Advance your career with a specialised professional qualification
IBMS specialist diplomas provide evidence of expertise against a benchmark standard for a specialist practitioner, helping you progress in your biomedical science career. The portfolios are now assessed digitally through a portfolio of experiential learning and presentation, along with a laboratory tour and oral examination.
Achieving an IBMS Specialist Diploma will enable you to upgrade your IBMS membership.
Overview
The IBMS Specialist Diploma is designed for HCPC-registered biomedical scientists to demonstrate specialist knowledge, skills, and competency in a chosen discipline. This qualification provides structured training and assessment for biomedical scientists seeking to advance their careers.
The diploma is available in the following disciplines:
- Andrology
- Blood Sciences (as a modular, multi-discipline portfolio)
- Blood Transfusion Practice (formerly Transfusion Science)
- Cell Sciences
- Cellular Pathology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Clinical Immunology
- Cervical Cytology
- Diagnostic Cytopathology
- Genomics and Molecular Pathology
- Haematology with Hospital Transfusion Practice
- Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics
- Infection Sciences
- Medical Microbiology
- Point of Care Testing (POCT)
- Virology
- Rapid Onsite Evaluation ROSE*
*(for candidates who have completed a Specialist Diploma qualification and are currently working in a ROSE clinic)
Assessment process
The diploma is assessed by IBMS examiners through:
✔ Portfolio review
✔ Presentation on scope of practice, current trends, and specialist knowledge
✔ Laboratory tour and oral assessment
📌 The time limit for completion has been removed, but portfolios expire three years after a new version is introduced. All evidence must be current (within three years of the examination).
Upon completion, the diploma can be used as evidence of specialist knowledge and skills for career progression.
Assessment
Completing the portfolio
Candidates must complete all sections of the portfolio. However, not all sections require evidence of practical competence:
- If a particular analysis is not performed in the laboratory, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the principles, practice, and key skills required.
- Evidence must be signed and dated by both the training officer (or suitable trainer) and the candidate.
- The assessor's box must be completed to confirm all evidence meets specialist standards.
- A reflective log must be completed.
- The portfolio should not exceed one lever-arch file.
📌 A signed statement from the laboratory manager is required, confirming the laboratory’s repertoire and the analyses a specialist practitioner in that laboratory would be expected to perform without supervision.
Arranging the examination
To request an examination, the laboratory manager or training officer should submit an Application for Examination of Specialist Portfolio to [email protected].
✔ Examiner allocation: The IBMS will allocate an examiner within two months of receiving the application.
✔ Scheduling the examination: The examiner will contact the training officer to arrange a date.
What to expect at the exam
On the examination day, candidates will:
✔ Give a presentation on their scope of practice and role in the laboratory
✔ Answer questions from the examiner on their presentation and portfolio evidence
✔ Take part in a laboratory tour and oral assessment to demonstrate specialist-level knowledge
After the examination:
✔ The examiner meets with the training officer to review the assessment
✔ The examiner provides feedback to the candidate and training officer
Final steps
Following the examination visit:
✔ The examiner submits a Specialist Diploma examination report to the IBMS Specialist Team
✔ The training officer submits a Specialist Portfolio Examination Laboratory Feedback Form
📌 Once both reports have been received, the IBMS will issue the candidate’s Specialist Diploma the following week.
Applying
To apply for an IBMS Specialist Diploma, you must:
✔ Be a Licentiate of the IBMS (IBMS Members and Fellows can also apply)
✔ Be HCPC registered as a biomedical scientist
✔ Work in a laboratory with IBMS post-registration training approval
📌 Membership requirement
- You must maintain current, paid IBMS membership throughout the qualification for your portfolio to be examined.
- Your laboratory must have IBMS post-registration training approval to receive an IBMS Specialist Diploma portfolio. Check with your laboratory manager or training officer if you are unsure.
- Multi-discipline portfolios: To apply for a multi-discipline portfolio, your laboratory must have multi-discipline training approval.
Applying
How to apply
📩 Submit a completed application form to [email protected].
Fees and application forms
For the fee and methods of payment for the portfolio, please refer to the IBMS Specialist Diploma application form in the Resources section below.
Applications will initially be through the application forms below, which should be sent to [email protected].
Frequently asked questions
Eligibility
Can I complete the specialist portfolio if I am not an IBMS member?
No. You must be a current corporate member of the IBMS (Licentiate, Member, or Fellow). Associate members are not eligible.
Candidates are required to maintain their membership of the IBMS for the duration of the qualification in order for their specialist portfolio to be examined.
Why do I need to complete the specialist portfolio?
The specialist diploma is required to upgrade from Licentiate to Member and demonstrates specialist-level knowledge and competency. It differs from the HCPC registration portfolio, which verifies fitness to practise across the entire profession rather than a single discipline. Some employers may also use the diploma to assess specialist knowledge and skills for career progression.
Who pays for the specialist portfolio?
This is a local decision. Both employers and individuals benefit from the qualification, which formally recognises specialist skills. The one-off charge covers the cost of the portfolio and external examiner expenses.
When can my portfolio be examined?
You must be a corporate IBMS member for at least one year before your portfolio can be examined. However, you may be eligible for assessment even if you have held the portfolio for less than a year.
How long does it take to arrange an exam?
Exam dates depend on examiner availability. The IBMS aims to allocate an examiner within two months of receiving your application. The examiner will then arrange a mutually convenient date with your training officer.
Portfolio organisation and evidence
How should I organise my specialist portfolio?
- The specialist portfolio follows the same principles as the registration portfolio, but the standard of evidence is higher.
- Evidence should not exceed one lever-arch file.
- An index should be included, with evidence organised according to portfolio sections.
What type of evidence is required?
- The Evidence of Achievement section specifies the required evidence.
- Only the indicated evidence should be included—additional materials are not required.
- Some sections require questions set by the trainer as the only evidence needed.
Can I use evidence from a previous laboratory?
- Yes, if the evidence is relevant and up to date.
- The current training officer is responsible for checking the evidence and confirming competency.
- Some work may need to be reviewed or updated before it can be signed off.
Who signs off the portfolio?
- The trainer who assessed competence should sign the Evidence of Achievement section.
- A training officer (or senior staff member) must also review the portfolio and sign the assessor’s box.
- The external examiner does not sign any section of the portfolio.
How do I complete the reflective logs?
Reflective logs encourage you to:
✔ Consider how your laboratory applies each topic
✔ Identify what you have learned
✔ Explain how your learning applies to patient diagnosis
✔ Outline future learning goals
The logs may help in preparing for the laboratory tour and oral assessment.
Training and standards
When does my specialist training officially start?
The start date can reflect when you began training, rather than when the portfolio was issued. Newly registered biomedical scientists typically undergo specialist training before applying for the portfolio.
Can I use MSc coursework as portfolio evidence?
Not directly. Portfolio evidence must be specific to laboratory-based training and meet the Evidence of Achievement requirements. Essays and coursework are not normally accepted.
Do I need to complete all sections of the portfolio?
Yes, but not all sections require practical evidence. Some sections may only require demonstration of knowledge and understanding.
How long does training take?
- Specialist training usually takes up to two years post-registration.
- If you have relevant prior experience, you may complete the portfolio sooner.
- There is no longer a time limit for completing the diploma, but outdated portfolios expire three years after a new version is introduced.
- Evidence must be no older than three years at the time of examination.
How should training officers support candidates?
- Read the portfolio guidance notes and relevant IBMS resources.
- Develop a training programme tailored to the portfolio.
- Ensure the trainee understands the portfolio requirements.
- Set assessment questions based on the knowledge and competence sections.
Do I need to complete training in one laboratory?
No. Training may take place across multiple laboratories, but all laboratories involved must have IBMS training approval.
Specialist practitioner status
Do I need a specialist diploma for career progression?
While not mandatory, the specialist diploma provides formal recognition of specialist competency, which may support career advancement.
When can I work on-call?
This depends on employer requirements and your competency. The specialist diploma is not directly linked to on-call duties but may demonstrate relevant competencies.
Do I need to complete another portfolio if I change disciplines?
Not necessarily. However, HCPC regulations require you to be competent in your new scope of practice. The specialist portfolio is one way to gain and evidence this competency.
Additional support
Are there courses available to support completion of the portfolio?
The IBMS does not run specific courses, but you may find relevant university modules, local IBMS branch events, or employer-led training.
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If you have any questions about the Specialist Diplomas please contact us.