Diplomate Program

The diplomate program is designed for BELS-certified editors who have had extensive experience in scientific communication in English and who are highly proficient.

All statements of fees refer to US currency.

The Procedure

The procedure comprises two steps: applying for candidacy and, once the application is accepted, submitting a portfolio of edited material with a statement of circumstances surrounding the editing.

Eligibility

To be eligible for diplomate status, the candidate must have been a BELS-certified editor for at least 2 years and be able to document at least 6 years of editorial experience.

If you fulfill the criteria described above, you are invited to complete the Application for Diplomate Candidacy (fee: $100).

Acceptance

If you are accepted for diplomate candidacy, you will receive a portfolio guide. The guide provides you with information about the elements that must be included for your portfolio to be considered for review. You will have 2 years in which to submit your portfolio with a $300 evaluation fee. If your portfolio fulfills the criteria, the BELS registrar will choose three reviewers, all of whom are BELS diplomate editors. Once the reviewers' scores have been tabulated, you will be informed whether you have passed and earned the ELS(D) designation.

If your first try was not successful, you may resubmit your revised portfolio with the $150 application fee any time within your 2 years of eligibility. 

Start Your Application