Identification qualifications

Exam practice

IdQs are not training courses but accreditation by examination of existing identification skills. The best training you can do is to practise.

In order to maintain a separation between training and assessment we do not run regular training courses leading directly to the Identification Qualification. However, there are a number of institutions in the UK offering a variety of courses in identification of plant and animals species.

Courses at The Natural History Museum

• The University of Birmingham, in collaboration with the NHM and the Field Studies Council (FSC) are running Identification Masterclasses in Bryophytes and Aquatic plants which offer participants the opportunity to take a mock IDQ for free.
• The Education Staff at the Museum run a variety of of taught courses, talks and field study tours. Further information.
• We can design training courses especially for a minimum group size (about ten people). If you wish to discuss this further please contact us.

Courses run by other organizations

The following list can be used for guidance but it does not necessarily represent a recommendation. Look in your local telephone directories or yellow pages to find natural history, ecology or wildlife centres near you that may run courses on identification.

• The University of Birmingham specialises in training for field identification and runs an extensive range of Training and Professional Development programmes including Biological Recording and Ornithology.
• Field Studies Council works through a network of residential and day centres and offers a range of other services including training courses and publications.
• The Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management run a practitioner-led professional development programme. Non-members are welcome to attend.
• The University of Durham, in collaboration with the NHM run courses on Freshwater Algae identification.
• Local Wildlife Trust
• Local museum
• Local college or university