How to Register as a Biomedical Scientist with HCPC: Complete UK Guide
HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registration is a legal requirement to practise as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS) in the United Kingdom. This guide explains every step — from completing your IBMS portfolio to submitting your HCPC application.
The two-part route to HCPC registration
| Part | What it is | Who assesses it |
|---|---|---|
| IBMS Certificate of Competence | Portfolio demonstrating competence in all HCPC Standards of Proficiency | IBMS (Institute of Biomedical Science) |
| HCPC application | Formal registration application | HCPC |
Step 1 — Complete your accredited degree
You must hold a degree in biomedical science (or equivalent) accredited by IBMS. Most BSc Biomedical Science programmes at UK universities are IBMS-accredited — check the IBMS list.
Step 2 — Complete your NHS training year
After your degree you work in an NHS (or equivalent) pathology laboratory completing the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio. This typically takes one year and covers:
- Haematology and blood transfusion
- Clinical biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Cellular pathology (histology and cytology)
- At least one specialist area to a higher level
Step 3 — Complete the IBMS registration portfolio
- 1
Obtain the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio
Purchase from IBMS (ibms.org). It contains every competency you must demonstrate and have signed off.
- 2
Work through all competencies
Each competency must be demonstrated in practice and signed off by a qualified HCPC-registered BMS assessor.
- 3
Complete any written examination component
Some IBMS pathways include a written examination — check current pathway requirements.
- 4
Submit to IBMS for assessment
IBMS issues the Certificate of Competence (CoC) when your portfolio is assessed as satisfactory.
Step 4 — Apply to HCPC
- 1
Create an HCPC online account
Go to hcpc-uk.org → Registration → Apply to join the register.
- 2
Submit your application
You need your IBMS Certificate of Competence, degree certificate, proof of identity and character declaration.
- 3
Pay the registration fee
Current fees are listed on hcpc-uk.org. Registration runs on a two-year cycle.
- 4
Receive your HCPC registration number
Once approved you appear on the public HCPC register and may use the protected title "Biomedical Scientist".
Renewing HCPC registration
- Complete a CPD declaration confirming continuing professional development
- A proportion of registrants are audited and must submit CPD evidence
- Pay the renewal fee
- HCPC CPD standards require a mix of learning activities relevant to BMS practice
References: HCPC Standards of Proficiency — Biomedical Scientists (current) — hcpc-uk.org. IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and Certificate of Competence guidance — ibms.org.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I register as a Biomedical Scientist with HCPC?
- Registration is a two-part route: first complete an IBMS-accredited degree and the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio in an approved pathology laboratory to obtain the Certificate of Competence, then apply to HCPC online with that certificate, your degree certificate, proof of identity and a character declaration, and pay the registration fee.
- How long does the IBMS training portfolio take?
- The registration training portfolio is normally completed over about one year of work in an NHS or equivalent pathology laboratory, covering haematology and blood transfusion, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, cellular pathology and at least one specialist area to a higher level.
- Can I call myself a Biomedical Scientist without HCPC registration?
- No. Biomedical Scientist is a protected title in the United Kingdom, and you may only use it once you appear on the public HCPC register.
- How often is HCPC registration renewed?
- HCPC registration runs on a two-year cycle. At renewal you pay the fee and make a CPD declaration; a proportion of registrants are audited and must submit CPD evidence.