Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC)
The Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) is a practical assessment designed to evaluate a person’s ability to identify vascular plants. Its primary goal is to measure botanical identification skills in realistic field conditions using a diverse selection of plant species.
Candidates participate in a FISC assessment day that includes two laboratory tests – one with the use of reference materials and one without – where they identify plant specimens. This is followed by a field test, during which they record as many species as they can identify at the designated site.
The results are marked against standard measures and candidates are awarded a certificate stating their skill level, from 1 (beginner) to 5 (professional), with 6 being awarded in exceptional cases. These skill levels relate to the field skills associated which each level in the Botanical Skills Ladder.
You can find out more about FISC on the BSBI website and you can also look at the FISC Information Booklet 2025 for full details of FISC and what it entails.
CIEEM is delivering FISC in partnership with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) who own and coordinate FISC.
BSBI is delighted to have CIEEM join as a partner in delivering FISC assessments for the first time in 2025 – Dr Chantal Helm, BSBI Training Coordinator
Assessment Days
As a FISC provider, CIEEM delivered 4 assessment dates during the Summer including 2 at the Eden Project in Cornwall and 2 in Brighton. New dates for 2026 will be announced in the coming months.
If you have any queries regarding these assessment days, then please contact training@cieem.net for more information.
Feedback from previous attendees
‘The FISC test at the Wilding Waterhall venue in Brighton was a really enjoyable and worthwhile experience – the site offered a rich chalk grassland in a peaceful setting. Ben Benatt was an excellent assessor – knowledgeable, supportive and professional throughout and the test itself was rigorous but fair, offering a clear, well-structured assessment of real-world botanical skills. Definitely recommended’.
‘I completed my FISC assessment with Ben last summer near Brighton and had a great experience. I was nervous at first but Ben eased us into the day and explained the tasks and schedule so we all felt more comfortable. Overall, the assessment day really boosted my confidence and I would highly recommend the venue and Ben as a FISC assessor!’
‘My group were well informed about the assessment format and the running of the day in advance and recapped on the day itself. The assessor was communicative and knowledgeable, answering any questions and putting us at ease, so we could enjoy the experience. The day was well organised and I would recommend to anyone wishing to establish a baseline for their plant ID knowledge or aiming for the next FSIC level.’
Are you a FISC Assessor?
If you a FISC Assessor and interested in working with CIEEM in delivering assessment days, then do contact the training team training@cieem.net for more information.