Upcoming Changes to the Equivalence Process for 2026/27
As we prepare for the 2026/27 academic year, the Academy for Healthcare Science is pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new digitalisation project designed to enhance and streamline the Equivalence application process. Alongside this, AHCS will be publishing an updated STP Equivalence Applicant Guidance document soon, designed to improve accessibility, clarity and ease of navigation for applicants, which will apply to applications submitted from 14th September 2026.
What You Need to Know
Existing Equivalence Applicants
There will be no changes to your current application. The process will continue to operate exactly as it does today, with no impact on existing applicants.
New STPE Applicants
Under the new process, applicants will be required to pay the application fee at the start of their application journey. Once payment has been made, the completed application, including the portfolio, must be submitted within one month. To facilitate the transition to the new digitalised process, new STP Equivalence applications will be temporarily paused from 1 September 2026 and will reopen on 14 September 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to review the updated guidance document before beginning an application to familiarise themselves with the revised process and requirements. Applicants should ensure that their portfolio template and supporting evidence are complete before submitting payment and commencing their application.
New PTP, HSS and COC Applicants
There are no immediate changes for these applicant groups. However, the new digitalised process outlined above will be introduced for PTP, HSS and COC applications in the near future.
STPE Interview Panel Members
A new, more streamlined booking system for STPE interviews will be introduced shortly, providing an improved and more efficient scheduling experience.
We look forward to implementing these enhancements and ensuring a smooth transition for all users. Further information and guidance will be shared closer to the launch date.
Apply for Equivalence
To be eligible to apply for Equivalence, you need to be living in the UK and currently employed in the UK at the appropriate level, and have a minimum of 3 years service.
It is strongly recommended that you read the guidance documents on our website to check eligibility and also consult the appropriate curriculum to check your skills and knowledge match those of a graduate on the relevant programme so that you can ensure you have the required evidence to complete your portfolio before applying.
Please note: Applicants currently enrolled on either the NSHCS HSS, STP or PTP Training Programmes may not apply concurrently for Equivalence with the AHCS.
If you are eligible to apply for equivalence, you first need to create a Profile.
Within your Profile you can then apply for:
STP Equivalence
HSS Equivalence
PTP Equivalence
Certificate of Competence
The Academy for Healthcare Science provides assessment of the equivalence of applicant’s existing qualifications, training, and experience against the appropriate AHCS Standards and the learning outcomes contained in the relevant National School of Healthcare Science (NSHCS) training programme.
When a person provides evidence that they have the knowledge, skills and competence comparable to someone completing the applicable NSHCS programme, they are issued with a Certificate of Equivalence. This certificate confers eligibility to apply for appropriate registration e.g. statutory registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist, or registration with the Academy as a Practitioner or a Higher Specialist Scientist.
GENETIC COUNSELLOR STP EQUIVALENCE APPLICATIONS
STP equivalence applicants currently on the AHCS Register who previously completed and maintained their AHCS Registration through the Genetic Counsellor Registration Advisory Board (GCRAB previously GCRB) must use the STP Certificate of Equivalence with GCRAB RPL Mapping Template as part of their application. This template is a Recognition of Prior Learning through the assessment of the GCRAB portfolio. Applicants will be required to include their GCRAB certificate as well as their MSc certificate for eligibility to STP Equivalence using the RPL Template.
For more information and support, Registered Genetic Counsellors should review the GCRAB website (www.gcrab.org/genetic-counsellor) for information about drop in sessions.
