Equivalence route to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist
Overview
Pathway to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist
IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence is a professional portfolio based qualification that confirms you meet HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientist registration.
Who can apply?
You are eligible if you:
✔ Have relevant professional experience at or beyond the level required for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist
✔ Can demonstrate HCPC standards of proficiency through an equivalent combination of academic qualifications and professional practice
The title "Biomedical Scientist" is legally protected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and applies to professionals who analyse patient samples to aid diagnosis and treatment. This work is typically carried out in clinical pathology laboratories, including clinical genetics and andrology.
About the qualification
The equivalence route assesses experiential learning, combining academic qualifications with professional training and experience.
- Your qualifications, training, and competence are assessed through the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio, hosted on Onefile.
- The portfolio's sections and modules align with HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists.
- Once successfully completed and assessed, you will receive the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) and can apply for HCPC registration.
Further information
Full details on the portfolio, assessment process, and mentor support are available in:
📄 Programme Specification
📖 Guidance for Applicants
👥 The Role of Mentors
Candidates are also asked to complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback Form three months after receiving their portfolio—your feedback helps us enhance our qualifications.
Completing the portfolio
Completing the portfolio
Candidates must complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback Form 3 to 9 months after receiving their portfolio.
Mentors are also asked to complete a Mentor Monitoring Feedback Form within the same timeframe.
For full details, refer to:
📖 IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Handbook
📄 Programme Specification
📝 Guidance for Applicants
Assessment process
Your portfolio of evidence will be reviewed by an IBMS assessment panel, which includes:
✔ A professional
✔ An academic
✔ A lay person
If your portfolio meets the threshold standards for HCPC registration, you will be invited to an oral assessment (viva voce) with the professional assessor.
After the assessment, the panel will make a recommendation to the IBMS Education and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC), which will determine whether your portfolio, supporting evidence, and oral assessment meet the requirements for HCPC registration.
For full details on completing the portfolio and assessment process, refer to our Guidance for Applicants.
Final feedback
Candidates who complete the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio will be asked to submit a Candidate Final Feedback Form to help us improve our qualifications.
Applying
How to apply
Before applying:
- Read the Guidance for Applicants to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Refer to the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) application form for information on fees and payment methods.
Application Process
- Download the application form and Portfolio Development Plan document.
- Complete both documents.
- Submit your application by email to [email protected].
After Submission
- Your qualifications and experience will be reviewed by a professional reviewer to assess eligibility.
- Your application must include evidence of at least three years of training and professional practice, demonstrating duties and responsibilities at the level of an HCPC registered biomedical scientist.
- If your application is successful, you will be admitted to the programme and receive log-in details to access your IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence Portfolio.
For any enquiries, contact [email protected].
Need more help?
If you have any questions about the equivalence routes to registration please contact us.