The Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (BELS) was founded in 1991 to evaluate the proficiency of manuscript editors in the life sciences and to provide credentials similar to those obtainable in other professions. The 3-hour written examination tests the candidate's ability in a wide array of skills that a professional scientific editor should have. The program is designed to assure employers or clients of editors that a board-certified editor has established a high level of credibility. Editors who have successfully completed the certification examination may use the designation "ELS" (Editor in the Life Sciences) after their names.

I have been certified since 1993.

Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
PO Box 8133, Radnor, PA 19087-8133
www.bels.org