The Technical Skills Certificate is the latest initiative by the Royal Society of Biology, which follows on from the successful launch of the Industry Skills Certificate in 2019. This certificate is designed to support the career development of technical staff working in higher education, industry or in a private laboratory.

The courses which make up the certificate have been selected based on the results of a survey circulated among the technical community. The key skills identified were reinforced by advice from the RSB’s Employer Advisory Network (EAN). EAN is a direct interface between employers/industry and the Royal Society of Biology, which allows us to understand industry requirements better.

We know that technical staff make it happen and facilities would struggle to function effectively without their expertise and experience. The Royal Society of Biology fully supports the Technician Commitment and this certificate aims to support the career development and recognition of technical staff. The Technical Skills Certificate is also an objective in the Royal Society of Biology Technician Action Plan.

The Technical Skills certificate supports applicants working towards Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) status by supporting development in one or more of the following competency areas:

• Application of knowledge and understanding
• Personal responsibility
• Interpersonal skills
• Professional practice
• Professional standards

Participants can register with the RSB’s CPD scheme to further develop their skills and keep a record of their progress. If your role is technical or you are an aspiring technician, then this is the perfect programme to learn new skills or to up-skill in areas you have an interest in.

Certificate Requirements:

To achieve the certificate, you must undertake a minimum of five courses within a 24-month period. If this time period has been delayed by the availability of courses, or COVID-19 then this can be flexible. You can begin at any time by enrolling in your first course. Once you have completed your chosen courses you will be required to contact training@rsb.org.uk to verify your participation and to be awarded your Technical Skills Certificate.

Some courses are currently in development and require you to 'register your interest' to complete at a later date.

At least five courses must be taken from:

In-person courses

• Leadership in a Laboratory Environment
• Cell Culture: The Basics
• Laboratory Health & Safety (and COSHH)
• Microscopy & Microbiology
• Experimental Design in the Bioscience Laboratory
• Aseptic Technique
• Laboratory Maths
• ELISA
• Tissue Culture Techniques
• Microscopy and Bioimaging
• Protein Analysis and Identification
• DNA Analysis
• Aseptic Techniques in Microbiology

Online courses (via myLearning)

• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance - coming soon

To view our current courses that are available to book, please click here, and to view our online courses please go to myLearning. To register your interest in these courses please email us at training@rsb.org.uk.

Fees

The fees will vary based on the courses you select and whether or not you are a member of the Royal Society of Biology, or a member of a Member Organisation.

If you are an organisation and would like to register staff in bulk for this certificate, or require any further information please contact our training and registers officer or call 0203 925 3457.