BFS Certification FAQs
What entry qualifications are required to undertake training and who may benefit from the courses?
- Assisted Conception
The trainee must already be working in the field of infertility and reproductive medicine and have a basic medical qualification e.g. MB ChB or be a fertility nurse.
- Embryo Transfer/IUI
The trainee must have a basic medical qualification e.g. MB ChB or be a fertility nurse.
- Male Fertility
The trainee must be either a trainee, specialist or consultant in Urology or Gynaecology.
- Management of the Infertile Couple
The trainee must have a basic medical qualification e.g. MB ChB or be a fertility nurse.
- Pelvic Ultrasound
The trainee must have a basic medical qualification e.g. MB ChB or be a fertility nurse
- Quality Management of a Fertility Service
Anyone working in fertility services and wanting to improve their management and leadership skills.
- Fertility Preservation
The trainee must have the approval of a tertiary level fertility unit (IVF), who will act as the training centre; the trainee must already have experience (or in the process of acquiring experience) in assisted conception techniques; the trainers must be working in or have an affiliation to a tertiary level fertility unit. If a sole trainer does not have the requisite skills to complete all aspects of training then two supervisors would be acceptable
- Creating Modern Families and Donor Assisted Conception
The trainee must be working in the field of infertility and reproductive medicine and working within a tertiary centre offering the whole spectrum of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) or have the access to sessional work in such a centre
- Pre-implantation Genetic Testing
The trainee must be working in the field of infertility and reproductive medicine and working within a tertiary IVF centre offering (directly or indirectly via a satellite service) PGT
How long will the module take to complete?
The handbooks provide a guideline of between 6-12 months for completion of the training module. You are required to submit the completed module within 18 months of attendance to the associated Study Day. If for any reason you are unable to complete the module within this timescale, please submit a formal letter at the time to explain why there is due to be a delay in completion within the agreed timescale, this letter should be supported by your trainer with any relevant evidence.
The Committee are not able to consider extensions if reasonable evidence cannot be provided.
When can I start the training module?
Once your application has been approved by the BFS Training Subcommittee and you have received a letter of acceptance onto the module you can begin your training. If your application has not been approved and you have already started your training module, please contact the BFS team on bfs@profileproductions.co.uk for further advice.
Do I have to attend the study day before starting the module?
There is no particular order, however the Study Days take place once a year and there are a limited number of spaces available.
Can I submit retrospective data?
This is not recommended, however this would be a discussion between you and your BFS Trainer. Your trainer will be required to sign off your retrospective data, at their discretion. There remains a requirement to keep a record your regular appraisal meetings with your trainer. You will of course be unable to record this retrospectively.