With an increase of trainees joining the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) programme, our Independent Assessment of Professional Skills (IAPS) assessments are continuously growing. The recent November IAPS, held between Monday 20 November to 1 December 2023, had our highest intake of candidates to date, since the assessments were created. We have HSST trainees approaching completion across a wide range of specialties. As a result, we are looking to expand the pool of examiners who help us deliver the IAPS.
Workplace supervisors who have become IAPS examiners have told us how they felt it was beneficial to their role. If you support a HSST trainee, becoming an IAPS examiner gives you a further insight into supporting your candidates throughout the HSST programme. It will also provide you with a direct understanding of what is expected from your candidates for their IAPS assessment.
How to get involved
Click the link below for further details about the IAPS examiner role and the eligibility criteria.
pagesThe IAPS assessment - what is it and how does the assessment work?
The IAPS is the Independent Assessment of Professional Skills for the non Life Sciences Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme and is held twice a year in May and November. The examination is only for HSST trainees under the following science themes:
- Physiological Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Bioinformatics Sciences
The IAPS consists of 3 parts
- A pre professional discussion showcase – this is the stage a candidate is expected to submit a showcase of their portfolio mapped to the 5 domains of the Higher Specialist Scientist Standards of Proficiency.
- Professional discussion Element 1 – this is where the candidate is expected to review a specialist or service-based paper and have a paper discussion with the panel. The examining panel choose the specialist paper for the discussion and prepare questions prior to the discussion on the day of the assessment as part of their pre assessment deliberations.
- Professional discussion Element 2 – the candidate will have a panel interview with 3 panel examiners from their individual specialty where they will be assessed on how they meet the specialist scientists’ standards of proficiency.
Click the links below for further details about the IAPS and upcoming IAPS dates.
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