Digital Specialist Diploma

Last updated: 8th April 2025

IBMS specialist portfolios are now digital 

We will continue to update this page as each of the specialist portfolios are launched.
UPDATE for Blood Sciences

Applications for blood sciences that include transfusion modules should be temporarily withheld, as discussions are ongoing regarding the blood transfusion module choices within the blood sciences portfolio.
Applications

Applications will initially be through the application forms below, which should be sent to SpecialistPortfolio@ibms.org.

To apply for a multi-discipline portfolio your laboratory must have multi-discipline training approval, further details can be found here. Each multi-discipline portfolio has its own application form found below. Information on how to complete the application is found in the tab, ‘Information’ in each application form.  

Brief Guide to V5 Specialist Portfolio Requirements

All single discipline specialist portfolios are made up of modules which cover the expected scope of practice for an individual working as a specialist biomedical scientist in that discipline. The portfolios have been written to allow flexibility in demonstration of this practice while maintaining necessary standards.

Each module is comprised of 7-10 learning outcomes (LOs), the knowledge and skills of which must be evidenced through 2 pieces of evidence and sign off from the laboratory. The sign off from the laboratory states that you can practically complete processes relating to the module in accordance with laboratory procedures, and the Q&A and evidence selected by the candidate demonstrates achievement of the learning outcomes.

Each LO does not constitute a question, training officers should read through all the LOs in a module before creating questions to ensure the LOs will be met. Some questions may evidence components of different LOs, questions should encourage the use of practical examples from candidates practice, this can include, for example, snips of laboratory documents created or completed by the candidate, photographs and results/comments reported by the candidate.

Essays are not acceptable pieces of evidence and long answers are discouraged. Evidence should be easy for training officers and examiners to review, and it should be easy for them to determine that the LOs are met.

Where the LO asks a candidate to demonstrate something, it is required that evidence from the candidates practice is used, e.g. photograph, copy of results reported, evidence of audit completed, paperwork that shows training was given by the candidate, this should not be a witness statement alone. It should be clear why the evidence is being included and there should be appropriate annotation/explanations. In general, the inclusion of documents/ photographs etc do not eliminate a requirement for text however they usually reduce it.

As in previous specialist portfolios, tables and figures can be used, these should be appropriately titled/labelled and work that is not the candidates own should be appropriately referenced. Either Vancouver or Harvard referencing is acceptable but should be consistent throughout the portfolio. The portfolio must be the candidates own work and shouldn’t be copied from others, it is expected that candidates will understand the answers to questions asked and will be able to write and explain this in their own words.

Launched portfolios

Multi-discipline

Blood Sciences
Download the digital module document

Application form>>

Cell Sciences
Download the digital module document

Application form>>

Infection Sciences 
Download the digital module document

Application form>>

 
Single discipline

Andrology

Download the digital module document

Clinical Biochemistry

Download the digital module document

Virology
Download the digital module document

Medical Microbiology
Download the digital module document

Cervical Cytology 
Download the digital module document

Please note - All candidates must have completed and passed the NHS Cervical Screening Programme training in Cervical Cytology before applying.

Cellular Pathology Digital
Download the digital module document
Please use the Cellular Pathology application form for this discipline

Haematology with Transfusion Practice Digital 
Download the digital module document

Genomics and Molecular Pathology 
Download the digital module document
Please use the Genomics and Molecular Pathology application form for this discipline

Diagnostic Cytopathology 
Download the digital module document

Clinical Immunology 
Download the digital module document

Blood Transfusion Practice 
Download the digital modules document

 

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