Biorisk Professional Register
Biorisk Professional Registration provides a mechanism for those involved in management, control or containment of biorisk to develop and evidence their professional skills and to provide a benchmark of professional competence for duty-holders.
Biorisk Professional Registration is for anyone acting as a practitioner providing advice, support or oversight on the management, control or containment of biological risk. In practice, there are currently a wide range of job titles covering such roles - Biological Safety or Risk Officer, Adviser or Manager, and several more. These roles can be across a wide range of organisations - universities, research institutes, government labs, NHS path labs, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals etc. and across a wide range of contexts - research labs, diagnostic testing labs, animal facilities, manufacturing facilities etc.
The Registered Biorisk Adviser (RBA) pathway is intended for new practitioners and/or those who require a basic level of recognised competence and/or those who are supporting work of lesser inherent risk at low biocontainment.
The higher Registered Biorisk Specialist (RBS) pathway is intended for practitioners developing a career as a biorisk adviser / specialist and/or need a higher level of recognised competence and/or are supporting more complex work of greater inherent risk at high biocontainment.
RBS thus builds on RBA, and the latter is a prerequisite of the former. RBA and then RBS provides a career pathway for practitioners.
Full guidance on the application process can be found here.
Registered Biorisk Adviser (RBA) entry requirements
To join the scheme at RBA level, a qualification in life sciences (or a related subject) at RQF5 level (Diploma / HND) or above is required. There is scope for recognition of alternative qualifications, experiential learning and/or other STEM subjects - please contact the RSB team to discuss.
RBA entrants are also required to join RSB at a minimum of Associate (AMRSB) level. For details see Associate (AMRSB) RSB membership.
Compliance with the RSB Code of Professional & Ethical Conduct is a requirement, both for entry and for continuing registration.
Until June 2026, Level 1 Biosafety Practitioners (BSP1) can become RBA, subject to verification of BSP1 status, joining RSB at a minimum of Associate (AMRSB) level, and providing the evidence for the essential skills component of RBA.
Other non-UK qualifications and accreditations in biorisk management may be considered as alternative entry routes for RBA - please contact the RSB team to discuss.
Registered Biorisk Specialist (RBS) entry requirements
To join the scheme at RBS level, prior registration in BPRS as RBA is required, along with a minimum of four years full-time equivalent work with biological agents at Containment Level 2 or in an open laboratory (or operational management or support of such work), or a minimum of two years full-time equivalent work with biological agents at Containment Level 3 or 4 (or operational management or support of such work). There is scope for recognition of a variety of relevant other experience and work backgrounds - please contact the RSB team to discuss.
For RBS, formal training is also required as an auditor and as a trainer. An example of courses that would meet these respective requirements are the ISO 45001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, or ISO 9001 auditor courses, the RQF3 certificate in Education & Training (or the previous PTLLS certificate), or a suitable Train-the-trainer course. Significant equivalent professional experience to demonstrate these requirements may be acceptable as an alternative to formal training in some cases - please contact the RSB team to discuss.
RBS entrants are also required to join RSB at a minimum of Member (MRSB) level. For details, see Member (MRSB) membership. Compliance with the RSB Code of Professional & Ethical Conduct is a requirement, both for entry and for continuing registration.
Until June 2026, Level 2 Biosafety Practitioners can directly transition to the RBS level, subject to verification of BSP2 status, joining RSB at a minimum of Member (MRSB) level, and to final approval by the BPRS Committee. Other non-UK qualifications and accreditations in biorisk management may be considered as alternative entry routes for RBS - please contact the RSB team to discuss.
Applications are taken via mySociety. Once you have opened an application, you have 12 months to complete and submit.
Before you apply - you will need:
To read the guidance document in full to assess your eligibilityAn up to date CVCopies of relevant qualification certificatesEvidence to support your application; please see the guidance document for full detailsContact details for two referees who know you well in a professional capacity, and can confirm the contents of your application. Note: only one of the referees can be from your current employer.
If you have any questions during your application, please contact the team on registers@rsb.org.uk.
Key knowledge requirements
The key knowledge requirements as set out in the guidance document will be demonstrated by attendance at approved training courses. Approved training courses are;
Biosafety practitioner level 1 (BSP1)Biosafety practitioner level 2 (BSP2)Biorisk advisor training, Pirbright Institute
Essential skills requirements
Please work through the competencies checklist and complete each section of the application, providing evidence for each competency. You will not be able to submit until every section is completed.
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| Application Fee | £55 |
| Renewal Fee | £60 |
Start your application now and join the world's biggest network of life science professionals.
For more information on professional registration, read our Frequently Asked Questions
Joining the RSci register recognises my skills as a professional scientist, in particular the 'on-the-job' experience I have gained on top of my qualifications. The process allowed me an opportunity to reflect on the work I have done and has helped me appreciate how much I have learned over the past couple of years. I now have access to many CPD opportunities through the RSB, and keeping a record also allows me to reflect.
I thought the registers were an innovative idea, because they relied on my work experience rather than academic qualifications, giving me the same chance to join as everyone else. Also, I liked that continued registration was dependent on CPD, as this would help me keep up to date.
I joined the registers that document and guide maintenance of my core competencies as a biologist (CBiol), scientist (CSci) and teacher (CSciTeach). The register has guided my efforts to increase effectiveness and balance in research, service and teaching. Even more, it formally requires me to reflect on social impact, an aspect often lost. RSB registers assure competency and mentorship at all stages of career and are invaluable.
In my role, there is an expectation from regulatory authorities of being able to demonstrate that you are an appropriately qualified individual to perform safety assessments. Joining the UK Register of Toxicologists register has provided a visible and internationally accepted recognition of my professional skills and experience. I would recommend applying to join the register to any toxicologist who feels they have the appropriate experience.
I joined the Chartered Biologist register (CBiol) because I wanted to have recognition for the skills I have developed during my career and the commitment I have made to my professional development. I would really recommend joining a professional register as being part of a community that publicly holds itself accountable for high standards is something to be proud of and can help you to inspire others as well.
I run my own business as a science consultant, trainer and auditor for environmental health and medical laboratory services, and it's very important for me to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to high standards in industry. In a nutshell, my professional registration helps me win contracts in a very competitive market.
I am the Production Manager at Wyevale Nurseries, responsible for the Biosecurity and Plant Health of 1.5 million shrubs, herbaceous, ferns and grasses at Wyevale Nurseries. Joining the plant health register has further bolster my biosecurity credentials, allowed me to feel more confident in my own plant health knowledge, and has opened opportunities to work with other plant health organisations.
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