Overall formation

22. Each applicant must have a minimum of at least 8 years' post-secondary school education and professional experience, which must include a recognised degree (or equivalent) in a biological subject and at least three years' post-graduate professional experience.

23. As recognised degrees in European countries vary in duration from approximately 3 to 5 years, the period of 8 years' post-secondary school education must be within the formation:

3U + 2(U and / or T and / or E) + 3E

where:

23.1 U represents a year (full-time or equivalent) studying for a degree (or equivalent) in a biological subject at a university or similar body

23.2 T represents a year (full-time or equivalent) of relevant training

23.3 E represents a year (full-time or equivalent) of relevant professional experience.

Recognised degrees

24. A recognised degree is one that is recognised by ECBA for the purposes of the European Professional Biologist title. A list of recognised degrees is given in Annex 2.

25. A biological subject is one where at least 50% of the total time is spent on biology.

26. Biology is that branch of science dealing with the study of living organisms.

Assessment of professional experience

27. A European Professional Biologist must:

27.1 be able to apply his/her knowledge to a satisfactory standard in a biologically related job

27.2 be knowledgeable about health, safety, environmental and other regulations relating to his/her job

27.3 possess a broad knowledge of experimental and other biological skills

27.4 be able to plan and organise work to a satisfactory standard

27.5 be able to make clear oral and written presentations and reports.