Let's do it right: Eight steps to competence in laboratory animal science in the European Union

Demonstrated competence in laboratory animal science (LAS) is a prerequisite in Directive 2010/63/EU to work with animals used in scientific procedures, as it is essential to increase animal welfare, improve the quality of science, promote the acceptability of animal research and meet the demands of free movement of personnel and scientific exchange. Although since 2010 there have been eight clear steps to achieving the required competence of personnel working with animals used in science, it is not uncommon to see documentation for individuals who have just completed an LAS course that contains only education and training elements (three steps), for which the status of competence in LAS is granted. Here, a simplified summary of how competence in LAS should be delivered in eight steps according to EU recommendations is presented.