What is diplomate membership?
Diplomate membership is available to those on the path to fellowship at the College, biomedical scientists working in the field and former associate College members. Diplomate membership recognises these individuals and their contribution to the profession through use of post-nominals. Anyone who is eligible to take up diplomateship of the College will be entitled to use DipRCPath after their name for as long as they remain a diplomate of the College.
The following groups are eligible to become diplomates of the College:
- Anyone who has passed the FRCPath Part 1 examination. This includes current associates and those who have chosen not to become a member so far.
- Anyone who has passed the Certificate exams in Medical Genetics or the Combined Infection Certificate Examination (CICE).
- Biomedical scientists who are current members of the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), and have passed the Advanced Specialist Diploma in one of the following:
- Specimen Dissection
- Cervical Cytology
- Non-Gynaecological Cytology
- Ophthalmic Pathology
- Histopathology Reporting – Dermatopathology
- Histopathology Reporting – Gastrointestinal Tract
- Histopathology Reporting – Gynaecological Pathology.
Please note that diplomate membership will be automatically offered to any individual who passes one of the exams in the above three categories. Candidates who pass the FRCPath Part 1 or relevant Certificate examinations will receive notification of this with their pass letter from the College.
Benefits of diplomate membership
As a diplomate member of the College, you can access a variety of benefits to support you in your professional development. These include:
- Post-nominals: You will be entitled to use the post-nominal letters DipRCPath, globally recognised credentials that showcase your commitment and expertise in pathology.
- Member Handbook: search the College’s Member Handbook to find information and contact details for fellows and diplomates in your College network.
- CPD support: Use our bespoke CPD portfolio to record and report on your CPD activity, and access guidance from our dedicated CPD team.
- Stand for College roles: With the exception of Council, diplomates are eligible to stand for a variety of College governance roles, including on Special Advisory Committees.
- College publications: Receive our quarterly journal the Bulletin, the monthly President’s Newsletter to keep you up-to-date with the latest news and events.
- Useful resources: Access the College’s vast library of educational resources, including professional guidelines and webinars.
- Discounts: Enjoy discounted rates for College conferences, events, and selected medical publications.
- Pathology Portal: Support your continued professional development by accessing a range of useful resources through the College’s Pathology Portal.
- Professional representation: Benefit from the College’s representation in consultations with the UK government and other key stakeholders.
How to apply
FRCPath Part 1
If you pass the FRCPath Part 1 session, you will automatically be offered Diplomateship.
If you have previously passed the FRCPath Part 1 or Certificate examinations (in Medical Genetics/Combined Infection) and are not currently a member of the College, please email [email protected] with your enquiry. If you are eligible, you will be sent an RCPath consent form to complete and return along with payment following which Diplomateship will be confirmed.
Biomedical scientists
If you have passed an Advanced Specialist Diploma (ASD) from the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), you must submit the following to the College:
- Letter/certificate confirming a pass in the relevant ASD examination
- Evidence of current membership of the IBMS
Once the letter/certificate and evidence of current IBMS membership has been verified, you will be sent an RCPath consent form to complete and return along with payment. Diplomate membership will be confirmed upon ratification by Council.
The deadlines for submission of evidence for IBMS members is as follows:
- Friday 18 January for February Council
- Friday 12 April for May Council
- Friday 12 July for August Council
- Friday 18 October for November Council
All enquiries can be sent to [email protected]. If you are writing to the College, please contact the Membership Department at our address:
The Royal College of Pathologists
6 Alie Street
London
E1 8QT
