If you are a Biomedical Scientist supporting students, trainees, or colleagues in the lab, the IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP) in Training is a valuable qualification that can enhance your role as a trainer. Delivered online, this course covers six key modules including communication, assessment, and legal responsibilities. With two reflective assignments and a final 90-minute exam, it is a structured yet practical way to boost your confidence in training and supervision. Whether you are a new mentor or an experienced Training Officer, this qualification helps you deliver more effective, inclusive, and professional training in biomedical science.
By Ayyaz Ahmad | LabPathPro.com
Are you a Biomedical Scientist supporting students, apprentices, or trainees in the lab? Thinking about developing your skills in education, training, or supervision?
The IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP) in Training might be the perfect next step for you.
In this blog, I share my insights from the IBMS CEP 2025 course and explain how this practical, flexible qualification can boost your confidence and competence as a trainer in biomedical science.
What Is the IBMS CEP in Training?
The IBMS CEP in Training is a professional development course delivered online in partnership with Ulster University. It is aimed at Biomedical Scientists (typically Band 6 or above) who support the education and development of others in the laboratory—whether that is through student supervision, portfolio marking, or formal training roles.
The course runs from January to June and is structured into six themed modules with a combination of independent study, discussion forums, and assessments.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is perfect for:
- Training Officers or those aspiring to the role
- Biomedical Scientists involved in student placements, apprenticeships or portfolio support
- Colleagues helping with IBMS Registration or Specialist Portfolios
- Anyone seeking to enhance their teaching, assessment, or mentoring skills
- BMS staff preparing for senior or leadership positions in education or training
Whether you train others informally or are stepping into a formal training role, this course helps you deliver more structured, inclusive and effective support.
What Will You Learn?
The CEP is built around six practical modules:
- Training Roles and Responsibilities
– Exploring the responsibilities of BMS trainers and supervisors. - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Training
– Understanding inclusive education and equitable learning experiences. - Legal, Professional and Organisational Responsibilities
– Covering legislation, professional codes, and local training policies. - Communication in the Training Environment
– Developing effective communication and feedback strategies. - Learning Styles, Learning Techniques and Presentation Skills
– Adapting training to suit different learners and presenting content effectively. - Assessment and Evaluation
– Planning, delivering, and evaluating assessments in the lab setting.
Each module combines theory with workplace relevance, encouraging reflection on your own training style and opportunities for improvement.
What About the Assessment?
The course includes three key assessments:
- Reflective Assignment 1 (after Modules 1–3)
– A short written reflection on how early module content applies to your training role. - Reflective Assignment 2 (after Modules 4–6)
– A longer written piece outlining how you plan to apply your learning in practice, using examples from discussions and workplace experience. - 90-Minute Online Exam
– Taken at the end of the course, this includes:- 36 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- 6 short-answer questions (worth 5 marks each)
The pass mark is 65%, and the exam tests knowledge from all six modules. It is user-friendly, timed, and taken from home.
Together, these assessments are designed to reflect your understanding, support your real-world application, and enhance your role as a Biomedical Scientist trainer.
Why Should You Do It?
Completing the IBMS CEP in Training can help you:
- Structure your training approach and understand your educational responsibilities
- Deliver more effective feedback, inductions, and CPD sessions
- Mark IBMS portfolios more confidently and consistently
- Gain a recognised qualification to support career progression
- Contribute meaningfully to the development of future Biomedical Scientists
The course is flexible, well-paced, and highly applicable to day-to-day lab life. If you enjoy mentoring, sharing knowledge, or improving the training culture in your department, this course gives you the tools to do so with purpose and professionalism.
Final Thoughts
The IBMS CEP in Training is more than a certificate—it is an opportunity to improve how we teach, support, and inspire others in biomedical science.
At LabPathPro, we are passionate about lab training, career development, and sharing resources to support your growth as a BMS.
Planning to take the IBMS CEP or already completed it?
Leave a comment or visit our Contact page—we would love to hear your experience!
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