What to Expect

The FISC is a test that assesses your botanical proficiency on a scale from 1 (beginner) to 5 (professional), with a level 6 awarded in exceptional cases. The FISC assesses your real-life botanical skills and is not designed to be part of a training course. Conducted over a day, the FISC is an enjoyable experience.

There are three separate elements to a FISC. There are two lab tests, the first of which is ten specimens that should be identified without using any books or keys. Then there are twenty specimens that may be identified using any books or keys, but no reference collections or on-line resources may be used. This will take place at Cassington Village Hall.

The third test is in the field – after lunch you will spend approximately two hours surveying a small site and recording the vascular plant species. Information on the location of the site will be provided at the morning session.

Further information including risk assessments will provided on the day or you can read about the FISC process in full here: FISC Information Booklet 2025

What to Bring

A hand lens, ID books and clipboard and your preferred books, for example: Stace: New Flora of the British Isles plus a picture guide such as Rose: The Wild Flower Key is an appropriate combination. Poland: The Vegetative Key to the British Flora can also be a useful resource for plants not in flower.

Be prepared for any weather for the field test.

Please bring a packed lunch. Tea/Coffee/Biscuits provided at the morning session.

Results

Provisional marks will be provided to each candidate within 8 weeks of the assessment day by BSG Ecology. Marks will be kept confidential.

These provisional marks will be quality assured by BSBI at the end of the field season to ensure consistency of tests and marking across all FISCs. Provisional marks may be moderated and revised during the QA process to ensure all results meet consistent standards. BSBI will send you your final score in your FISC Certificate by December.

Data Protection

BSBI and your FISC Provider are joint Data Controllers for your data associated with a FISC you have attended. Further information data protection is available here.

Important Information

Please arrive at Cassinton Village Hall at 9:30 am for a 10am start. There is parking available at the village hall.

Field Identification Skills Certificate (FISC) - Oxfordshire