Equivalence route to HCPC registration

Become HCPC registered with the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist)

If you are currently working at the level of a Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered biomedical scientist but are not HCPC registered you can now become HCPC registered by completing an IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence.

Who can apply?

Candidates for the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) should have:

relevant* professional experience at a level or beyond the level for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
be able to demonstrate they have met HCPC standards of proficiency in a manner equivalent to existing programmes accredited by the IBMS and approved by the HCPC

*Biomedical Scientist is a protected title regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council who define this as: "A biomedical scientist analyses specimens from patients to provide data to help doctors diagnose and treat disease" and they normally work in a clinical pathology service laboratory where these tests are undertaken. This includes clinical genetics and andrology.

Please Note: The Certificate of Competence by Equivalence route 2023 cohort will be open on the 5th September 2022. Those interested in the route and believe they meet the entry requirements are welcome to request an application pack by email to equivalence@ibms.org from the 5th September 2022 until the 30^th September 2022.

About the qualification

The equivalence route to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist involves the assessment of experiential learning, acquired from the combination of academic qualifications and professional practice.

Your level of qualifications, professional training, experience and competence are evidenced by completing an IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio.

The IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio learning outcomes are mapped against the HCPC's standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists.

Once you have completed your Registration Equivalence Portfolio and had it successfully assessed, you will be awarded a Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) and will be eligible to apply to the HCPC for registration as a biomedical scientist.

Full details of the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio and the assessment process for the award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) are available in the Programme Specification, Guidance for Applicants and The Role of Mentors.

IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Handbook

Candidates undertaking the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback form three months after receiving their portfolio - your feedback will help us to ensure our qualifications are meeting your needs.

Completing the portfolio

Candidates undertaking the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Monitoring Feedback form three to nine months after receiving their portfolio.

The candidate's mentor is asked to complete a Mentor Monitoring Feedback Form three to nine months after the candidate receives their portfolio.

IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Handbook

IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Programme Specification

IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) Guidance for Applicants

Assessment

Your portfolio and evidence will be assessed by an IBMS assessment panel.

If your portfolio and supporting evidence is assessed as meeting threshold standards for HCPC registration and practice as a biomedical scientist, you will be invited to attend an oral assessment with the assessment panel.

Following the oral assessment, the panel will make a recommendation to the IBMS Education and Professional Standards Committee (EPSC). EPSC will confirm whether your portfolio, supporting evidence and oral assessment meet the requirements for HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist.

For further detail on completing the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio and the assessment process for the award of the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) please see our Guidance for Applicants.

Candidates who have completed the IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio are asked to complete a Candidate Final Feedback form - your feedback will help us to ensure our qualifications are meeting your needs.

Fees and how to apply

Please refer to the IBMS Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist) application form for the fee and methods of payment for the route. Please read our Guidance for Applicants before beginning your application. Having read the documentation, if you meet the criteria please contact equivalence@ibms.org for an application pack from 1st November 2021 to 3rd December 2021.

On receipt of your application

The IBMS Education Team will review your qualifications and experience against the entry criteria for the Certificate of Competence by Equivalence (Biomedical Scientist).

Your application must include evidence of at least three years of training and professional practice in the duties and responsibilities commensurate with the minimum level of practice for an HCPC registered biomedical scientist.

If your application is successful you will be admitted to the programme and issued with an IBMS Registration Equivalence Portfolio.