Equivalence route

If you are working in a role at an equivalent level to a HCPC-registered biomedical scientist but are not yet registered, you may apply for the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence route.

This route will allow the IBMS to assess your experiential learning, gained through relevant academic qualifications and professional practice.

Assessment process

1️⃣ Initial assessment 
Your education and experience are reviewed to determine eligibility for the Equivalence route.

2️⃣ Portfolio submission 
You will complete an IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence portfolio demonstrating how you meet the HCPC Standards of Proficiency.

3️⃣ Portfolio review
Your portfolio evidence will be assessed by a panel of three assessors:

• A lay person
• An academic from an IBMS Accredited programme 
• A professional (biomedical scientist)

4️⃣ Final assessment (Viva Voce)
If your portfolio successfully demonstrates that you meet the HCPC standards of proficiency, you will proceed to an oral examination (viva) with the professional assessor. This can be conducted online or face-to-face.

If successful in the viva you will be awarded the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence, which allows you to apply for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.