Academic Research Microbiologist ARMCCM

Established Microbiologists who meet the Registered Microbiologist, with at least an adjunct position at a University, can be considered candidates for Academic and Research Microbiologist (ARMCCM).

ARMCCM certification is designed to recognize qualified Canadian microbiologists whose occupation is primarily in an Academic and/or Research setting, rather than in the Medical and Public Health or Commercial and Environmental areas. Foreign microbiologists working in Canadian Universities and/or Research establishments may also qualify. This category will recognize qualified Canadian microbiologists in Canadian or Foreign universities and research institutions, whether or not they are working within a microbiology department. Persons with the appropriate years of service and academic qualifications may apply for this category of certification. Each application will be examined on its own merits and must be accompanied by appropriate documentation verifying educational qualifications and experience.

• Details (updated September 2004) pertaining to the ARMCCM are found below (also available as 3-pages-format ).
  Application Form (6-page pdf)
  Membership Form and Fees
  Contact The Registrar, Canadian College of Microbiologists for additional information.
  
  

• To become an ARMCCM, you must have at least a B.Sc. degree (or its equivalent) in microbiology or related biological sciences, demonstrate that you have accumulated 150 continuing education credits within the past 5 consecutive years, and have the following years of microbiology experience:

  a) If highest degree is B.Sc.: require 9 years of microbiology experience

  b) If highest degree is M. Sc.: require 8 years of microbiology experience

  c) If highest degree is a doctoral degree: require 6 years of microbiology experience

• NOTE: Years of post-graduate training, if microbiology oriented, may be recognized as experience. For those already holding the RM certification, the above years of additional microbiology experience required is reduced by two years.

• Applying for the ARMCCM. Each application for admission must be accompanied by appropriate proof of academic qualifications and research experience (see below). In addition, the required 150 continuing education credits attained during the past 5 years must be documented. A fee of $100.00 made payable to the Canadian College of Microbiologists must accompany the application.

• Academic qualifications and research experience

  Research Criteria

  1. Is responsible for an established ongoing research program/project in microbiology.
  2. Has demonstrated a capability for research and has contributed original findings, new concepts or experimental methods.
  3. Consistent continuous support from peer-reviewed granting agencies (>3 years).
  4. Consistent senior (i.e., first) authorship of 1-2 papers per year in leading microbiology journals.
  5. Consistent record of oral/poster presentations at national meetings (>3 years).
  6. Has record of invited lectureships and symposium contributions.
  7. Has supervised more than two graduate or post graduate students, serves on thesis committees, thesis examinations.
  8. Actively contributes to specialty courses in microbiological research for honours, graduate or postgraduate students.
  9. Actively interacts with other research scientists.
  10. Has served as a member of a scientific review committee at a national/international research agency.
  11. Has served as a reviewer of scientific proposals for national granting agencies; has served as a reviewer for scientific papers of a national/international journal.
  12. Active member of organizing committee at national/international meetings.

  
  

  Teaching Criteria

  13. Has effectively undertaken a variety of roles in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate continuing or public education., e.g., lecturing, tutoring, advanced work with students such as supervision of independent studies in microbiology, e.g., honours, M.Sc., Ph.D., postdoctoral or fellowship students.
  14. Consistently rated as very good to excellent by students and peers.
  15. Winner of or cited for departmental award for teaching excellence; OR has extended experience to a wide academic audience (beyond the applicant’s own institution) including undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, continuing or public education in microbiology.
  16. Has been an active participant in the development of new course/curriculum change in microbiology; OR has been an active contributor to the development of educational resources in microbiology, e.g., A/V tapes, computer programs, or textbooks OR has been a major contributor to a microbiology program noted for its excellence as a learning environment.
  17. Has demonstrated an ability to introduce new knowledge, skills and concepts into teaching microbiology programs; OR has been active in funded educational research project featuring microbiology topics.
  18. Has served as an effective member of a university, faculty or department committee responsible for a major faculty program, e.g., infectious diseases in a medical school; OR has chaired or organized a major block or course in microbiology at the undergraduate, graduate or postgraduate level, continuing education or public education level, e.g., workshops in microbiological subject areas; OR has served effectively in an executive position in a postgraduate educational program or as a member of a national committee concerned with microbiological education, e.g., accreditation committee.

See CEC: Categories of Activities Providing Continuing Education Credits Required for Specialist Certification
Fees: Membership and recertification