Demonstrate your knowledge and skills and evidence your laboratory training
Overview
Showcase your skills and laboratory training
The IBMS Certificate of Achievement is designed for biomedical science support staff working in laboratory services. It helps you develop essential skills while meeting both your training needs and those of your employer.
This qualification has two parts, both structured as portfolio-based vocational assessments. They provide a clear framework for developing and demonstrating the knowledge and skills that support the biomedical science workforce. These flexible qualifications apply across various biomedical science disciplines.
Each Certificate of Achievement portfolio sets out the knowledge and skills required to perform at the level expected of:
- Band 2 or 3 Assistant Practitioner
- Band 4 Associate Practitioner
Once you complete Part I, you can become an IBMS Associate member and join a network of professionals dedicated to advancing biomedical science.
The IBMS Certificate of Achievement is a two-part qualification designed to support your career in biomedical science.
Eligibility
- Part I – Open to all; no entry requirements.
- Part II – You must:
- Be an Associate member of the IBMS
- Have relevant laboratory experience
- Hold a Level 3 qualification (Level 6 in Scotland) in biological science or have completed Part I
Training approval
To complete the Certificate of Achievement, your laboratory must have IBMS Biomedical Support Staff Training Approval. If you’re unsure, check with your manager or training officer.
Membership requirement
You must maintain current, paid IBMS membership throughout the qualification.
Completing the portfolio
Providing evidence
Your training is evidenced through signatures against performance criteria and comments from your line manager. You will also need to complete a set of prescribed tasks—these are the only evidence requirements.
The most appropriate person to sign off your performance criteria does not have to be a senior member of staff but must be appointed by your laboratory.
Key information
Training
Are there courses to support training?
Training takes place in your workplace and is similar to existing staff training. Induction, health and safety courses, and optional online learning modules may be included.
Do I need to collect additional evidence, or is the IBMS portfolio enough?
Signatures against performance criteria, line manager comments, and prescribed tasks are the only evidence required.
Who signs off the performance criteria?
The person assessing your competence, as appointed by your laboratory—not necessarily a senior staff member.
Can work from other portfolios (e.g., NVQs) be used as evidence?
Yes, if deemed relevant, but it does not need to be included in your portfolio.
Do I need to complete the entire portfolio?
Yes. All core modules must be completed and signed off, along with a required number of optional modules based on your role and workplace.
How long does it take to complete the portfolio?
- Part I: Typically 6–12 months
- Part II: May take longer, depending on experience and resources
- Evidence older than 3 years must be updated before submission.
Does my employer have to provide time to complete the portfolio?
Not necessarily. Some labs may provide time, but completion is ultimately your responsibility.
Is the portfolio assessed externally by IBMS?
No. Once signed off internally, you apply to IBMS for the award. However, IBMS may audit portfolios to ensure quality.
About the awards
What does completing Part I lead to?
You receive the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part I and may apply for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status if you meet IBMS membership and experience criteria.
What does completing Part II lead to?
You receive the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part II and may apply for Registered Scientist (RSci) status if you meet IBMS membership and experience criteria.
Is this the same as HCPC registration for biomedical scientists?
No. HCPC registration is legally required for biomedical scientists and requires an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and a biomedical science degree. RSciTech and RSci are voluntary registers.
Do the awards carry academic credits?
No. They are vocational qualifications, similar to NVQs, focused on workplace-based training.
What academic level is each qualification equivalent to?
- Part I: Level 3 (or Level 6 in Scotland) – comparable to A-levels, ONC, NVQ/SVQ 3.
- Part II: Level 5 (or Level 8 in Scotland) – comparable to BTEC diplomas, foundation degrees.
Employment
Are support staff roles replacing biomedical scientists?
No. Support staff roles are distinct, focusing on specific lab tasks without autonomous practice or in-depth scientific knowledge. Biomedical scientists require HCPC registration, which includes a degree and IBMS training.
Should support workers have a defined scope of practice?
Yes. The IBMS Certificates of Achievement help define support staff competence, distinguishing their role from biomedical scientists who require deeper knowledge and independence.
Will professional membership for support staff lower biomedical science standards?
No. Support staff can already be non-corporate IBMS members. The qualifications provide a structured framework for their role, with biomedical scientists ensuring standards are maintained.
Can these qualifications help progress towards HCPC registration?
Yes. Part II covers some HCPC standards and vocational elements of foundation degrees, offering a pathway to further study and professional development toward HCPC registration.
Professional Registration
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
You can apply to the Science Council for Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status once you have:
✔ Completed the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part I
✔ Joined IBMS as an Associate Member
Find out more about RSciTech registration
Registered Scientist (RSci)
You can apply to the Science Council for Registered Scientist (RSci) status once you have:
✔ Completed the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part II
Find out more about RSci registration
Application and Submissions
How to apply
A training member of staff must apply for the portfolio on your behalf.
To apply, submit the following to the IBMS Support Staff Team:
✔ Completed Order Form for the Certificate of Achievement portfolio
✔ Payment or purchase order
How to obtain your certificate
Once all performance criteria in your portfolio have been completed and signed off by your training officer or laboratory manager, you must both sign the declaration at the back of the portfolio.
Submission methods
📧 Email: Send applications and signed declarations to [email protected]
📬 Post:
Support Staff
IBMS
12 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
For details on fees and payment methods, please refer to the Certificate of Achievement application form.
Important notes
- The IBMS may audit portfolios to ensure standards are maintained.
- Once your submission is received, your IBMS Certificate of Achievement will be sent to your registered address within two weeks.
- Your certificate can also be used as evidence of your knowledge and skills and supports professional registration with the Science Council.
Need more help?
If you have any questions about the Certificate of Achievement please contact us.