Updated 09/09/26: 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 has today published new updated STP Equivalence Applicant Guidance document, 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. The previous STPE applicant guidance remains accessible on the guidance page.
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.
Equivalence
Equivalence exists when the outcomes of two processes are directly comparable even though the paths to achieving them are different. When equivalence is shown to exist between a new qualification and the qualification or experience an individual already has, repetition of effectively the same education or training becomes unnecessary.
The AHCS has developed equivalence assessment processes for Healthcare Science practitioners, scientists and higher specialist and scientists who have undertaken training, who hold qualifications and/or have considerable professional experience, and who wish to show that these are equivalent to the relevant training programme accredited by the National School of Healthcare Science.
Good Scientific Practice (GSP)is a key Academy document which underpins its healthcare science register, education and training and the Equivalence process. It sets out the foundations of professional standards on which safe and good working practice is based for all those in the healthcare science workforce.
After an extensive review process, the Academy has published an updated version of GSP. Many of the features of the original 2012 publication remain including the five domains under which the standards are clustered and alignment to other key statutory documents, but there have been changes. These include greater emphasis on putting the patient at the centre of all practice, how the standards relate to the breadth of the workforce, less duplication across the domains leading therefore to a reduction in the number of standards.
Using Generative Artificial Intelligence
The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly. AI can be used for a variety of purposes see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-artificial-intelligence-in-education/generative-artificial-intelligence-ai-in-education for some examples. However Generative AI can be used in ethical and unethical ways. For example, it can be used as a source of inspiration and help create ideas, or as a source of information, or to help with planning and management.
In the context of assessment, however, the unethical use of Generative AI can be considered to be a form of plagiarism and therefore if found could lead to the rejection of an Equivalence application, or an application for the Experience Practitioner Gateway.
For further details please refer to the relevant guidance statement:
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in AHCS Equivalence
STP Equivalence Process
STP Equivalence now includes the requirement to write a reflective piece on why becoming a Clinical Scientist is important to you, and importantly how you have demonstrated that you made the patient your first concern during the Equivalence process. This reflective piece should be no longer than 500 words and may be submitted as evidence in the Appendix to protect word count.
