To be eligible for BELS certification, you usually must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited academic institution and at least 2 years of experience as a manuscript editor in the life sciences. A manuscript editor is defined here as one who is concerned not only with the form but also with the intellectual content of a manuscript.
You may submit an Application Form to the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (the Board) at any time. Include your resume or curriculum vitae (your educational history and a summary of your editing or other relevant experience); one letter from an employer or client describing and verifying your employment for the required length of time (2 years unless you are requesting an exception); photocopies of transcripts, diplomas, or other documentation of your education; and your application fee of $65 US.
If you are requesting an exception, be certain to state which one and to submit the appropriate documents.
After you submit your Application Form, accompanying documents, and application fee, you will be notified shortly about your eligibility to register for the certification examination. Eligibility is determined on the basis of a complete set of application materials that demonstrates satisfactory fulfillment of the eligibility requirements. If you are eligible, you will be sent a dated notice and information regarding registration to sit for the exam.
Within your eligibility period, you may notify the Board that you wish to take the examination by submitting the exam registration form and a fee of $350 US. Once the registration fee has been paid, BELS will enter your details into the exam system operated by Prometric (the computer-based testing company BELS uses). Prometric will then send you instructions on how to find a testing center near you. They will also send communication on how to schedule the exam at a time that best fits your availability. The exam can also be taken online from your home or other setting.
The $350 registration fee is nonrefundable, and you are expected to take the exam during your eligibility period. However, you may extend this period once by 1 more year by paying an additional fee of $65 before the 2-year period expires. If you do not take the exam before your eligibility expires, your registration will be cancelled, and the fee will be forfeited.
Exam Schedule
Before sitting for the exam, you must first apply and be accepted into candidacy.
The testing windows are as follows:
- January 1-31
- April 1-30
- July 1-31
- October 1-31
The exam will be administered through computer-based testing done through Prometric. Prometric is the global testing services provider with the experience, expertise, resources and customer-focus to ensure the long-term success and growth of your assessment program. Prometric has testing locations in more than 160 countries around the world. You also have the option to take the test remotely, at home or another location of your choice, using your own computer. For information on testing remotely, please visit the remote assessment page on the Prometric site for more information.
BELS will be offering the exam one month per quarter each year.
January 1st-31st, April 1st-30th, July 1st-31st, October 1st – 31st.
