration training approval
If you are unsure whether your laboratory has IBMS laboratory approval for please check with your laboratory manager or training officer.
August 2019 Update: Please note that the Study Guide refers to a specific number of years post-registration experience that is required before undertaking this qualification. That specific requirement has been removed but candidates who wish to undertake this qualification should have some experience in immunocytochemistry before applying.
Qualification structure
The IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry is a professional vocational qualification assessed by completion of a portfolio of evidence and a written examination.
The training logbook and portfolio of evidence provide a record of your training and should contain evidence of regular assessments of your competence in reporting the specimen types covered by this qualification by your named consultant pathologist supervisor.
Once your named consultant pathologist supervisor is satisfied that your training is complete you can submit your training logbook and go on to the written examination.
Assessment
The examination of an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry involves two assessments:
- a portfolio assessment
- a written examination
Written examination
The written examination consists of two short-answer written papers each of 120 minutes.
Full details of the qualification, learning outcomes and assessment are available in our Immunocytochemistry Guidance to Candidates and Trainers.
Key dates
2025 Exam Series
Qualification Application Deadline: Friday 30 May 2025
Deadline for candidates who wish to re-sit in 2025: Friday 18 July 2025.
Portfolio Submission Deadline: Friday 18 July 2025 - Portfolios will be accepted from week commencing 2 June 2025 (See Below)
Exams: Monday 24 November 2025 - These exams will be undertaken at the candidates' place of work.
2024 Exam Series - Key Dates
Exams Results Released: Friday 7 February 2025
Candidates must submit their portfolio electronically. Hard copy versions of the portfolio will not be accepted. You can scan your portfolio and training logbook and send this via email to examinations@ibms.org
Due to the size of the portfolio (and the number of emails that may require) this may be difficult so alternatively you could put your portfolio into a shared folder such as OneDrive or Google Docs and then send the relevant link to this to examinations@ibms.org so that the Head of Examinations can pick up your portfolio from there. The portfolio can also submitted on a USB stick. Guidance on how the portfolio on how to submit the portfolio electronically can be found here.
Candidates must submit their portfolio electronically. Hard copy versions of the portfolio will not be accepted. You can scan your portfolio and training logbook and send this via email to examinations@ibms.org
Due to the size of the portfolio (and the number of emails that may require) this may be difficult so alternatively you could put your portfolio into a shared folder such as OneDrive or Google Docs and then send the relevant link to this to examinations@ibms.org so that the Head of Examinations can pick up your portfolio from there. The portfolio can also submitted on a USB stick. Guidance on how the portfolio on how to submit the portfolio electronically can be found here.
Fees and how to apply
It costs £31 to order an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in Immunocytochemistry training logbook. To order, please submit to the IBMS Examinations Team:
- payment of £31, along with
- a complete training log book order form
To apply for the qualification in the year in which you plan to submit your portfolio for assessment you will need to submit:
- payment of £443, along with
- a completed application form
Fees can be paid by:
- credit or debit card payment by phone on +44 (0)207 713 0214 or
- purchase order from your hospital Trust
Please note that if you withdraw from the qualification at any point a £50 administrative fee will be applied to any refund.
Training Grant Available (Updated 2 January 2025)
A training grant of £1,000 per candidate continues to be available to employers of candidates in England who are undertaking the DEP in Immunocytochemistry. More information on the grant that is available and how and when it can be claimed can be found here.
Additional resources
Guidance on recognising and avoiding plagiarism
You can find discipline-specific reading lists to support you in completing an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice on our science reading page.
You can find articles and online resources to support you in completing an IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice in our resources section.
You can find past papers, pre-seen questions, and more on the IBMS qualifications resources page.
Training Event: The North of England Pathology Screening and Education Centre (NEPSEC) will be running a training event in June 2024 to support those on the DEP in Immunocytochemistry. This course will be led by IBMS examiners of the qualification and whilst it is not mandatory it is likely to be very useful for those undertaking the qualification. Details of the training session can be found on their website here:
https://www.nepsec.org.uk/courses/molecular-biology/immunocytochemistry/
Deferrals, withdrawals and mitigating circumstances
If you wish to defer, withdraw or highlight any mitigating circumstances please contact examinations@ibms.org as soon as possible.
For further information about the IBMS Diploma of Expert Practice please contact examinations@ibms.org.