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.