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
As a FISC provider, CIEEM has arranged a number of assessment dates for candidates to book onto.
Assessment Days
Upcoming Assessment Days that are available to book:
- South East – Brighton – 23 July 2025
- South East – Brighton – 24 July 2025
- South West – Eden Project, Cornwall – 13 August 2025
- South West – Eden Project, Cornwall – 14 August 2025
If you have any queries regarding these assessment days, then please contact training@cieem.net for more information.
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.